By Telecom
Lead Team: Broadcom has introduced the BCM21552G 1GHz 3G cellular baseband and
complete reference design to enable next-generation features in affordable
smartphones.
It features
Broadcom’s InConcert connectivity suite. The new platform will further
popularize advanced connectivity features previously available only on more
expensive phones.
The new
Broadcom BCM21552G 3G baseband integrates a 1GHz ARM11 processing core,
high-performance graphics processing and support for dual-SIM configurations in
a single chip. The new chip is expected to drive availability of lower cost
smartphones that offer the same features as much higher-priced alternatives.
The
reference design includes Broadcom’s multi-band 2G/3G RF transceiver and
its InConcert connectivity suite, including dual-band (2.4 / 5GHz) Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
4.0, NFC, and a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) navigation solution
that leverages multiple satellite constellations (GPS and GLONASS) for faster
and more accurate location capabilities.
“The
challenge of mobile terminal makers today is delivering a compelling smartphone
experience to a larger audience of phone buyers. Broadcom’s new 3G cellular
platform enables a broader tier of no-compromise smartphones that feature
stunning graphics, powerful OS support, and the most advanced connectivity
features like NFC and Wi-Fi Direct. With this new platform we are able to
attack new markets requiring lower cost yet not compromising on performance or
quality,” said George Guo, CEO of TCL Communication Technology.
The
Broadcom BCM21552G baseband processor supports 3GPP release 6 and 7 features,
which provides up to 5.8 Mbps of upstream connectivity, 7.2 Mbps of downstream
connectivity and support for next generation CS over HSPA services.
The
graphics core built into the BCM21552G baseband processor is based on
Broadcom’s advanced multimedia technology, providing video support up to D1/VGA
quality, support for an 8 megapixel camera, and the ability to encode and
decode H.264 video at 30 fps.
The
reference design features best in class connectivity, including the BCM4330
Bluetooth 4.0/Wi-Fi 802.11n/FM radio combo chip, the BCM47511 Global Navigation
Satellite System (GNSS) solution, the BCM20791 NFC solution, and the BCM2091
2G/3G cellular RF transceiver.
“The
ability to offer 1GHz processing and integrated graphics in an advanced 3G
baseband enables our new smartphone platform to satisfy the user experience
requirements handset makers are targeting at price points that mainstream phone
buyers can afford. Broadcom is the first company to bring a 1GHz processor,
GNSS and NFC to smartphones that retail for under $100.00, establishing itself
as a leader in the growing low-cost smartphone market segment,” said
Rafael Sotomayor, vice president, Marketing, Mobile Platform Solutions,
Broadcom.
