Conexant Introduces Tri-Band Power Amplifiers to Enable Worldwide GSM Mobile Phones

Source: Conexant

State-Of-The-Art Power Amplifiers Expand Data Rates In Wireless Phones To Enable Emerging Internet Applications

Newport Beach, CA. Conexant Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:CNXT) Monday announced a new family of global standard for mobile communications (GSM) power amplifiers (PAs) designed to enable mobile phones that can be used around the world.

Conexant s newest tri-band PAs operate in the 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz communications bands, providing a singular solution for all networks using GSM -- the world s most popular wireless standard. In addition, the PAs process twice as much information as traditional GSM PAs to support emerging data services, such as Internet browsing, online shopping, video messaging and other interactive high-bandwidth applications.

"Our new tri-band PAs provide the capability to work in all U.S., European and Asian GSM networks in a single-amplifier package," said Moiz Beguwala, senior vice president and general manager for Conexant s Wireless Communications Division. "These devices provide the integration and features OEMs need to quickly introduce new phone models supporting the latest mobile data services like general packet radio service (GPRS)."

GPRS phones, which are expected to become commercially available later this year, offer an extension for existing GSM networks that promises a new array of wireless services with "always-on" data capability. Power amplifiers are a critical component of wireless handsets, determining the length of talk time and battery life available to the user.

Conexant is a leading supplier of gallium arsenide (GaAs) heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBT) PAs for the code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA) and cellular and personal communications system (PCS) markets. Conexant has used this expertise to introduce its second generation of PAs for GSM handsets.

Conexant s GSM PAs are designed to complement its complete GSM system solutions. One of the only non-captive semiconductor suppliers to offer the full range of GSM functionality, Conexant plans to debut a full system solution for GPRS phones later this year.

GSM is the world s leading wireless system, with 55 percent of the world s wireless market, according to the GSM Association. More than 331 million subscribers in 135 countries have signed up for GSM services as of June 2000, and 733 million customers are expected to be online by the end of 2004.

Packaged as a 9 x 11 laminate micromodule, Conexant s CX77302 tri-band GSM power amplifiers are available for $4.85 in quantities of 10,000.

About Conexant Systems, Inc.

With revenues of $2.1 billion in fiscal 2000, Conexant is the world s largest independent company focused exclusively on providing semiconductor solutions for communications electronics. With more than 30 years of experience in developing communications technology, the company draws upon its expertise in mixed-signal processing 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, personal imaging devices and equipment, and emerging cable and wireless broadband communications networks. The company organizes its activities into two business areas: Internet infrastructure, which consists of the Network Access Division, and personal networking, comprised of the Digital Infotainment, Personal Imaging, Wireless Communications and Personal Computing divisions. Conexant is a member of the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 Indices. For more information, visit Conexant at www.conexant.com.

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Contact: Conexant Systems, Inc. Carol Thornton Tel: 949/483-7413 carol.thornton@conexant.com or Benjamin Group/BSMG Worldwide Heather McLaughlin Tel: 949/260-1300 heather_mclaughlin@benjamingroup.com