Abstract

The dawning of the 3G era and the impending arrival of the 3.5G era have stimulated mobile phone IC suppliers to think carefully about the architecture that they use for IC solutions. Currently, most suppliers are using single-processor solutions with a high level of integration; however, it is still far from clear that this represents the best type of solution that can be developed. Although the general trend is towards system-on-chip solutions, there are still a number of technical obstacles to be overcome. In the short term at least, single-baseband architecture and dual-baseband architecture will continue to co-exist.

For the most part, RF transceivers continue to use a separate receiver and transmitter. Factors affecting the integration of the RF receiver and transmitter onto a single chip include not only the question of power consumption but also production process issues. It can be anticipated that, in the future, the overall trend will be towards dual-mode and even multi-mode RF transceivers. Besides the opportunity to reduce the number of chips required and the space occupied by them, the potential for reducing total production cost is another key factor that is encouraging IC suppliers to work towards a higher level of RF integration.

When choosing between the three categories of application processor solutions, IC suppliers need to consider what the mobile phone maker's target market will be. Factors to be taken into consideration include mobile phone functions and applications as well as the prices. If a particular market displays high demand for mobile phones that can provide a wide range of multimedia functions -especially camera functions -at a reasonable price, then an IC solution that combines a baseband processor with an independent multimedia accelerator may be the best choice.

With mobile phones gradually growing into a handheld multimedia device, IC solutions that integrate an application processor with a high-end operating system are looking increasingly attractive. To meet the needs of those consumers who view their mobile phones as a mobile entertainment device capable of providing Internet access, telephone, 3D game, TV, music, and movie viewing functions (sometimes several functions at once), an application processor that can provide the necessary level of performance will be needed.

The key requirement for IC suppliers aiming at the Smartphone market is to be able to support multiple high-end operating systems, while providing first-rate multimedia capabilities at a reasonable price. In this market segment, combining the application processor and baseband processor on the same chip may represent the best strategy.

In the case of Smartphones that aim to provide enhanced multimedia capabilities, besides supporting different high-end operating systems, the IC solution also needs to provide outstanding multimedia performance. Clients for this kind of mobile phones are usually not particularly price-sensitive, therefore separating the application processor and modem may be a worthwhile strategy.

Appendix

List of Companies