The BCM21552G is a single chip that incorporates a modem and application processor as well as support for NFC and is designed for smartphones retailing at under US$100.
Broadcom has announced a new baseband processor and reference design which will add advanced features, including NFC, to smartphones retailing for less than US$100.
The BCM21552G combines a 3G cellular baseband modem, a 1GHz ARM11 processing core, high-performance graphics processing and support for dual-SIM configurations in a single chip and is designed “to drive availability of lower cost smartphones that offer the same features as much higher-priced alternatives.”
A reference design based on the chip includes Broadcom’s InConcert connectivity suite, support for NFC via the company’s BCM20791 NFC controller, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) that uses both GPS and Glonass for fast and accurate location capabilities.
“The new platform will further popularize advanced connectivity features previously available only on more expensive phones,” says Broadcom.
“The challenge of mobile terminal makers today is delivering a compelling smartphone experience to a larger audience of phone buyers,” explains George Guo, CEO of TCL Communication Technology, which makes phones under the TCL and Alcatel One Touch brand names. “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.”
“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,” explains Rafael Sotomayor, marketing VP for Broadcom Mobile Platform Solutions. “Broadcom is the first company to bring a 1GHz processor, GNSS and NFC to smartphones that retail for under $100, establishing itself as a leader in the growing low-cost smartphone market segment.”
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