Broadcom announces quad-core HSPA+ chipset destined for budget Android phones

Broadcom Introduces New Quad-Core HSPA+ Processor

First Quad-Core Platform with 5G WiFi, NFC, GPS and Indoor Positioning

IRVINE, Calif. – June 13, 2013

News Highlights:

· Quad ARM Cortex A7 processor provides superior computing power for an immersive user experience at an affordable price point

· VideoCore® multimedia supports "dual HD" with simultaneous high-definition output to smartphones and Miracast-enabled large screens such as TVs

· Turnkey solution integrates cellular baseband, touchscreen controller, PMU, RFIC and Broadcom's connectivity technologies including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS and advanced indoor positioning capabilities

Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a global innovation leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, today announced a quad-core HSPA+ processor designed for high-performance, entry-level smartphones. The BCM23550 is the company's newest smartphone platform optimized for the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system (OS). For more news, visit Broadcom's Newsroom.

According to research firm International Data Corporation (IDC), the first quarter of 2013 marked the first time that smartphones comprised more than half of all phones shipped globally.1 This growth is driven by mass market consumers who demand affordable devices that deliver increased functionality and a level of performance that was previously available only in higher-end superphones. The BCM23550, and its turnkey design, are powered by a quad-core processor running at 1.2GHz, VideoCore multimedia and an integrated HSPA+ cellular baseband that provides enhanced, power-efficient features for entry-level smartphones.

"Broadcom's new quad-core solution allows OEMs to deliver the multi-tasking, graphics-rich capabilities required in today's smartphones, while still appealing to consumers seeking superior performance at affordable prices," said Rafael Sotomayor, Broadcom Vice President, Product Marketing, Mobile Platform Solutions. "By combining the performance benefits of a quad-core solution with high-end features like 5G WiFi, globally certified NFC technology, and advanced indoor positioning technology, the platform offers device manufacturers a flexible and cost-effective path to address the affordable smartphone segment."

The BCM23550 supports "dual HD," allowing users to simultaneously share high-definition content from a small handheld screen to a larger, Miracast-enabled display. It includes leading VideoCore technology for fluid, responsive graphics and incorporates power management techniques to optimize battery life and reduce power consumption without compromising the user experience. The platform provides an integrated Image Signal Processor (ISP) that supports up to 12-megapixel sensors with advanced imaging capabilities such as blink and smile detection, face tracking, red eye reduction, fast shot to shot (burst capture), zero shutter lag, and best picture selection. With contactless terminals proliferating worldwide, the BCM23550 platform also integrates NFC with native support for simplified connectivity and mobile payments systems like QuickTap from China UnionPay.

The new quad-core solution is coupled with Broadcom's connectivity suite, which includes Broadcom's leading 5G WiFi technology, multi-constellation GNSS support, and advanced indoor location capabilities to enable ubiquitous positioning both indoors and outdoors. Together, the BCM23550 offers a complete, integrated turnkey solution that enables OEMs to expedite production of full-featured, high-performance 3G smartphones while lowering development costs. Additionally, it is pin-to-pin compatible with BCM21664T, a dual-core HSPA+ platform, allowing handset manufacturers to leverage existing designs and accelerate time to market.

"Since the primary use of mobile phones has evolved from making calls to serving as pocket-sized computers, users have grown to expect fast computing power. Premium features, such as Broadcom's quad-core platform, offer a compelling user experience and will further spur the adoption of entry-level smartphones," said Les Santiago, IDC Research Director, Wireless Semiconductors.

