AirPrime Incorporates Agilent Technologies' FBAR Duplexer in CDMA Wireless Access Modules for Handheld Computing Devices

Business Wire, Feb 13, 2001

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 13, 2001

FBAR Device Enables Design of First CDMA Module

for Handspring's Visor

Wireless/Portable Symposium & Exhibition -- Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A), a leading provider of innovative technologies for communications and life sciences, today announced that its miniature FBAR (film bulk acoustic resonator) duplexer is a key component in AirPrime's family of CDMA (code division multiple access) wireless access modules for handheld computers. The first AirPrime product to use the FBAR duplexer is the CDMA Springboard module developed for the Handspring Visor. This announcement was made at the 2001 Wireless/Portable Symposium & Exhibition at the San Jose Convention Center, San Jose, Calif., Feb. 12 to 16.

AirPrime OEM wireless access modules are attached to or fully integrated into handheld computers to provide voice and high-speed data communications over the growing CDMA cellular/PCS network in North America.

"Conventional duplexers are one of the largest components in the CDMA RF system," said Todd Antes, vice president of product management at AirPrime. "The integration of wide-area wireless capability into handheld computing devices requires form factors more demanding than found in today's cellular phones. The use of Agilent's miniature FBAR duplexer allows AirPrime to deliver OEM solutions that not only meet stringent US PCS specifications, but enable our customers to develop the next generation of small, light and attractive wireless handheld computers."

"We are pleased that AirPrime has selected FBAR duplexers for its CDMA Springboard module," said Bryan Ingram, manager of Agilent's Semiconductor Products Group RF Business Unit. "This module shows off FBAR's contribution to the creation of small-form factor CDMA wireless computing devices. AirPrime will be able to use the FBAR duplexers in a multitude of compact CDMA modules."

Agilent's FBAR technology is used to produce a miniaturized duplexer that supports the design of very thin form-factor CDMA devices. Duplexers play a critical role in a CDMA handset by separating incoming communications from outgoing communications. Agilent's FBAR duplexers occupy less than 20 percent of the volume of a conventional ceramic duplexer. Devices based on FBAR technology provide better power handling, insertion loss, and selectivity characteristics when compared to current surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices.

The new FBAR-based duplexer is part of the Agilent CDMAdvantage chipset, which includes all active functions required for 800 MHz and 1900 MHz handsets. The Agilent MGA-72543 bypass-switched LNA and the Agilent QCPM-9801 dual band power module are already shipping in high volume to CDMA handset manufacturers.

About AirPrime Inc.

AirPrime Inc. is a leading supplier of high-speed, CDMA (code division multiple access) wireless access solutions to the OEM (original equipment manufacturing) market. Under a full CDMA subscriber license from Qualcomm, AirPrime is focused exclusively on providing optimal current and next-generation wireless access products to OEMs for use in handheld devices, notebook PCs, and Internet appliances. AirPrime's wireless products will also be used in telemetry and emerging applications. A private, venture-backed company, AirPrime is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., with additional development offices in San Diego and has a sales presence in existing and emerging markets around the world. For more information please visit www.airprime.com.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is a diversified technology company with approximately 47,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries. Agilent is a global leader in designing and manufacturing test, measurement and monitoring instruments, systems and solutions, and semiconductor and optical components. In fiscal year 2000, Agilent had net revenue of $10.8 billion. The company serves markets that include communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare.

Information about Agilent Technologies can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com.