SAN DIEGO-Chipmaker Sequoia Communications today released an RF transceiver for mobile phones that supports W-CDMA, HSDPA, EDGE, GPRS and GSM technologies. The company said the transceiver will lower the cost and increase the battery life of third-generation phones, addressing the primary obstacles in the mass adoption of 3G technologies by consumers.
“SEQ-5400 is based on our patented approach to polar modulation and is the smallest, lowest-power multi-mode WEDGE solution in the industry,” said David Shepard, the company’s chief executive officer. “The release of the SEQ-5400 will greatly benefit wireless handset manufacturers in their ability to deliver low-cost 3G handsets with acceptable battery life to the consumers.”
Motorola Inc., a Sequoia investor, voiced its approval of the technology.
“This new product from Sequoia Communications goes to the heart of those issues and supports our investment in the company,” said Paul Struhsaker, vice president of engineering for Motorola’s phone business.
Sequoia said its chip would be in volume production starting next year. The company did not disclose any customers.
