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Chinese chip vendors push TD-SCDMA terminals
by Harry Wang, EDN China -- EDN, 8/4/2005
The TD-SCDMA Industry Alliance is this summer sponsoring field tests for TD-SCDMA (time-division synchronous-code-division multiple-access) networks in Beijing and Shanghai. If things go smoothly, separate trial TD-SCDMA-network subscriptions will be available within two to three months after completion of this summer's field tests. Yang Hua, secretary general of the TD-SCDMA Industry Alliance, says that the field tests are focusing on TD-SCDMA-network-infrastructure performance and reliability, interoperability between infrastructures and terminals, and performance of terminals. He adds that the results of these field tests will play a large role in determining whether TD-SCDMA commercialization can become a reality.
However, domestic vendors say that the maturity of TD-SCDMA terminals is the toughest issue for TD-SCDMA's commercialization. "The maturity of TD-SCDMA terminals will not come until mid-2006," says Luo Zhongsheng, assistant general manager of the handset unit of communications-product vendor ZTE (www.zte.com.cn). Chinese terminal-chip vendors, such as T3G (www.t3gt.com), Commit (www.commit.cn/index.htm), and Spreadtrum (www.spreadtrum.com) are cooperating with system vendors to improve the interoperation between infrastructure and terminals.
In April, T3G introduced its chip sets for TD-SCDMA/GSM (global-system-for-mobile-communications) dual-mode terminals. The company has realized core functions, such as 384-kbps packet-data transfer, 64-kbps real-time circuit-data transfer, and cross-network wandering, through these offerings. T3G officials say that the company's dual-mode chip set interoperates with all TD-SCDMA networks from Datang Mobile (www.datangmobile.cn), ZTE, and Putian (www.chinaputian.com). In June, T3G also unveiled an ASIC-based, high-speed PCMCIA data card, which allows notebook computers to successfully achieve 384-kbps packet-data transfer and conduct broadband multimedia services, such as Internet browsing, FTP downloading, and VOD (voice over data) through wireless packet networks.
Commit has launched its verified TD-SCDMA-terminal chip set, including baseband, RF, power management, a protocol stack, and a comprehensive development-and-test environment. The chip set supports 3G services, such as video phone, high-speed Internet browsing, and streaming media. Currently, some leading mobile-phone vendors, including LG, Lenovo, and Bird, have introduced their TD-SCDMA mobile phones based on Commit's semiconductor technology. Commit has passed IOT/COT (interoperability tests/continuity tests) on main network equipment from Datang Mobile, ZTE, Putian, and others.
Spreadtrum has also made smooth progress in the development of TD-SCDMA terminals. By teaming up with domestic mobile-phone vendors, such as Bird, it has developed a host of TD-SCDMA terminals. "The first TD-SCDMA subscribers are more likely to come from the voice market," says Yu Yushu, Commit's chief executive officer. "Data services are certainly important, yet the stable voice services will remain the biggest selling point at the outset." He says that WCDMA (wideband code-division multiple access) has a high place in the market, whereas GSM is on a relatively low level. He believes that TD-SCDMA will emerge in the middle but may be closer to GSM.
TD-SCDMA Alliance, www.tdscdma-alliance.org.
