Conexant Introduces RF Modules For CDMA Digital Cellular Telephones.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 3, 1999--

New CDMA devices enable OEMs to reduce handset size and total

manufacturing costs for digital cellular telephone handsets

Conexant Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: CNXT), formerly Rockwell Semiconductor Systems, Wednesday announced two new radio frequency (RF) modules for Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) digital cellular telephones.

The new "Jade" module provides a highly integrated transmit/receive subsystem for Personal Communications Services (PCS) solutions, while the "Opal" module is designed for cellular CDMA/AMPS handsets.

Conexant's Opal and Jade modules provide low-cost, low-power, transmit and receive solutions for baseband analog processors which feature industry-standard intermediate frequency (IF) interfaces. Both devices support an IF interface and include all matching circuits, allowing manufacturers to rapidly design new handsets, as well as quickly and easily redesign existing handsets.

The Jade and Opal RF solutions are both packaged in a 40-pin Multi-Chip Module (MCM), enabling OEMs to easily reduce overall handset size. The small form factor of both devices (15mm x 15mm x 2mm) makes them one of the industry's smallest packages to offer this level of functionality. Both devices use Conexant's MCM technology to package silicon die as well as passive components on the same device substrate.

"The Jade and Opal RF modules are excellent examples of how Conexant has successfully merged advanced silicon process technology with advanced device packaging technology," said Vinay Gokhale, product line manager of Conexant's Wireless Communications Division. "OEMs continue to face difficulties in rapidly designing RF systems in CDMA handsets -- Jade and Opal will make the design process much easier."

The Jade module provides a complete transmit and receive solution for PCS terminals when combined with a Conexant power amplifier, industry-standard baseband analog processor and IF filters. The device incorporates most of the components required to implement the receiver front end and IF portions of the phone. The module includes a PCS Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) that can be configured for U.S. or Korean frequency bands, a mixer, and a single Rx IF Variable Gain Amplifier with a gain control range of more than 90 dB.

In the transmit section, the Jade module includes an IF Automatic Gain Control (AGC) amplifier, an upconverter with RF gain control and a driver for the external power amplifier. Since most RF matching circuits are incorporated in the device, handset designers can "drop-in" the module with minimal effort and exploit the 50 ohm input/output pin interface. The noise figure, gain and linearity requirements for each circuit are designed to exceed the IS 98 and ANSI J-STD-018 specifications.

The Opal module, which is similar to Jade in terms of integration, RF matching, and design ease, provides a complete RF to IF subsystem in a CDMA/AMPS handset when combined with IF filters.

Conexant's Jade module is currently in volume production; the Opal module is available in sample quantities, with volume production scheduled for May 1999. Pricing is $16 for 10K quantities of each module. For more information about Conexant's CDMA product family, visit the Conexant Web site at www.conexant.com

Conexant Systems is the $1.2 billion company that was created when Rockwell International Corp. spun off its semiconductor systems business to shareowners in December 1998. Conexant is the world's largest independent company focused exclusively on providing semiconductor products for communications electronics.

With more than 30 years of experience in developing analog modem technology, the company leverages its expertise in mixed-signal processing and communications technology to deliver integrated systems and semiconductor products for a broad range of communications applications. These products facilitate communications worldwide through wireline voice and data communications networks, cordless and cellular wireless telephony systems, and emerging cable and wireless broadband communications networks. The company aligns its business into five product platforms: Personal Computing, Personal Imaging, Wireless Communications, Digital Infotainment, and Network Access.