The new joint venture, StarCore, will deliver open-licensed DSP (digital signal processor ) technologies for integration in new communications devices and other consumer products.

DSPs are specialized semiconductor chips for processing and converting voice, data and video signals. DSP cores are building blocks for chipsets in applications ranging from next-generation mobile phones and networks, to broadband Internet access, to telematics systems.

Among the uses for DSP-based, system-on-a-chip technologies are wireless base stations, wireless Internet-enabled cell phones, high-speed modems and Internet telephones.

License This

"Since the formation of the StarCore JDC, we have had many requests -- from customers, partners, and even competitors -- to license this architecture," Agere senior vice president of strategy and business development Greg Waters told Wireless NewsFactor.

"We want to extend the industry standardization around StarCore, because we believe the new licensing model will attract many more users, third parties and applications providers," he added.

Austin, Texas-based StarCore will kick off operations later this summer, with the three partners serving as the initial leading customers. StarCore evolved from Agere's and Motorola's StarCore Joint Design Center, founded in 1998, and includes Infineon's Carmel DSP core design and licensing business. Each business will license StarCore tech for new chip designs.

The Open Road

Infineon chief technology officer Heinz Schuetzeneder told Wireless NewsFactor the partnership combines the knowledge and experience of three major players in telecommunications and semiconductor industries. "We are providing a scalable and innovative roadmap for enhanced devices," he said.

Schuetzeneder added that StarCore is based on an open platform rather than a proprietary technology.

StarCore's products will be made available to handset makers and infrastructure providers, with support for wireless devices operating on GSM/GPRS-based (global system for mobile communications/general packet radio service) and CDMA-based (code division multiple access) networks, he said.

Looking Ahead

Scalability of the DSP core technology is a critical feature for chipmakers and wireless system designers, according to Schuetzeneder.

StarCore licensees can use the same DSP core in the design of 2.5G (second and a half generation) and 3G mobile handsets, as well as for wireless base stations, while most system designs use different DSP technologies for handsets and base stations.

Infineon's decision to be a partner in the new venture follows the company's recent purchase of Ericsson's microelectronics operations, including wireless base station and Bluetooth technologies.

Schuetzeneder said the new company's first products will be available in 2003. He noted that semiconductor analysts project that the market for DSP applications is about US$12 billion, including the areas of speech recognition, data compression and telematics.