Hyundai and ETRI Begin Joint Development of RF CMOS Chipset for PCS Phones

Seoul, August 11, 2000 – Hyundai Electronics Industries Co., Ltd. and Electronics and Telecommunication Research Institute (ETRI) recently announced plans for joint development of an Radio Frequency(RF) chipset, using the Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor(CMOS) fabrication process and RF CMOS integrated circuit technology. To support this national research project, the Korean government’s Information and Communication department has transferred to Hyundai RF CMOS integrated circuit technology that is operational at 1~2 GHz. Hyundai will apply this technology to its own CMOS fabrication process at the 0.25um level. Then, working in conjunction with ETRI, Hyundai plans to develop an RF transmitter/receiver semiconductor chipset for use in Personal Communication Service (PCS) phones. The new chipset is scheduled for volume production for sales to commercial businesses by 2001. Together, Hyundai and ETRI will select an RF standard. Hyundai will integrate its International Frequency(IF)/ Phase Locked Loop(PLL) chip into an RF core chip which ETRI will design and manufacture. Hyundai will provide ETRI with CMOS process technology for RF which optimizes the characteristics of transistors, condensers, and other key functions. Hyundai will develop the IF/PLL chip while ETRI develops the RF chip. Both designs will then be integrated into a single chip which will provide both transmitter and receiver functions. That new chip is scheduled to undergo communications testing early next year. RF CMOS is an advanced technology that only a few companies such as HP, TI, Toshiba, and Hitachi have begun to develop. Up until now, this technology has been used only in high-priced semiconductor devices that support wireless communications operating in the 1~2 GHz range. By enabling a cost-effective single-chip solution with low power consumption, RF CMOS technology is expected to impact the rapidly growing market for RF semiconductor chips designed for use in mobile phones. This joint development project is valuable in terms of generating core technology. It also promotes leadership in the market for chips that support wireless communicationsì¥a market projected to reach a value of 700 million won in 2002, with continued growth to a value of 1 billion won in 2004. This development project will have applicability to various wireless communications services, including IMT-2000, Wireless Local Area Network(WLAN), and Wireless Local Loop(WLL). It is also targeted for use in PCS phones and is expected to be initially utilized in an RF chipset being designed for the next generation of mobile phones. This joint project is being viewed as the beginning of close cooperation between Hyundai and ETRI for the ongoing development of RF CMOS technology. The two companies have future plans to continue joint efforts to develop applied technologies such as Bluetooth and Global Positioning System(GPS) receiver.