As expected, the UK operators are moving fast to utilize their expensive spectrum and UK companies are looking for first-mover advantage in wireless data. As Corp pointed out, PA Consulting, the parent company of UbiNetics, is a big poo-pah in the UK and should figure prominently in the rapid deployment of data-centric handsets and other devices. I still have to verify whether 4 out of the 5 wireless operators that won 3G licenses will indeed adopt the TDD version of WCDMA.
InterDigital will receive a modest up-front payment during the second quarter of this year under the terms of the license agreement which will be applied to UbiNetics' expected sales through 2000. UbiNetics will be required to pay running royalties on the sale of TDMA-based digital wireless telephone equipment and components.
UbiNetics is headquartered in Melbourn, England. The company develops and is committed to manufacturing and distributing wireless telecommunications products, including data-centric applications. For more information, go to ubinetics.com
This is an excerpt from their press release announcing Solectron as their contract manufacturer:
The products are the first in a range aimed at the exploding GSM "datacentric market." UbiNetics' strategy of supplying leading edge technology will mean new products will be introduced next year as new standards are adopted in the industry.
ubinetics.com
One example of UbiNetics' design win:
UbiNetics announced today that it has signed a contract to supply supplied GSM receive-only modules technology to Motorola Inc., who will integrate them into GSM mobile receiver systems.
Under a collaboration agreement with Trafficmaster Plc, also announced today, Motorola will supply these GSM mobile receiver systems which will be used to deliver dynamic traffic information to in-car navigation systems by means of GSM Cell Broadcast.
ubinetics.com
One key building block:
UbiNetics has developed a complete solution for Dual band GSM. This reference design provides a ready-to-run solution based on state-of-the-art, cost-effective technology for phones, wireless information devices and data modules. The ready-tested design provides manufacturers with a fast-track route to product introduction.
Overview of the module
The reference design has been developed in the form of a stand-alone GSM module. The module contains all the essential functionality for a GSM engine - antenna connection through to audio connection. The module also has a serial interface to support data services and a JTAG port for debug/software download facilities. In addition, a development platform is provided which connects to the GSM module and provides the further functionality required for a GSM handset (keypad, display etc). The module supports the AT command set and can be used, stand-alone, for data applications. In addition, the module supports scanning of up to 25 keys, display driving and includes up to 2Mbyte flash memory to enable advanced MMIs to be supported.
ubinetics.com
More on UniNetics' 2G and 3G plans:
UbiNetics develops off-the-shelf GSM technology solutions for data-centric applications and specialist voice terminals. The solutions will meet the need for GSM connectivity in innovative new products such as:
-- Mobile sites eg automotive, ground and air transportation etc
-- Sites remote from land eg utilities, vending machines,
copiers etc
-- Intelligent sites eg PC, PDA
-- Voice capable handsets.
Ubinetics also designs a range of pre-developed third generation technologies as part of the IMT2000 family, including Universal Mobile Telecommunications Systems (UMTS), CDMA2000 (DS and MC) and ARIB's version of UMTS. The UbiNetics demonstrator illustrates the level of our technology understanding and demonstrates how we can offer products and services that meet the needs of semiconductor, terminal and infrastructure vendors and the operator community.
ubinetics.com
We may hear more about UniNetics' 3G plans once Release 2000 from the 3GPP is out in December. |
