Comm Platform Outperforms GPRS

Based on S-GOLD, an application enhanced modem chip, the Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) platform promises end users data transfer rates three times higher than GPRS systems. The platform targets the feature-phone market, which includes devices with Java-enabled gaming platforms, location and navigation features, MP3, and polyphonic ring melodies. Other applications include multimedia phones with video streaming, email, SyncML (Markup Language), touchscreens with handwriting recognition, Bluetooth, and teleconferencing. Additionally, the platform is said to be the industry’s first to support EDGE in both up- and down-link modes with up to Class 12 speed. It is intended to be paired with a SMARTiDC+ RF chip with integrated power management that supports quad-band operation at 850, 900, 1,800, and 1,900 MHz and worldwide operation. Rounding out the package is a comprehensive multimedia reference design and a set of wireless applications based on the application programming object-oriented extendable interface (APOXI) and a protocol stack that supports E-GPRS up to Class 12 with MCS 1 to 9. For more details, contact INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES, San Jose, CA. (408) 501-6390.