VLSI Technology Inc. today announced it is shipping samples of its new Code Division Multiple Access chip solution, which it is calling the first real alternative to Qualcomm Inc.’s CDMA chip products.
The CDMA+ product is about the size of a dime and includes the chip, the software and tools required to develop a CDMA phone. The highly integrated package reduces power consumption, size and cost, said Brian Daellenbach, CDMA marketing manager at VLSI.
The dual-core chip integrates ARM and Oak+ processors, a modem, vocoders and audio codec. VLSI holds a semiconductor license with Qualcomm obtained in June 1996, said Daellenbach.
Customers either can use the chip as is or customize it to differentiate their products. For example, customers can add different interfaces or their own echo-cancellation algorithms.
“Phones are phones to some extent,” said Daellenbach. “Manufacturers need to work with a partner to help make their phones different in the marketplace, otherwise they’ll be competing on cost.”
Daellenbach said it can be difficult for manufacturers to partner with Qualcomm because Qualcomm is a competitor in the CDMA handset market.
“Qualcomm has a strong position in the marketplace,” said Daellenbach. “We believe offering a different alternative to choose from will help drive down costs and increase innovation.”
Daellenbach declined to name companies that are using the CDMA+ samples, saying announcements will be made when actual products are introduced.
VLSI’s product portfolio also includes chips for Global System for Mobile communications and Digital European Cordless Telecommunications networks. The chips are built on VLSI’s ViA Standard Communication Platform, which allows manufacturers to use a single platform for all wireless standards as well as future third-generation equipment.
VLSI’s chips are used in about 50 million wireless phones today. Customers include L.M. Ericsson, Samsung and Panasonic.
The company said its ability to offer both GSM and CDMA products positions it to address the emerging IMT-2000 third generation standard that combines CDMA and GSM technologies. And because the CDMA+ Solution is built upon the same platform as the GSM product, Daellenbach said the solution already is proven to work.
VLSI said volume production of the CDMA+ product is expected during the first quarter and it expects it by 2000 to contribute substantially to VLSI’s overall revenues.
The company has not yet determined a price for the CDMA chip.
