EA comprehensive platform combining a single-chip LSI that consists of a baseband processor and an application processor together with core software such as OS E
NTT DoCoMo, Inc., Renesas Technology Corp., Fujitsu Limited, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and Sharp Corporation today announced that they will jointly develop a comprehensive mobile phone platform*1 combining a single-chip LSI for dual mode handsets supporting HSDPA*2/W-CDMA and GSM/GPRS/EDGE, and core software such as operating systems. The new mobile phone platform will help accelerate the global adoption of W-CDMA services including FOMATM, and lower the costs of these handsets. The companies expect to have the platform developed around Q2/FY2007 (July-September).
The next-generation mobile phone platform is built on the previously developed single-chip LSI technology of NTT DoCoMo and Renesas since July 2004, which combines a baseband processor*3 and the SH-Mobile application processor*4 for dual-mode W-CDMA and GSM/GPRS phones. The jointly developed platform adds new functionality, such as support for HSPDA and EDGE technologies and full development support including OS, middleware and drivers.
The platform can be implemented directly as a base system for W-CDMA handsets and eliminates the need for mobile phone manufacturers such as Fujitsu, Mitsubishi Electric and Sharp to develop a separate system for the common handset functions, significantly reducing the time and cost of development. At the same time, it allows them to invest more time and resources into developing handsets that are distinctive to them.
The platform will be initially available for FOMA, and later for UMTS*5 offered by Renesas. When the platform is widely spread and adopted, a further cost reduction of the handsets will be expected.
Notes
*1. Mobile phone platform: A base system needed for mobile phones, which integrates software and hardware such as a baseband processor.
*2. HSDPA: High Speed Downlink Packet Access. It is based on the enhanced and high-speed version of the 3G W-CDMA data transmission, also known as the 3.5G data transmission standard. The data transmission speed with FOMA tops at 384kbps, and under the standard 3G specifications it reaches up to 2Mbps today. However, with the introduction of HSPDA, theoretically, the maximum data transmission speed can increase up to 14Mbps. Also, this platform will support the transmission speed up to 3.6Mbps.
*3. Baseband processor: A processor that handles the communication function within the mobile phone.
*4. Application processor: An LSI that processes multimedia applications such as emails with still pictures and movies, audio and video playback, video telephony capabilities and more.
*5. UMTS: Universal Mobile Telecommunication System. A European standard for 3G-telecommunication system compliant with IMT-2000 with the highest baud rate of 2Mbps. In this context, we refer UMTS as a synonym for W-CDMA.
FOMA is a registered trademark of NTT DoCoMo. Other names of products, companies, and brands mentioned in this document are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
A block diagram for the mobile phone platform
About NTT DoCoMo, Inc.
NTT DoCoMo is the world’s leading mobile communications company, serving more than 50 million customers. The company offers a wide variety of leading-edge mobile multimedia services, including i-modeTM which provides e-mail and Internet access to over 45 million subscribers as the world’s most popular mobile Internet service, and FOMATM, launched in 2001 as the world’s first 3G mobile service based on W-CDMA. In addition to wholly owned subsidiaries in Europe, North America and Asia, the company is expanding its global reach through strategic alliances with mobile and multimedia service providers in Asia-Pacific and Europe.
NTT DoCoMo is listed on the Tokyo (9437), London (NDCM) and New York (DCM) stock exchanges. For more information, visit www.nttdocomo.com.
i-mode and FOMA are trademarks or registered trademarks of NTT DoCoMo, Inc. in Japan and other countries.
NTT DoCoMo’s FOMA service is only available to subscribers in Japan.
About Renesas Technology Corp.
Renesas Technology Corp. is one of the world’s leading semiconductor system solutions providers for mobile, automotive and PC/AV (Audio Visual) markets and the world’s No.1 supplier of microcontrollers. It is also a leading provider of LCD Driver ICs, Smart Card microcontrollers, RF-ICs, High Power Amplifiers, Mixed Signal ICs, System-on-Chip (SoC), System-in-Package (SiP) and more. Established in 2003 as a joint venture between Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501, NYSE:HIT) and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TSE:6503), Renesas Technology achieved consolidated revenue of 1002.4 billion JPY in FY2004 (end of March 2005). Renesas Technology is based in Tokyo, Japan and has a global network of manufacturing, design and sales operations in around 20 countries with about 26,000 employees worldwide. For further information, please visit http://www.renesas.com
About Fujitsu Limited
Fujitsu is a leading provider of customer-focused IT and communications solutions for the global marketplace. Pace-setting device technologies, highly reliable computing and communications products, and a worldwide corps of systems and services experts uniquely position Fujitsu to deliver comprehensive solutions that open up infinite possibilities for its customers’ success. Headquartered in Tokyo, Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702) reported consolidated revenues of 4.7 trillion yen (US$44.5 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005. For more information, please see www.fujitsu.com
About Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
With over 80 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products to both corporate clients and general consumers all over the world, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TSE:6503) is a recognized world leader in the manufacture, marketing and sales of electrical and electronic equipment used in information processing and communications, space development and satellite communications, consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy, transportation and building equipment. The company recorded consolidated group sales of 3,410 billion yen (US$ 31.9 billion*) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005. For more information visit http://global.mitsubishielectric.com
* At an exchange rate of 107 yen to the US dollar, the rate given by the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market on March 31, 2005.
About Sharp Corporation
Sharp Corporation is a worldwide developer of innovative products and core technologies that play a key role in shaping the future of electronics. As a leader in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and digital technologies , Sharp offers one of the broadest and most advanced lines of consumer electronics, information products and electronic components, while also creating new network businesses.
Sharp Corporation employs about 55,000 people in the world (as of September 30, 2005) and recorded consolidated annual sales of 2,539,859 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005. For more information, please visit Sharp’s Web site at http://sharp-world.com/index.html.
