TTPCom Announces New Platform for Development of Advanced GPRS Handsets

GSM/GPRS chip samples now available New platform increases choice for mobile device manufacturers

Cambridge, UK (PRWEB) July 16, 2004 -- TTPCom Ltd, the worlds leading independent supplier of digital wireless technology, today announces the availability of a complete new platform for the development of fully featured GPRS/GSM handsets. The platform incorporates Toshibas TC35510BXG Cellular Baseband chip, TTPComs class 12 GPRS/GSM software and TTPComs Ajar Platform, a complete suite of pre-integrated application software. The multimedia capabilities of the platform will be demonstrated on TTPComs stand, number 1914, at the Expo Comm Wireless Japan Exhibition, Tokyo International Exhibition Centre, from 21st to 23rd July 2004.

Toshiba licensed TTPComs Cellular Baseband Engine (CBEcore) chipset design for the development of the Toshiba TC35510BXG cellular baseband chipset and samples are now available. The Toshiba chip incorporates an ARM9 processor to support rich multimedia capabilities suitable for the development of mid- to high-end handsets and, for those high volume customers with specific requirements, Toshiba are able to customise the chipset. The Toshiba/TTPCom platform is a Class 12, Quad-band (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) solution that supports a number of different radio chips. The platform has been undergoing regulatory testing and field trials since September 2003 and is ready to be integrated in handsets to be launched by the end of 2004.

TTPCom have a thorough understanding of the complexities of developing complete GPRS/GSM handset solutions, including the baseband and RF chipset hardware, and offer a clear and flexible upgrade route for the development of next generation products that utilise EDGE and 3G. Their technical support teams in Japan and Cambridge have worked very closely with us to validate the design of the Toshiba baseband chipset and to integrate this fully with their protocol and application software. We have been very impressed with how smoothly the project has proceeded," said Mr. Yutaka Murao, General Manager of System LSI Division I of Toshibas Semiconductor Company. The GSM market offers huge potential and there are a number of manufacturers who are looking for more flexibility than is offered by current mobile phone platforms. Were already demonstrating this new platform to prospects and have received very positive feedback so far."

The entry of Toshiba, one of the worlds leading semiconductor companies, into the market for GPRS/GSM baseband chips is a significant milestone for TTPCom. They are the third silicon vendor to launch chips based on our core intellectual property and the combination of Toshibas hardware with TTPComs protocol and application software introduces additional choice for the worlds mobile device manufacturers," stated Julian Hildersley, Managing Director of TTPComs Silicon Business Unit. Toshiba are building on their extensive experience of multimedia technologies which have been successful in the Japanese communications market. Manufacturers interested in developing leading-edge multimedia devices will be very interested in this new platform."

A Complete Software Solution -- from protocols to applications
TTPComs 3G/EDGE/GPRS/GSM protocol stacks are fully integrated with the company's Ajar Platform. The Ajar Platform delivers a pre-integrated set of applications and services plus a sophisticated toolset for fast customisation of the user interface. The Ajar Platform increases the productivity and flexibility of handset development teams enabling manufacturers to develop differentiated handsets with open OS style functionality, rapidly and economically. The Ajar Platform is delivered as an assured system solution, with up to two releases per year; key applications and services in the 2004 release include PoC, IMPS, WAP2.0 browser, MMS, 2D/3D gaming, media player, MPEG4, MP3 and a range of Java (JSR) applications.

TTPComs Cellular Baseband Engine (CBE)
TTPComs CBE is a scalable and portable cellular modem design, with an aggressive roadmap meeting the future needs of the cellular handset market. The design has appeared in numerous cellular baseband chipsets since its creation in 1993 and has been licensed by many of the worlds leading semiconductor manufacturers, including Analog Devices, Intel and Toshiba.

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. TTPCom licenses its technology to leading semiconductor and terminal manufacturers worldwide, including Analog Devices, Intel, LG, Renesas, Sharp, Siemens and Toshiba.

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. Over 20 million devices using TTPCom technology were shipped during 2003. More information can be found on TTPComs website at: http://www.ttpcom.com.

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 Public Relations, Tel: +44 (0) 1442 879222, Email: allane@neesham.co.uk