Qualcomm: New radio sparks new possibilities

(Telephony) A mobile phone that can be used worldwide—able to receive signals delivered in multiple modes and multiple bands—can be developed commercially using a new intermediate-frequency (IF) radio from Qualcomm CDMA Technologies, the company announced recently.

Called radioOne, the new radio uses zero intermediate frequency (ZIF) architecture to convert radio frequency (RF) signals from analog directly to digital baseband, removing the need for IF circuitry and large surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters. By using this technology, handset makers can save money on materials, reduce the power needs of the mobile phone, and space in the handset.

“It’s hard to say exactly how much this will save [handset providers], but the RF parts count is going to be reduced by 50%,” a Qualcomm spokeswoman said.

In traditional multi-mode phones, separate IF circuitry is needed to accept signals from each mode serviced, which increases the size and cost of multi-mode handsets. RadioOne not only removes the need for these parts—saving valuable space in the handset that can be used to offer other functionality to the device—but it can service multiple modes through one radio.

“ZIF architecture has been the Holy Grail of many wireless communications standards,” said Don Schrock, president of Qualcomm CDMA Technologies, in a prepared statement. “By developing radioOne, Qualcomm will help enable the rapid and cost-effective development of third-generation world phones capable of operating in multiple bands and modes.”

By using fewer components, radioOne also utilizes less power. Qualcomm CDMA officials believe radioOne will improve talk times in CDMA handsets by 20%. Combined with the cdma2000 1x mode, the company believes the technology will enable standby times to increase about 400% compared to current CDMA handsets.