Texas Instruments' New OMAP(TM) 2 Processor for Mobile Phones Boosts Video Performance by 4X

TOKYO, Nov. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Propelling multimedia capabilities for mobile phones, Texas Instruments Incorporated (NYSE: TXN) (TI) today announced it is sampling a new high-performance OMAP(TM) 2-based processor that offers a consumer electronics experience for 3G mobile phones, boosting video performance by up to 4X and imaging performance by up to 1.5X. Offering even higher performance than first-generation OMAP 2 processors while at a lower cost, the OMAP2430 application processor provides the ultimate balance between multimedia performance, flexibility, power and cost to give users a higher- quality video experience on the mobile phone. Additionally, TI is announcing the all-in-one audio/power management companion device to the OMAP2430 processor, the TWL4030, which enables lower power and smaller phone designs. Together, the OMAP2430 applications processor and TWL4030 reflect TI's commitment to accelerate the pace of innovation for the communications and entertainment era.

The OMAP2430 includes TI's latest generation imaging, video and audio accelerator, the IVA(TM) 2, a power-optimized version of the signal processing technology used in TI's recently announced DaVinci(TM) technology. The IVA 2 accelerator enables a 4X improvement in video performance and 1.5X improvement in imaging performance for noticeably sharper video and images on mobile phones than is possible today. A programmable engine, IVA 2 enables quick integration of new codec standards, codec enhancements, and stabilization algorithms for flexibility and differentiation. The IVA 2 engine is software compatible with TI's DaVinci technology, allowing third parties to attack a broader market space. Incorporation of IVA 2 allows the OMAP2430 processor to deliver higher resolutions and lower power consumption while providing the consumer electronics experience users are demanding.

Based on TI's high-performance, low leakage 90-nanometer CMOS technology, the OMAP2430 integrates an ARM1136 RISC processor core and dedicated 2D/3D graphics hardware acceleration, in addition to the IVA 2 engine. System hardware support includes a high-speed USB 2.0 On-the-Go (OTG) interface for significantly faster file transfers on and off the handset, an increasingly important feature as the mobile phone becomes a primary media capture, storage and playback device. The advanced imaging subsystem supports both parallel and serial cameras and LCDs for design flexibility. A host of other peripherals are also integrated to minimize phone design size and cost.

"With the new OMAP2430 processor, TI delivers customers the ultimate performance and power efficiency at an even lower cost," said Alain Mutricy, TI's vice president and general manager of Cellular Systems, Wireless Terminals Business Unit. "This increase in performance allows handset manufacturers to bring the entertainment center to the handset creating more compelling products." Outstanding Video Experience for Users

The OMAP2430 manages complex multimedia scenarios for 3G phones -- including secure downloadable media streaming and playback, digital video recording, still image capture, video teleconferencing and 3D gaming -- to take the coolest features of consumer electronics to the mobile phone. Driving high-quality TV images to the handset, the OMAP2430 processor supports DVD resolution decode up to 30 frames per second (fps) for MPEG4 and Windows Media Video 9 (Microsoft's implementation of VC-1, the proposed SMPTE standard) formats, and up to 30-fps VGA resolution decode for H.264 and RealVideo(R) 10. Support for Windows Media Video 9 (VC-1) and H.264 with their advanced video compression capabilities enables operators to reduce network operating costs by delivering the same level of video quality as previous codecs while requiring only a fraction of the bandwidth. The OMAP2430 processor's improved Windows Media Video 9 (VC-1) and H.264 performance supports video capture, video playback, and digital TV (DTV) decoding. Additionally, H.264 supports videoconferencing. With support of all known mobile DTV decode standards worldwide, the OMAP2430 processor is a perfect companion for TI's "Hollywood" mobile DTV chip.

"The OMAP2430 processor's accelerated performance for next-generation video codecs is fulfilling crucial hardware demands brought on by advancing video capabilities of mobile networks," said Kevin Unangst, director of Windows Digital Media at Microsoft Corp. "As Windows Media Video-enabled scenarios continue to gain momentum with network providers, adoption of the latest OMAP 2-based processor by handset manufacturers will ensure consumers have access to best-in-class mobile entertainment experiences."

