Agere improves call quality for HSDPA handsets

April 5, 2006

Agere Systems announced it is making breakthrough receiver technology available that significantly improves data connectivity and call quality for mobile handsets operating over HSDPA-capable 3G/W-CDMA networks. Cell phones equipped with Agere's new enhanced receiver will experience fewer dropped calls, improve transmission range in poor call conditions by as much as 25 percent, and provide network operators with the advantage of extended cell capacities. In addition, Agere's technology enables a reduction in cell phone bill of material costs of more than $6 for mass market handsets in comparison to other receiver technologies.

The continued growth in mobile phone usage worldwide is challenging operators to ensure that networks are optimized for a more pleasing user experience as the world moves to higher capacity 3G networks. To combat the signal degradation that is often experienced as users travel further away from cell towers or when vast numbers of users are connected to a network, Agere has developed its receiver solutions to enable stronger performance under these strained conditions. Agere's enhanced receiver technology boosts 3G mobile handset range by up to 25 percent without adding to the cost and size of the phone.

"We are focused on delivering practical and easy-to-implement solutions that enable our customers to quickly develop higher performing products that cost less to build," said Denis Regimbal, executive vice president of Agere's Mobility Division. "This emphasis will be the key factor in driving reasonably priced 3G phones capable of delivering turbocharged performance right into the mainstream heart of this market."

Provides performance boosts without adding to bill of material costs

Agere's enhanced receiver technology provides an up to 3dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio performance by filtering out background noise and reducing transmission power. Agere's solution employs receiver signal processing techniques that exceed the industry specification for 3GPP R5 receivers to offer performance that is nearly parallel to R6 receivers in most network conditions.

Alternatively, other solution providers are turning to receiver diversity methods or multiple receivers that sacrifice power consumption and add costly antennas and radio frequency (RF) chips for higher throughput performance in handsets. Agere's solution is an adaptive multi-path receiver that filters out background interference and reduces transmission power requirements for clearer voice calls without adding costly additional components.

Programmability provides flexibility as standards evolve

As part of Agere's programmable ModemArt processor, Agere's enhanced HSDPA receiver technology is another proof-point for the flexibility needed in an environment where technical standards are evolving. Because Agere's processor enables rapid implementation of technical updates using software and firmware, handset makers can quickly change their solutions without incurring expenses associated with revamping silicon. This software and firmware programmability also brings flexibility as receiver technology is upgraded in line with industry standards.

Agere's enhanced HSDPA receiver is the first in a family of high- performance receivers that Agere will provide in conjunction with its deployment of a range of upcoming baseband chipset solutions. The company plans to offer future HSDPA chipset and receiver solutions that further optimize system size and cost for the mainstream segments of the market. Among the solutions Agere plans to offer for higher performance services are Category 8 (7.2 Mbps HSDPA), Category 4 (2.9 Mbps HSUPA) and Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) products.

Performance helps operators effortlessly extend network capacity

Agere's receiver technology also provides benefits that extend beyond the handset. The technology delivers key wireless network efficiencies that are seamless for network operators. By enabling more cell phone users to be within the same frequency without impacting the connections that mobile phones can achieve, Agere's technology transparently expands network capacity without requiring any operator effort. Infrastructure providers and operators receive the added benefit of expanded cell capacities that materialize as phones' transmission rates and ranges improve.

As a result, each base station can support one-third more users than is typical, which means fewer cell towers are required on the network and the distance between each tower can be increased without impacting call quality or range of coverage for end users. Ultimately, phones equipped with this receiver technology can lead to very compelling cost efficiencies for network operators.

Agere expects to sample its enhanced receiver technology with key customers in the second half of 2006.