Twin Suites from Ericsson target fast-growing Bluetooth Headset and PC Peripheral markets

December 10, 2002 - Ericsson Technology Licensing launches the latest addition to the Bluetooth Suites family. The twin Suites are highly specialized for two markets with vast Bluetooth potential: Bluetooth wireless headsets and wireless Human Interface Devices (HID's).

Wireless keyboards and mice, generally referred to as wireless HID's, are two Bluetooth products now making their way to the market. Much appreciated by computer users in need of a more flexible desktop environment, Bluetooth offers greater functionality. Mobile phone users, among others, are beginning to enjoy the increased mobility and freedom offered by wireless headsets.

The Bluetooth HID Suite is Ericsson's answer to semiconductor companies intent on delivering reference designs for Bluetooth keyboards and mice to Original Design Manufacturers (ODM's) and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM's). This new Suite provides Bluetooth radio, baseband and software technology in ready-to-use, easily integrated, total design solutions for fast time-to-market.

"Great designs are not enough when competing in this tough industry. A lot of companies can offer the necessary hardware and software, but our Suites give customers access to so much more," says Johan Åkesson, Marketing Director of Ericsson Technology Licensing. "We offer a wide range of Bluetooth services, including training, testing, qualification and custom design services. In fact, Ericsson operates one of the few existing Bluetooth Qualification Test Facilities (BQTF) through which every Bluetooth product must pass," continues Johan Åkesson.

"There is a clear trend in the market forecasts provided by leading analysts that wireless HID's will be among the biggest Bluetooth segments in terms of volumes," says Johan Åkesson. "Factors certain to contribute to this growth are the current efforts by the major suppliers of operating system and PC's to integrate Bluetooth."

The wireless headset is not only the most widely used Bluetooth application for mobile phones, but it is also quickly gaining ground as an accessory for cordless phones, in-car handsfree systems and voice recognition software. "As with wireless HID's, the trend among market experts are projecting a major growth for headsets," says Johan Åkesson. "As the Bluetooth headset pioneer, we know consumers want headsets that are light, and comfortable, have a good voice quality and are not too expensive." This puts a lot of demands on the Bluetooth design, which must be small, power efficient and inexpensive to manufacture.

To achieve this, Ericsson builds its Suites around their highly integrated radio combined with baseband and software that are minimized for the application at hand. In addition, both the HID and Headset Suites feature support for the new Bluetooth Specification 1.2.

Core Features of the Twin Suites

• Optimized total footprint solution due to minimized building blocks (baseband, radio, software).
• Introducing the Bluetooth Microstack providing the smallest software footprint.
• Integrated software algorithm for echo cancellation.
• Unleashing new Core Bluetooth Baseband Q-E2 and Q-E3 utilizing core features of Bluetooth Specification 1.2, such as Adaptive Frequency Hopping.

About Ericsson Technology Licensing
Ericsson Technology Licensing creates Bluetooth design solutions for the entire development chain behind every Bluetooth device, starting with the people who make the chips to those who design, package or brand the end consumer product. The company licenses design solutions worldwide to the top semiconductor companies (chip manufacturers), ODM's (Original Design Manufacturers) and OEM's (Original Equipment Manufacturers). The complete portfolio of Bluetooth baseband, radio, software, qualification, training and services provides semiconductor and original equipment manufacturers the fastest, most reliable course for implementing Bluetooth wireless technology in new products.

More information: http://www.ericsson.com/bluetooth

Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet communication through its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication in the world.