With this extension of TI's OMAP 2-based high-performance product line, TI is accelerating its leadership position in wireless applications processors even further. According to leading analyst research firm IDC, TI is ranked number one in application processors, with 67 percent market share (Source: IDC 2004 Worldwide Applications Processor Competitive Analysis). OMAP2430 Delivers Exceptional Power Management, Security Features

As a companion to the OMAP2430, the TWL4030 is an all-in-one audio/power management device designed specifically for mobile phones to maximize battery life and boost system performance. A highly integrated power management/audio codec device, the TWL4030 combines TI's SmartReflex(TM)-compliant voltage regulators and converters, a high-fidelity audio/voice codec, class-AB/D audio amplifiers, high-speed USB 2.0 OTG transceiver, and battery charger circuitry and much more into a single chip that not only significantly reduces board space, but also system cost. To further reduce power consumption, the OMAP2430 uses TI's SmartReflex technologies, which are designed to solve mobile phone power and performance management challenges at smaller silicon process nodes, enabling manufacturers to offer sleeker, multimedia mobile devices with long battery life and less heat dissipation.

The OMAP2430 processor was built to include a high level of security with TI's M-Shield(TM) security technology, which protects high-value multimedia and gaming content against unauthorized usage, and enables secure mobile transactions such as ticketing, banking, brokering and shopping. M-Shield technology, the OMAP2430 processor's advanced hardware and software security framework, enables new value-added services and increased terminal security, allowing operators, content providers and manufacturers to secure sensitive assets and usage rights, protecting against revenue loss. Features include: secure flashing and booting so that only authorized software can be loaded on the handset; terminal identity protection that makes stolen phones useless; and network lock protection that prevents users from arbitrarily switching networks on the Web. TI's OMAP Ecosystem - Software, Applications and Support

Like all of TI's OMAP processors, the OMAP2430 processor is supported by the OMAP Ecosystem, which is comprised of the OMAP Developers Network, a worldwide network of third-party software and hardware developers, as well as systems integrators and development tool providers. The OMAP2430 processor has been designed to support all major high level operating systems (HLOS), including Linux(R), Symbian OS(TM), and Windows Mobile, enabling manufacturers and mobile operators to differentiate their products through a rich, easy-to- use and customizable user interface, and a robust and flexible application architecture. TI was the first wireless system vendor to offer all major HLOS on mobile phones. As a result, the great majority of smartphones running HLOS are based on the OMAP platform. Availability, Packaging

TI's OMAP2430 application processor is available in sample quantities now, with production scheduled for the third quarter of 2006. The TWL4030 will sample by end of 2005 with production scheduled for third quarter 2006. The OMAP2430 device fully supports package-on-package technology with industry standard memory technology to save board space. For additional information regarding the OMAP2430 processor, please visit http://www.ti.com/omap . Texas Instruments - Making Wireless

TI is the leading manufacturer of wireless semiconductors, delivering the heart of today's wireless technology and building solutions for tomorrow. TI provides a breadth of silicon and software and more than 15 years of wireless systems expertise that spans handsets and base stations for all communications standards, wireless LAN, Bluetooth and Ultra Wideband. TI offers custom to turn-key solutions, including complete chipsets and reference designs, OMAP(TM) application processors, as well as core digital signal processor and analog technologies built on advanced semiconductor processes. Please visit http://www.ti.com/wirelesspressroom for additional information. About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company's businesses include Sensors & Controls, and Educational & Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries.

Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN. More information is located on the World Wide Web at http://www.ti.com Safe Harbor Statement

Statements contained in this news release regarding the growth of the wireless market, TI market penetration and qualification of TI products and other statements of management's beliefs, goals and expectations may be considered forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements. The following factors and the factors discussed in TI's most recent Form 10-K could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements contained in this news release: actual market demand for wireless products and TI semiconductor products specifically, and actual certification test results relating to TI products. TI disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this news release. Trademarks

OMAP, IVA, DaVinci, SmartReflex and M-Shield are trademarks of Texas Instruments. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.