Siemens ICM WM Chooses Analog Devices and TTPCom Wireless Technologies for Next-Generation EDGE Modules

Leading manufacturer of wireless modules will use ADIs Blackfin SoftFone for EDGE and TTPComs protocol software in new modules

NORWOOD, MA (PRWEB) June 19, 2004 -- Siemens Information and Communications Wireless Modules (Siemens ICM WM), Analog Devices, Inc. (NYSE: ADI) and TTPCom Ltd. (LSE: TTC) announced today that they are developing a range of products based on ADIs and TTPComs EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) technologies. Todays announcement provides a significant boost to the deployment of EDGE technology, which boasts data rates up to three times those available on current GPRS networks. Siemens ICM WMs new EDGE-capable modules will be able to offer data-intensive 3G-type services including video downloads and high-speed Internet access.

The first Siemens EDGE module, announced this week at CommunicAsia 2004 in Singapore, is powered by ADIs Blackfin® SoftFone® for EDGE chipset and TTPComs EDGE protocol software. Equipped with quadband GSM, the MC75 can be used in all GSM networks worldwide and has a USB port for plug and play functions. The compact MC75 is especially suitable for smartphones, PDAs and other mobile computing applications. It will go into mass production in the first quarter of 2005.

Siemens ICM WM, Analog Devices, and TTPCom have a longstanding relationship that began in November 2000. This collaboration has progressed through successive generations of wireless technology, from GSM, through GPRS, and now to EDGE.

Competitive advantage for terminal and silicon vendors is a function of the ability to correctly and cost-effectively anticipate and manage the timing of network migration, and the associated service environment. Analog Devices (ADI) was early to market in March 2003 with its EDGE SoftFone platform, which incorporates ADIs powerful Blackfin Processor and TTPComs EDGE protocol stack," said John Jackson, senior analyst, wireless/mobile technologies, The Yankee Group. As targeted enterprise mobility initiatives from EDGE network operators gather momentum, demand for modules such as Siemens MC75 will grow tremendously. With the MC75, Siemens has a global tool to bridge the EDGE network-terminal gap, and meet the growing demand for flexible, robust EDGE module solutions."

For the technology behind its first EDGE modules, Siemens ICM WM turned to Analog Devices Blackfin SoftFone for EDGE platform, the worlds first chipset for the EDGE standard. Incorporating a unique RAM-based design, ADIs SoftFone platform allows Siemens ICM WM to easily customize user features and options entirely in software for a wide range of modules, while incorporating breakthrough advancements in power consumption, cost, and size. The platform is based on ADIs Blackfin Processor, offering best-in-class digital signal processing performance and low power consumption required for advanced cellular handsets. In addition to the digital baseband processor, ADI will supply Siemens ICM WM with a high-performance mixed-signal analogue baseband chip with integrated power management.

TTPComs EDGE software is fully integrated with the ADI platform and, with industry-leading data rates up to 216 kilobits per second, it enables manufacturers to develop products that fully utilise EDGE networks. TTPComs EDGE software also builds on a proven GSM/GPRS base and has undergone extensive interoperability testing with leading infrastructure providers, test equipment vendors and wireless operators.

Siemens ICM WM is an excellent engineering company with a very strong reputation in mobile devices. In the complex world of machine to machine communications the quality and reliability of the software platform is critical and we are delighted that Siemens has selected TTPComs solution for their EDGE modules," stated Tony Milbourn, managing director of TTPCom. There is increasing demand for EDGE-capable products in the market and with our proven platform we are providing Siemens ICM WM with the fastest route to market for an EDGE module. In addition, the flexibility of TTPComs software allows Siemens ICM WM to easily customise the module to suit a host of embedded applications in laptop computers, automotive devices, and handsets."

Siemens ICM WM is recognised worldwide as one of the premier suppliers of wireless modules and we are excited to extend our longstanding relationship to now include EDGE modules," said Christian Kermarrec, vice president, RF and wireless systems, Analog Devices, Inc. The strong momentum building throughout the world for EDGE adoption is being fuelled by users demands for enhanced features, such as multimedia services and high-speed Internet access, as well as the ability for carriers to quickly upgrade their existing GSM/GPRS networks to EDGE with minimal costs. As the worlds first complete EDGE chipset, Analog Devices Blackfin SoftFone for EDGE platform is gaining acceptance from the worlds largest cellular phone manufacturers as it provides them with utmost flexibility and performance."

About Siemens Information and Communications Mobile Group
Siemens Information and Communication Mobile Group (Siemens mobile) is one of the worlds leading full-line suppliers in the field of mobile communication, offering mobile phones, cordless phones, wireless modules and mobile infrastructure (technology) including radio and switching components, enabling services and applications, consulting services and systems integration. The mobile communication group at Siemens AG markets products and services in more than 120 countries, generating sales of € 10 billion with a workforce of some 26,900 people in fiscal 2003 (September 30). Siemens mobile is the world market leader in prepaid solutions and digital cordless phones. More: www.siemens-mobile.com/press.

About TTPCom
Based in Cambridge, UK, TTPCom Ltd. is the principal operating subsidiary of TTP Communications plc (LSE: TTC). The company develops intellectual property used in the design and manufacture of wireless communication terminals and during 2003 over 20 million devices using TTPCom's digital cellular technology were sold. TTPCom has established a world leading position with its GPRS, EDGE and 3G protocol software; offers rapid customisation of handsets through its AJAR applications framework; and for those manufacturers for whom a fast time to market is critical, TTPCom also offers complete handset and module designs. More information can be found on TTPComs website at: http://www.ttpcom.com.

About Analog Devices, Inc.
Analog Devices is a leading manufacturer of precision high-performance integrated circuits used in analogue and digital signal processing applications. The company is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts, and employs approximately 8,700 people worldwide. It has manufacturing facilities in Massachusetts, California, North Carolina, Ireland, and the Philippines. Analog Devices stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the company is included in the S&P 500 Index.

Blackfin and SoftFone are registered trademarks of Analog Devices, Inc. All other trademarks included herein are the property of their respective owners.

Contacts:
Angela Manthorpe, TTPCom Limited, Melbourn Science Park, Cambridge Road, Melbourn, Royston, Herts, SG8 6HQ, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 (0) 1763 266266, Email: angela.manthorpe@ttpcom.com.

Allan Edwards, Neesham PR -- for TTPCom, Tel: +44 (0) 1442 879222, Email: allane@neesham.co.uk

Colleen Cronin, Analog Devices, Inc., Tel: +1 (781) 937 1622, Email: Colleen.cronin@analog.com