ADI reference design simplifies mobile devices

Analog Devices Inc. has released a reference design for the development of GSM/GPRS wireless devices.

Simplifying the design of mobile devices, the Nova Wireless Engine provides manufacturers with a complete and flexible platform that includes both the hardware and software capabilities necessary for the design of next-generation wireless products such as high-end camera phones, camcorder phones, multimedia phones, and video phones.

Consisting of a 39-by-55mm form-factor PCB, the engine features the company's SoftFone baseband processor, Othello direct conversion radio and X-PA power amplifier. It is fully expandable and can be configured for any combination of GSM/GPRS frequency bands: 850-, 900-, 1,800-, or 1,900MHz, including full quad-band operation.

The product is customizable with a wide variety of software features, including audio capabilities such as stereo MP3 playback, software polyphonic ring tones, game tones, and audio enhancements, as well as advanced video/display capabilities.

Depending on the individual features and performance required for a particular phone model, various versions of pin-compatible analog and digital baseband processors can easily be interchanged without the need to change the board layout. The Nova Wireless Engine enables 300h to 500h of standby time with a standard size Li-ion battery.