Samsung chipset....
edtn.com
Samsung pits new CDMA chipset against market leader
Qualcomm
By Mark LaPedus
Electronic Buyers' News
(10/04/99, 3:35 p.m. EDT)
Hoping to lessen its dependence on Qualcomm Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. has made good on its earlier promise to develop wireless handsets based on its own chipset line.
Recently, Samsung announced plans to build handsets that would use an internally-developed chipset-the MSMScom4000-which is designed for CDMA applications. The chipset, also known as a baseband processor, supports voice-processing and other functions in cell phones.
Samsung and other OEMs that make CDMA handsets must currently procure these critical components from third-party suppliers, namely Qualcomm, which has a market leading 89% share of the segment, according to analysts' estimates. DSP Communications Inc. also sells chipsets for CDMA handsets.
In addition to building a captive supply, Samsung is developing its own devices for competitive reasons. Qualcomm at present also sells handsets based on its own chips, although the San Diego-based company recently said it is considering selling off its cell-phone business.
Still, Samsung is taking no chances. The company, which buys millions of dollars in CDMA chipsets from Qualcomm every year, today said it has successfully completed development of the rival baseband controller.
Samsung will use the chipset in its IMT-2000 handset line, a product that will be launched by the middle of next
year.
Samsung is also developing other cell-phone chips in-house, including analog-based components and RF ICs. |
