Chinese Handset Manufacturer Selects Analog Devices and TTPCom for Edge Cellular Phones

Business Wire, Oct 26, 2004

NORWOOD, Mass. & CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom -- Analog Devices, Inc. (NYSE: ADI):

-- Simcom will provide EDGE cellular phones for use in China based on ADI's Blackfin SoftFone platform and TTPCom's protocol stack and application software.

Analog Devices, Inc. (NYSE: ADI) and TTPCom announced today that they have teamed to deliver EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) technology, including Analog Devices' Blackfin(R) SoftFone(R) for EDGE chipsets and TTPCom's protocol stack and application software to Simcom of Shanghai, China, a leading manufacturer of cellular handsets for the domestic Chinese market.

According to a recent report published by the Ministry of Information Industry, China is the world's largest market for cellphones, with a total of nearly 300 million subscribers. In addition, according to the GSM Suppliers Association, 111 EDGE networks in 67 countries are either deployed or in testing. China's largest operators, China Mobile and China Unicom, are testing EDGE in several cities. With data rates up to three times those available on GPRS networks, Simcom's EDGE-capable handset design will be readily able to deploy data-intensive 3G type services, including video downloads and high-speed Internet access, over these networks.

"We are honored to work closely together with Analog Devices, Inc. and TTPCom to bring EDGE technology to the China market. We are confident that the synergies created, through combining Simcom's strength and reputation in China with ADI's and TTPCom's advanced technology, will ensure that EDGE products benefit users in the largest cellphone market in the world." said Mr. Simon Wong, founder & VP of sales and marketing of Simcom.

Simcom's design-in of Analog Devices' and TTPCom's wireless technologies represents the latest wireless manufacturer in a growing list of companies using ADI's Blackfin SoftFone for EDGE chipset along with TTPCom's protocol software and application suite. ADI's Blackfin SoftFone for EDGE platform is the world's first complete chipset for the EDGE standard. ADI's SoftFone platform is completely RAM-based, which allows Simcom to easily customize user features and options entirely in software for a wide range of phones, while incorporating breakthrough advancements in power consumption, cost and size. In addition, the platform is based on ADI's Blackfin Processor, offering best-in-class digital signal processing performance and low power consumption required for advanced cellular handsets. In addition to the digital baseband processor, ADI will supply Simcom with a high-performance mixed-signal analog baseband chip with integrated power management.

"Analog Devices is pleased to be working with Simcom and TTPCom to bring EDGE handset technology to China, the world's largest cellular phone market. Simcom is widely known throughout China and as the first domestic phone developer to design an EDGE cellular phone, Simcom will accelerate the adoption of EDGE in the Chinese market," said Christian Kermarrec, vice president, RF and wireless systems, Analog Devices, Inc. "As the world's first complete chipset for the EDGE standard, ADI's Blackfin SoftFone for EDGE is increasingly becoming the solution of choice for manufacturers worldwide."

TTPCom's EDGE software is fully integrated with the ADI platform and, with industry-leading data rates up to 216 kilobits per second, it enables manufacturers to develop products that fully utilize EDGE networks. TTPCom's EDGE software builds on a proven GSM/GPRS base and since mid-2003 has been undergoing extensive interoperability testing with leading infrastructure providers, test equipment vendors and wireless operators.

"The adoption of EDGE technology in China presents a huge opportunity for forward looking companies like Simcom. They have already developed a very successful handset and module business based on the TTPCom and ADI GSM/GPRS platform and EDGE will place them at the forefront of this growing market," stated Richard Walker, managing director of TTPCom's software business unit. "TTPCom has invested considerable resources in the development of EDGE technology with the objective of delivering a stable and fully tested solution in time for early market take up. In addition, in order to speed up the transfer of EDGE and 3G expertise and to enable our customers to get to market even faster, we are increasing the number of engineering and technical staff in our offices in Shanghai and Shenzhen".

About Simcom

Simcom Limited is a leading developer of wireless communication terminals, such as wireless modules, mobile phones and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). Simcom is headquartered in Shanghai, China with sales offices in Shenzhen and Fuzhou. Simcom provides total solutions to wireless terminal manufacturers, including manufacturing-ready module and handset reference designs.

About TTPCom

Based in Cambridge, UK, TTPCom Ltd. is the principal operating subsidiary of TTP Communications plc (LSE: TTC). The company develops intellectual property used in the design and manufacture of wireless communication terminals and during 2003 over 20 million devices using TTPCom's digital cellular technology were sold. TTPCom has established a world leading position with its GPRS, EDGE and 3G protocol software; offers rapid customisation of handsets through its AJAR applications framework; and for those manufacturers for whom a fast time to market is critical, TTPCom also offers complete handset and module designs. More information can be found on TTPCom's website at www.ttpcom.com.