Broadcom Corporation (Nasdaq:BRCM), the leading provider of integrated circuits enabling broadband communications, today announced the Broadcom(R) BCM2002X, the world's first all-CMOS Bluetooth(TM) radio chip designed specifically for use in mobile phones. The BCM2002X further extends Broadcom's Blutonium(TM) line of Bluetooth solutions, accommodating third-generation (3G) wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA), global system for mobile communication (GSM), general packet radio service (GPRS), and code division multiple access (CDMA) mobile handsets.
With Broadcom's BCM2002X radio transceiver, mobile phone manufactures are now able to add Bluetooth functionality to their products with a minimal amount of development time and resources. Using a fractional-N frequency generation technology, the BCM2002X eliminates the need for a dedicated Bluetooth reference crystal, providing a lower bill of materials while eliminating an additional source of radio frequency (RF) "noise." The BCM2002X can be used with Bluetooth baseband circuitry present in the mobile devices' main baseband chip, or with any of Broadcom's Bluetooth baseband chipsets.
Building on previous generations of CMOS Bluetooth transceivers already developed by Broadcom, the BCM2002X is based on a mature, proven architecture exhibiting high receiver linearity and exceptional blocking performance for robust performance in high interference environments. The BCM2001 was the first all-CMOS transceiver to achieve Bluetooth qualification. The BCM2002X incorporates this proven technology with enhancements optimizing the chip for use in next-generation mobile phones.
"The BCM2002X Bluetooth radio, which is optimized for integration into mobile phones, demonstrates our continued leadership in the development of short-range wireless communications technologies," said K.C. Murphy, Vice President and General Manager of Broadcom's RF and Advanced Mixed Signal Business Unit. "Expanding our product line to accommodate requirements for mobile devices in GPRS, CDMA, and 3G phones significantly reduces the complexity manufacturers face when adding Bluetooth to electronic devices. Our Blutonium product line continues to evolve around the needs and requirements of our customers while targeting the biggest Bluetooth markets."
Worldwide, the market for Bluetooth chips in mobile phones is projected to be as many as 200 million units by 2003. Because analysts estimate that the market for mobile phone handsets will be over half a billion in 2001, this segment is seen as the largest opportunity for Bluetooth chips. In addition, as 3G cellular phones capable of higher data rates roll out over the next few years, Bluetooth functionality will become increasingly desirable to mobile users.
"Our BCM2002X provides an application specific solution, which is essential to ensure broad acceptance and usage of Bluetooth in voice+data mobile applications," said Craig Ochikubo, Product Line Manager for the BCM2002X. "By combining superior radio performance and fractional-N frequency generation, Broadcom is able to offer manufacturers optimal performance and a cost-effective total solution."
Key Features
The BCM2002X has been designed to provide simple integration with mobile phones, while maintaining very high performance. Notable features include:
-- Strong spurious emissions performance -- the BCM2002X minimizes interference with transmissions taking place in the bands used by mobile phones.
-- Exceptional blocking performance -- highly linear design eliminates radio frequency (RF) filtering to receive strong, reliable signals from other Bluetooth devices.
-- Optimized cell phone integration -- radio design eases integration into
the very harsh environment within cell phones while maintaining high performance
and optimizing overall phone performance.
-- Fractional-N frequency generation technology -- enables the BCM2002X to base
its operation on a number of different reference frequencies.
Availability
Broadcom's CMOS Bluetooth radio and baseband transceiver chips, including the BCM2002X, are sampling today to early access partners. BCM2002X radio development systems, test software, and support for integration with Broadcom's baseband products are also currently available.
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