1998-05-14 , S/IC-2018/48
Product News From Philips Semiconductors

Technology alliances with AltoCom and Krypton deliver power of desktop communications to mobile computing devices

Philips Semiconductors today announced two technology agreements with AltoCom Incorporated and Krypton Isolation Inc., advancing Philips Semiconductors' commitment to delivering the power of PC desktops in mobile computing devices. Through this alliance, the award-winning TwoChipHCG will offer a 56 K internationally-compliant softmodem and the current V.34 TwoChipHCG core will now provide international Data Access Arrangement (DAA) functionality. These two product enhancements enable global communications and high data transfer rates for handheld PCs, palm PCs, smartphones and screenphones.

Already a market leader in mobile computing and communications with its TwoChipHCG architecture, Philips Semiconductors will soon offer advanced modem capabilities in addition to optimized processor power and DSP functionality - at a fraction of the cost and power required by separate modem chipsets. Additionally, Philips Semiconductors will bring first-ever global product support for handheld devices by making its TwoChipHCG standards-compliant in 22 countries worldwide.

"Today's announcement furthers Philips Semiconductors' lead in providing high-performance, value-added chipsets for business and consumer handheld computing products," said Jeff DeAngelis, director of marketing for the TwoChipHCG. "We will offer OEMs expanded functionality with the fastest international 56 K software modem available. By allowing handheld PCs to communicate internationally for the first time, we provide our customers with the first viable solution for the growing demands of global communications. Forming relationships with technology innovators such as AltoCom and Krypton reinforces our commitment to our TwoChipHCG system-on-silicon solutions for mobile communications."

Philips Semiconductors selected AltoCom's softmodem, which currently exists in products using the TwoChipHCG, including Philips Electronics' Velo 500^® and Nino 300^®, Sharp Electronics' Mobilon^®, Samsung Electronics' Infomobile^® and Infogear^®, and Compaq Computer Corporation's PC Companion^®. The AltoCom license agreement and the new relationship with Krypton, which includes the use of its K²950GI 16-pin integrated circuit, means that these products and future offerings offer V.90 communications and international capabilities.

"Designing an embedded 56 K softmodem capable of meeting the requirements of international homologation is a complex and difficult task: one that had never been done before," said Zarko Draganic, president and CEO, AltoCom, Inc. "Today's announcement reflects AltoCom's on-going commitment to deliver the latest modem technology to an international customer base."

The TwoChipHCG consists of Philips'  PR31700, UCB 1200 and V.90 softmodem, as well as Microsoft WindowsCE 2.0^® device drivers. The chipset offers end users improved performance, colour LCD support, and integrated touch, phone and audio functions for handheld computers.

The softmodem provides better communication capabilities through faster modem speeds, up to V.90. Mobile computing devices based on the TwoChipHCG offer end users increased bandwidth without sacrificing the colour quality of the user interface.

Cost of the chipset, combined with the softmodem fax/modem, is US$35 in 100,000-unit quantities*.

The AltoCom SoftModem is a high-performance software solution capable of performing a full suite of data and fax modem functions for general-purpose microprocessors. It runs on general purpose CPUs that are already present in computing devices, eliminating the need for dedicated digital signal processors. The AltoCom SoftModem enables manufacturers of computers, fax machines and other communications devices to reduce the cost, size, and complexity of their products. Additionally, in-the-field upgradability makes it a superior solution over hardwired DSP chips.

The AltoCom SoftModem is available in V.90 (56 kbps), V.34 (33.6 kbps), and V.32 (14.4 kbps) implementations. Because the AltoCom SoftModem code is written entirely in C using fixed-point vector processing, it is operating-system independent and can be ported to any processor capable of meeting the real-time requirements.

Krypton Isolation manufactures the patented first solid state silicon DAA. Krypton's all new K²950GI world chipset is the telecom industry's highest performance, fully functional programmable DAA to provide isolation up to 1500 V AC. K²950GI meets all regulatory homologation requirements for V.34, 33.6 kbps and is upgradeable to V.90. Because a DAA telephone interface is required by the FCC and PTT's throughout the world for safety protection, this satisfies regulations for both the end user and the switching lines.

Philips Semiconductors, a division of Philips Electronics NV, headquartered in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, is the ninth largest semiconductor supplier in the world. Philips Semiconductors' innovations in digital audio, video, and mobile technology position the company as a leader in the consumer, multimedia and wireless communications markets. Sales offices are located in all major markets around the world, and are supported by regional customer application labs.

* = for pricing, ordering and availability outside the United States, contact your local Philips Semiconductors Sales Office or authorised Philips distributor. For additional information call +1 650-335-2684.