Adoption of 3G cell phones hasn't set any speed records, especially in the U.S. But 3G is on its way. Notably, Texas Instruments (TI) has invested substantially in the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) 3G standard that uses wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA). Its new chips make it simpler and less expensive than ever before to implement basestations and handsets.
With the TCS4105 chip set, handset manufacturers can build dual-mode units for both UMTS 3G and GSM/GPRS. One of the chips, the TBB4105, is the digital baseband processor that supports WCDMA up to 384 kbits/s and Class 12 GSM/GPRS. The TWL3024 is the analog baseband processor chip that integrates all of the analog and power-management functions. The TRF6151 and TRF6301 are the GSM/GPRS and WCDMA transceivers, respectively. Both feature direct conversion technology and fully integrate the VCOs, LNAs, PLL loop filters, and synthesizers.
When the TCS4105 chip set is combined with TI's OMAP1610 processor, the result is a complete GSM/GPRS and WCDMA dual-mode cell phone with a reduced bill of materials cost and extended power savings and standby times.
Another new 3G chip from TI is the GC5016 digital upconverter/downconverter. Although primarily aimed at cdma2000 and WCDMA 3G basestations, it will also find its way into wireless repeaters, cable modem radios, wireless instrumentation, and military radios.
Texas Instruments Inc.
www.ti.com
