GCT Semiconductor Announces Cutting-Edge UMA and SIP-Based VoWLAN Dual-Mode Mobile Phone Solutions.

BARCELONA, Spain -- Demonstrated at 3GSM World Congress, Solutions Enable UMA and SIP-based VoWLAN to be Implemented in Handsets Using Lower Cost and Proven ARM(R)7-Based Cellular Platforms

GCT Semiconductor, Inc., a leader in innovative integrated circuits for the wireless communications industry, today announced a compelling VoWLAN solution to support the early availability of Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) dual-mode mobile handsets. GCT's second generation of VoWLAN solutions (GRF5104/GDM5105S) supports 802.11b/g; VoIP processing; key portions of the Kineto Wireless(TM) UMA Device Client, including IPSec; as well as GCT's proprietary power management schemes. When used with GCT's UMA or SIP-supporting software, a dual-mode VoWLAN mobile phone can be implemented with an ARM7-based cellular platform, resulting in cost savings and immediate silicon availability.

Other significant benefits offered by this generation include best-in-class UMA dual-mode handset talk times and excellent WLAN radio performance, achieved using GCT's unique task partitioning between cellular baseband and VoWLAN processors. In addition, this solution offers proprietary power management schemes and GCT's proven abilities in low-power CMOS direct conversion radio design.

GCT's VoWLAN solutions have been adopted by a major Korean mobile phone OEM and are implemented and extensively tested in SIP and UMA-based dual-mode mobile phones, therefore representing a reduced risk and faster route to market for handset manufacturers looking to enter this market. GCT's VoWLAN support also includes single-mode, WiFi phones, with multiple customers nearing completion of handsets.

GCT is also working with key cellular platform providers, such as Analog Devices and TTPCom, to ensure its solutions are integrated into cellular platform reference designs for near-term, rapid and low risk adoption. "We are very pleased to see GCT Semiconductor providing VoWLAN products that can be utilized with our existing and future cellular platforms," said Christian Kermarrec, vice-president of the RF & Wireless Systems Business Unit of Analog Devices. "GCT Semiconductor's unique VoWLAN offering, coupled with Analog Devices' Blackfin SofFone for EDGE baseband processor permits the creation of complete GPRS-EDGE/VoWLAN dual-mode mobile phone solutions that meet the UMA specification, using Analog Devices' proven and well-adopted EDGE platform." Since GCT and Analog Devices' silicon is already available and proven today, customers are able to enter the potentially high volume market of dual-mode phones immediately with low risk and with a very cost-competitive offering.

"We strongly believe in bringing convergence to the mass market," said Peter Whale, Head of Software Product Strategy at TTPCom. "The combined solution offered by Analog Devices' Blackfin SoftFone for EDGE platform, GCT's dual-core processor-enabled GDM5105S and TTPCom's cellular protocol stack provides a very effective platform on which to realise cost-effective UMA handsets. In addition, as the solution is compatible with the TTPCom AJAR Platform, it has the capability to support a strong suite of multi-media and application capabilities. For handset vendors, this means that strong product differentiation and fast time to market is possible, without the additional costs and size associated with an applications processor."

In a separate announcement, TTPCom recently announced a collaboration with Kineto Wireless, to pre-integrate Kineto's UMA capability with TTPCom's extensive portfolio of GSM/GPRS/EDGE cellular protocol stacks. As a result, customers will be able to rapidly develop mass market handsets that combine WiFi and cellular with seamless handover of calls between the two bearers.

"GCT's cooperation with major cellular solution providers highlights our on-going commitment to delivering best-in-class products enabling handset manufacturers to quickly enter the exciting new market of dual-mode mobile phones," said Dr. Kyeongho Lee, CEO of GCT Semiconductor, Inc. "Our new dual-core solution-on-chip offers ample processing power to implement multiple applications in addition to VoWLAN, and we believe this will allow handset manufacturers to enter the market quickly and cost-effectively. GCT is excited to include innovative VoWLAN solutions to its portfolio, in addition to our state-of-the-art CMOS RF transceivers, and CMOS single-chip satellite-DMB digital tuners for mobile handset solutions."

VoWLAN-enabled dual-mode mobile phones are a key ingredient in the deployment of Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC). Adopted last year by 3GPP, UMA enables mobile phones to seamlessly roam between GSM wireless cells and standard WLAN access points connected to the Internet. This capability can improve in-building service coverage and offer network operators and subscribers reduced service costs. The ability to connect to the Internet at data rates far higher than supported by cellular networks today, also offers the opportunity for exciting new handset features and services.

Demonstrations of GCT's dual-mode mobile phone solutions will be displayed at 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, from February 13 to 16, at TTPCom's Stand C67, Analog Devices' Stand D43, and Kineto Wireless' Stand D02. Further literature is also available at these booths.

About GCT Semiconductor, Inc.

GCT Semiconductor is a leading fabless semiconductor company that designs, develops and markets innovative integrated circuit solutions for the wireless communications industry. With its proven CMOS radio frequency (RF) and SOC expertise, GCT provides state-of-the-art CMOS RF transceivers, CMOS single-chip Satellite-DMB digital tuners for mobile handset solutions offering handset manufacturers reduced component cost, lower power consumption and smaller footprint. GCT also offers complete Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) and SIP-based VoWLAN solutions to achieve best-in-class handset talk times that support both VoWLAN and Bluetooth simultaneously. Working with cellular platform partners, GCT offers complete handset reference designs, with proven expertise in digital signal processing and modems. For more information, please visit www.gctsemi.com.

About TTPCom

With 10 offices and development centres around the world, 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, NEC, Renesas, Sharp and Siemens.

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 develops both radio and baseband cellular engines through its Macro products. More than 40 million devices using TTPCom technology were shipped during 2004. More information can be found on TTPCom's website at: http://www.ttpcom.com.

About Analog Devices' Softfone Portfolio

Analog Devices, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance semiconductors for signal processing applications and a leading supplier of components to the wireless handset industry since 1990. Analog Devices has built a portfolio of solutions for mobile devices that leverages high-performance analog and DSP core technology. As customer needs have evolved, ADI's wireless terminal product portfolio has advanced from DSP and analog building-block components to highly integrated chipsets and turnkey reference designs. Included in the company's vast array of technologies for wireless terminals are sophisticated digital baseband processors, advanced analog and mixed-signal data conversion, power management, lens drivers, analog interface ICs, radio frequency ICs, RF power detectors and iMEMS(R)-based motion sensors. These products include a number of industry firsts, such as the Othello family -- the world's first open-market direct-conversion radio chipset; and Analog Devices' SoftFone platform, the first RAM-based digital baseband processor, which enables wireless terminal device manufacturers to easily customize user features and options entirely in software, while incorporating breakthrough advancements in power consumption, cost, and size. Analog Devices' wireless chipsets leverage the company's high-performance signal processing expertise and are designed with a unique systems understanding approach.