PCSI Develops Highly Integrated Chip Set for pACT Technology

Strategic Insights -

PCSI, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cirrus Logic Inc., is developing a highly integrated chip set for use in personal air communications technology (pACT) systems. The pACT technology, co-developed by AT&T Wireless Services Inc., PCSI, and others, is a narrowband PCS technology operating in the 900 MHz band, capable of addressing various digital applications such as telemetry, electronic calendar updates, personal home security, and more. The chip set, consisting of two baseband chips and an RF chip, aims to minimize system cost and power consumption, making it suitable for use in portable devices like pagers and PC Cards.

Key Takeaways:

  • PCSI is developing a highly integrated chip set for pACT systems, a narrowband PCS technology operating in the 900 MHz band.
  • The chip set will consist of two baseband chips and an RF chip, minimizing system cost and power consumption.
  • The pACT technology is capable of addressing various digital applications such as telemetry, electronic calendar updates, personal home security, and more.
  • The chip set's low power consumption and small footprint make it well-suited for use in portable devices like pagers and PC Cards.
  • PCSI's strong presence in wireless data systems design, combined with Cirrus Logic's expertise in supplying high-volume semiconductors, positions them to address the emerging market opportunity.
  • The pACT chip set aims to meet the needs of manufacturers and developers planning to provide nationwide next-generation paging products and applications.
  • PCSI is a recognized leader in wireless computing technologies such as Japan's Personal Handyphone System (PHS) and Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD).
  • PCSI is the world's leading supplier of infrastructure and end-user products supporting CDPD, holding the ISO 9001 Quality System Certification.

Statistics:

  • 900 MHz: the frequency band in which the pACT technology operates.
  • Two baseband chips: the number of baseband chips included in the chip set.
  • One: the number of baseband chip that includes an embedded microcontroller as well as other peripheral functions.
  • One: the number of baseband chip that is a modem chip for modulation/demodulation.
  • 2: the number of RF chips in the chip set.
  • Millions: the estimated number of consumers who will be able to use the next generation of paging.

Sources:

  • "PCSI develops highly integrated chip set for pACT technology," Business Wire, October 27, 1995.
  • "AT&T Wireless Services Inc. and PCSI Co-Develop Narrowband PCS Technology," AT&T Wireless Services Inc. Press Release.
  • PCSI, "About PCSI," accessed October 27, 1995, http://www.pcsi.com.