Spreadtrum to Integrate Hantro Multi-Format Video Solution into their Next Generation 3G TD-SCDMA Baseband IC

April 18, 2006 -- Hantro today announced the signing of a license agreement under which Spreadtrum Communications Inc. will integrate Hantro’s multi-format hardware technology into its SC8800 series 3G TD-SCDMA/GSM/GPRS baseband chip. Enabling ultra-high performance multimedia capability in single-chip handset designs, Hantro’s multi-format hardware codecs achieve video resolutions up to SDTV at 30fps and provide support for MPEG-4, H.263 and H.264 / AVC video formats as well as up to 16Mpix JPEG still images.

Building on the successful partnership, in which Spreadtrum previously integrated Hantro’s 4550 and 5550 to their mass produced SC6800 series 2.5G GSM/GPRS baseband chip, this new agreement enables Spreadtrum to realise an extremely competitive and highly integrated multimedia entertainment baseband IC for the 3G TD-SCDMA market. The solution will provide handset manufacturers with the ideal platform for developing the devices needed for volume penetration of the 3G market in China.

“Video applications will be a key feature in the 3G handset market and Hantro’s video IP in our TD-SCDMA chip, along with their application development platform, enables us to offer a very attractive solution to our customers. The SC8800 series fortifies our advantage in the 3G TD field” said Dr. Ping Wu, President and CEO of Spreadtrum Communications, Inc. “Hantro have proven themselves as a very reliable and low risk multimedia partner for us. Following the successful deployment of our SC6800 GSM/GPRS chip, which incorporates their IP, we are very confident in meeting the performance and delivery targets for our SC8800 series TD-SCDMA chip.”

“As the #1 provider of baseband chips for TD-SCDMA Spreadtrum holds an exceptionally strong position in the baseband IC design industry and we are proud to have them as our customer” said Eero Kaikkonen, President and CEO of Hantro. “For TD-SCDMA handsets, baseband chips with minimal power consumption and high performance multimedia capability deliver significant advantages in overall design complexity and BOM. Spreadtrum’s SC8800 ticks every box and will undoubtedly play a key role in enabling the uptake of 3G based multimedia services in China.”

The SC8800 series with Hantro’s multi-format codec will be commercially available in the second half of 2006.

About Spreadtrum Communications
Spreadtrum Communications Inc. is a leading fabless semiconductor company that develops and markets innovative wireless communications products. Spreadtrum provides high-performance, low-cost products, including 2.5G/3G baseband IC, protocol stack software, application software, wireless communication module and total solutions for worldwide wireless terminal manufactures, independence design houses, and semiconductor companies. Spreadtrum successfully developed world’s first TD-SCDMA baseband chip and Asia’s first 2.5G (GSM/GPRS) baseband chip. Spreadtrum’s true Single-chip Solution has great advantages such as high performance with low-cost, fast market entry for customers, reduced time-to-market and effective local customer support.
More information on Spreadtrum Communications Inc can be found on its website at www.spreadtrum.com.