Broadcom Introduces New 1GHz 3G Baseband and Reference Design for More Affordable Smartphones

The smartphone experience continues to drive consumer preference for new handsets, providing users with the ability to download and run apps, create and enjoy high quality multimedia, and more easily use Wi-Fi and other wireless technologies. The new Broadcom® BCM21552G 3G baseband integrates a 1GHz ARM11 processing core, high-performance graphics processing and support for dual-SIM configurations in a single chip to drive availability of lower cost smartphones that offer the same features as much higher-priced alternatives.

The reference design based on the new processor includes Broadcom's multi-band 2G/3G RF transceiver and its industry-leading InConcert® connectivity suite, including dual-band (2.4 / 5GHz) Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, and a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) navigation solution that leverages multiple satellite constellations (GPS and GLONASS) for faster and more accurate location capabilities. InConcert includes coexistence technology that allows its various connectivity components to work better together, providing a seamless user experience and reducing time to market for smartphone developers.

Key Facts:
• The Broadcom BCM21552G baseband processor enables the next generation of smartphones by supporting 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) release 6 and 7 features, which provides up to 5.8 Mbps (Megabits per second) of upstream connectivity, 7.2 Mbps of downstream connectivity and support for next generation CS (circuit switched) over HSPA services.
• The powerful graphics core built into the BCM21552G baseband processor is based on Broadcom's advanced multimedia technology, providing video support up to D1/VGA quality, support for an 8 megapixel camera, and the ability to encode and decode H.264 video at 30 fps (frames per second).
• The reference design features best in class connectivity, including the BCM4330 Bluetooth 4.0/Wi-Fi 802.11n/FM radio combo chip, the BCM47511 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) solution, the BCM20791 NFC solution, and the BCM2091 2G/3G cellular RF transceiver.
• The platform enables extended battery life due to ultra low standby and operating power consumption, including an industry leading low power dual-SIM mode.


George Guo, CEO of TCL Communication Technology
The challenge of mobile terminal makers today is delivering a compelling smartphone experience to a larger audience of phone buyers. Broadcom's new 3G cellular platform enables a broader tier of no-compromise smartphones that feature stunning graphics, powerful OS support, and the most advanced connectivity features like NFC and Wi-Fi Direct. With this new platform we are able to attack new markets requiring lower cost yet not compromising on performance or quality.

Rafael Sotomayor, Vice President, Marketing, Mobile Platform Solutions, Broadcom
The ability to offer 1GHz processing and integrated graphics in an advanced 3G baseband enables our new smartphone platform to satisfy the user experience requirements handset makers are targeting at price points that mainstream phone buyers can afford. Broadcom is the first company to bring a 1GHz processor, GNSS and NFC to smartphones that retail for under $100.00, establishing itself as a leader in the growing low-cost smartphone market segment.