Broadcom Corp., a leading designer of chips for communication devices, has announced a new system-on-chip (SoC) for low-cost smartphones. The chip will be the first of its kind and will power an emerging type of devices that the analysts project to get popular in the coming years.

The Broadcom BCM2157 HSDPA baseband processor enables manufacturers to produce affordable 3G Google Android-based smartphones. Utilizing a dedicated ARM11 500 MHz processor, the BCM2157 HSDPA baseband supports multi-touch with advanced multimedia technology, providing video support up to WQVGA quality, a 5MP camera, and the ability to encode and decode H.264 video at 30fps.

The BCM2157 baseband enables 7.2Mb/s of downstream connectivity and includes Broadcom's PRISM (programmable interference suppression module) technology that mitigates interference from radio signals emanating from neighboring cells to provide higher performance gains in high interference environments where they're needed the most. The BCM2157 modem also features 3G dual SIM/dual standby technology and supports AMR-WB voice calls over 3G networks. The platform also integrates Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS solutions.

"The smartphone continues to influence the cellular industry, with defining features like multi-touch screens and the ability to run applications now enriching lower cost handsets. We have maximized the functionality of our new Android-processing baseband platform to enable our partners to deliver the most popular features in more affordable designs," said Scott Bibaud, executive vice president and general manager of Broadcom's mobile platforms group.

Broadcom did not reveal the names of companies interested in making inexpensive smartphones and also did not unveil when those products will be available on the market.

Tags: Broadcom, Android, Google