Local tech in FMC phones

When telephone users in the UK and France use the next-generation mobile handsets, leveraging the fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) technology, they may not know that the handsets have a Bangalore tag on them.

FMC technology enables users to switch at will "� from the default cellular network to a wireless connection (wi-fi hotspot) at office or a Bluetooth-equipped personal computer with broadband internet connection (Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP) or a small base station at home. In a nutshell, the mobile handset will have a common telephone number for residence, office and cellular service.

Over the last couple of years, Bangalore has emerged as the hub of high end R&D work. Joining the list of companies that work on innovative chip design in Bangalore is the UK-based Cambridge Silicon Radio (CSR), which provides Bluetooth technology to mobile phone handset manufacturers. It has pioneered the FMC technology, which is gaining acceptance worldwide.

Much of the software for the chip that enables the seamless switch came from Indian engineers at CSR's Bangalore development centre.

"Cheaper calls, unified fixed and mobile service with one phone, one number and one bill is what makes FMC not only attractive but also reliable as it provides wider efficient coverage. This technology will make local and long distance calls even cheaper than what they are today," contends CSR India General Manager Mickey Nasiri.

On the software developed for the chip in India, Nasiri felt that the local engineers' contribution is significant. "It is a high end design work and the fact that it is done in India reflects our commitment to this country," he says.

Commenting on the increasing high end chip design work, India Semiconductor Association president Poornima Shenoy said: "This is a very significant trend. Embedded software is increasingly the lifeline and differentiator for silicon (and hence the systems). Bluetooth is in its revival "� mainly due to the resurgence of consumer goods and automotive. Hence,

India has an important role to play in 're-establishing' this technology."

She said: "CSR, one of the pioneers in this domain, having India as a key player for this product line, is in continuation of the similar trends already in vogue."