Key Features:

· Quad 1.2GHz A7 CPU with ARM® NEON™ technology

· 21 Mbps (Megabits per second) of HSPA+ downstream connectivity, 5.8 Mbps of upstream connectivity

· Dual HD display support with 720p LCD and external HD panel via Wi-Fi Miracast-capable displays

· High-performance graphics based on VideoCore IV multimedia technology, for enhanced 3D gaming and other graphics-rich applications

· Integrated image signal processor (ISP) with support up to 12 megapixels

· High quality H.264 full HD (1080p30) camcorder and video playback

· Power management techniques that increase efficiency of cellular RF chip and optimize performance based on workload demands

· HD voice support for high-quality voice calls with advanced dual-mic noise cancellation technology

· GPS/GLONASS, WLAN , MEMS, and Cell ID for the best indoor/outdoor location

· NFC solution supports all major NFC specifications including NFC Forum, EMVCo, and the China UnionPay QuickTap mobile wallet

· Industry-leading, lowest power 3G/2G dual SIM-dual standby to enable global markets

· Compliant with ARM TrustZone® and GlobalPlatform for system-level security

Availability:

The BCM23550 is currently sampling with production expected in the third quarter of 2013.

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Broadcom intros a trio of 802.11ac WiFi chips for PCs and set-top boxes

Broadcom Announces New 5G WiFi Chips for the Connected Home

First 2x2 802.11ac Combos and New Retail Dongle Chips Expand 5G WiFi Portfolio

TAIPEI, Taiwan – COMPUTEX 2013 – June 3, 2013

News Highlights:

* 5G WiFi with Bluetooth support improves wireless range and extend integration beyond mobile computing devices
* New combo chips enable OEMs to design faster and more power-efficient products for PCs, tablets and settop-boxes
* Chips with USB 3.0, PCIe and SDIO 3.0 interfaces provide OEMs with options to maximize 5G WiFi performance in a range of product segments

Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a global innovation leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, today announced it has expanded its 5G WiFi portfolio with a line of 2x2 5G WiFi products. The new chips deliver the speed, range and power benefits necessary for connected home devices, including PCs, tablets, set-top-boxes, TVs, and retail routers. New 5G WiFi products will be showcased at COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2013. For more news, visit Broadcom's Newsroom.

Consumers are streaming more high-definition content across more devices in the home. Broadcom's new 5G WiFi chips, including the BCM4350, BCM43556 and BCM43558, enable OEMs to develop a variety of devices in different form factors designed to meet growing consumer demand for speed, reliability and power efficiency.

"Broadcom's new 2x2 combo chips extend our leadership and mark another industry first for 802.11ac technology," said Rahul Patel, Broadcom Vice President, Product Marketing, Wireless Connectivity Combo Group. "By offering multiple design options we are enabling more devices to reap the dramatic benefits of 5G WiFi, significantly improving performance in the connected home."

Key Features:

The new line of 2X2 multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) 5G WiFi solutions from Broadcom support the following features:

o Transmit beamforming and low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes for robust coverage in a
connected home ecosystem, and support for beamformer and beamforming receiver
o 866 Mbps wireless local area network (WLAN) PHY rate for superior speed
o Broadcom proprietary TurboQAM for 33 percent increase in 2.4GHz speed
o Broadcom proprietary Channel Smoothing WLAN PHY to increase receiver sensitivity by an average
of 2 db across 802.11n and 802.11ac rates

BCM4350 is a combo chip designed specifically for PCs, tablets and set-top-boxes, and supports the following:

o PCIe and SDIO3.0 interfaces for high-performance, low-power consumption PCs, tablets and set-topboxes
o Low-power modes to optimize battery life
o Support for Microsoft Windows and Android operating systems
o Integrated Bluetooth 4.0 for set-top-boxes to assist in voice search, audio streaming and gestural remote control for navigation and gaming
o Multiscreen content sharing from mobile platforms directly to TV
o Whole-home DVR functionality, browsing, gaming and Over-The-Top (OTT) content services

BCM43556 (standalone 5G WiFi) and BCM43558 (combo with 5G WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0) are next
generation chips designed for PCs, digital TVs and set-top-boxes and feature the following:

o USB 3.0 support for more than two times data throughput than previous generations, plus power save modes to extend battery life
o Full compatibility with latest PC platforms, including Microsoft Windows 7 and Windows 8
o Seamless interoperability with 5G WiFi-based routers and 5G WiFi-based digital TV platforms

Availability

Broadcom's new 5G WiFi solutions are now sampling with early access customers, with full production expected in the second half of 2013.

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