Smaller, Mightier Wireless Systems in the Works

date: 13th March 2001, source by: newsfactor.com

ParkerVision and Texas Instruments have agreed to develop advanced radio frequency (RF) products to improve 3G wireless connectivity plus reducing system size, cost and overall power consumption in the next generation of wireless handsets.

Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will jointly develop interfaces between TI's digital baseband chipsets and ParkerVision's next-generation RF transceivers, which are based on its patented Direct2Data radio communications technology.

D2D or Not D2D

Direct2Data is designed to enable product development for a range of wireless and wired radio devices. ParkerVision said its method of processing RF signals increases performance, eliminating the need for the intermediate frequency circuitry required by conventional designs.

Because of this simplification, a designer can use Direct2Data technology to integrate a cell phone's receiver, modem and baseband processor onto a single chip, ParkerVision said.

Potential applications for the technology include wireless telephony, wireless data, wireless access and broadband access (cable TV, cable modem and DSL).

Focus on 3G Chipsets

ParkerVision said its initial collaboration with TI will focus on chipsets for wireless networking and next-generation, digital wireless handsets.

The agreement also will provide Texas Instruments' foundry services for ParkerVision wireless integrated circuits using TI's advanced semiconductor process technology, the companies said.

Significant Step

Jeff Parker, chief executive officer of ParkerVision, said the partnership is a significant step toward developing high-performance RF applications.

William Krenik, TI's director of advanced architecture for the wireless business unit, added that to support market demand for broadband wireless data services, next-generation RF technologies will require greater system integration, performance and power efficiency.

"ParkerVision's D2D transceiver technology represents a differentiated approach to delivering direct conversion and Zero IF system architectures for a range of wireless technologies, including 2.5 and 3G handsets, Bluetooth and 802.11," said Krenik.

Jacksonville, Florida-based ParkerVision designs, manufactures and markets automated video equipment, and develops and markets wireless RF technologies.

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