Comsys to Provide EDGE IP for Texas Instruments TCS Wireless Chipset Solutions

HONG KONG and DALLAS, Dec. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Telecom Asia Show (booth 1342) -- Comsys Communications and Signal Processing, a leader in physical layer solutions for emerging cellular standards, and Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) announced that Comsys will deliver EDGE baseband IP to TI for use in its TCS family of wireless chipset solutions. This agreement follows similar successful collaboration between Texas Instruments and Comsys to incorporate EDGE technology onto TI's digital signal processor technology.

Enhanced Data for GSM Environments (EDGE) technology effectively triples the data rates possible with general packet radio service (GPRS) networks, thereby effectively tripling the capacity of data users on the same network. The lack of available spectrum for third generation (3G) mobile in some countries, coupled with the relatively inexpensive cost for EDGE upgrades, makes EDGE a compelling solution for increased data throughput over existing networks.

"The new baseband IP from Comsys complements our wireless product roadmap and will enhance the EDGE capabilities of our TCS wireless chipset solutions," says Rick Kornfeld, vice president and general manager for TI's wireless chipset business unit. "TI's comprehensive multi-standards wireless technology portfolio is well-positioned to meet the voice, data and multimedia requirements of customers across all handset market segments."

"We are very pleased with TI's decision," says Eli Plotnik, Comsys' chief executive officer. "This is a further example of Comsys' capabilities. Comsys has consistently shown excellent modem performance above and beyond benchmarks demanded by the standards organizations. The development of the EDGE baseband IP involved advances in algorithmic capabilities as well as advanced system engineering. Comsys solutions make optimum use of the limited power budget for cellular handsets, extending battery life without compromising on performance."

"EDGE is being more widely considered than ever as a viable solution for enhanced data networks," said Ronny Gorlicki, EVP for Sales and Marketing at Comsys, "North America is leading the field, with numerous Asian Operators committing to EDGE and Europe showing immense interest. Comsys was the first company to offer baseband IP for EDGE solutions, both for handsets and for base-stations. Our solution is the most mature on the market."

USA TDMA operators migrating to GSM are the main drivers, having demanded that EDGE technology be delivered from day one in their new infrastructure. It is forecasted that EDGE handsets will reach subscribers by mid 2003.

EDGE uses the same frequencies and infrastructure as GSM/GPRS but with different modulation: 8PSK in addition to GMSK. This modulation enables transmitting more bits per MHz, which for a subscriber translates into rates three times faster than GPRS. Typical rates can reach 30kbps per time-slot up to the maximum of close to 60kbps per time-slot. In addition, EDGE has better error handling routines that translate into faster and more robust connections. For an operator, EDGE also offers more capacity available either for voice or data subscribers, leading to greater revenue.

About Comsys Communications & Signal Processing:

Comsys Communications and Signal Processing Ltd, a privately held company, is enabling the next generation voice and data over cellular networks. Comsys develops and integrates physical layer solutions for today's and tomorrow's wireless standards - including: GSM, GPRS, EGPRS (EDGE) and W-CDMA. Its intelligent baseband processing solutions enable silicon vendors, handset manufacturers, laptop producers, cellular modules (e.g. PCMCIA cards) developers and base stations manufacturers to significantly reduce cost and time to market and create a new horizon for voice and data over cellular applications.

Founded in 1995, Comsys headquarters and R&D facilities are in Herzelia, Israel. For more information, visit the website at www.comsysmobile.com.

     Company Contact:
     Doron Elinav
     Comsys Inc.
     +972-9-971-7874
     doron.elinav@comsysmobile.com

     Press Contact:
     Josh Shuman
     Ruder Finn
     212-593-5886
     shumanj@ruderfinn.com