Sequans Introduces Second Chip in New Generation 65nm Mobile WiMAX Chip Family

SQN1220 Features Higher Processing Power for Voice/Data CPEs and Gateways

PARIS & CUPERTINO, Calif. -- June 2, 2009 -- Sequans Communications, the world’s leading WiMAX chipmaker, has introduced the SQN1220, the second chip in its new generation series of 65nm Mobile WiMAX system-on-chip (SOC) solutions. The new chip features a high level of processing power as needed to support combination voice and data applications and targets manufacturers of voice/data CPE and gateways with a solution that eliminates the need for an external CPU or DSP. The first chip in Sequans’ 65nm series, the SQN1210, introduced three months ago, targets mobile applications. Both chips integrate baseband and triple band RF in a single 65nm die in an industry-first achievement that delivers unprecedented high performance, small size, and low cost.

“The SQN1220 provides the additional horsepower needed for CPE and VoIP applications that are currently very high in demand,” said Georges Karam, Sequans CEO. “The SQN1220 is a powerful, low cost solution for these applications, enabling significantly reduced BOM as there is no need for an additional processor. Like the SQN1210, the SQN1220 delivers the highest level of integration yet achieved in WiMAX semiconductors.”

The SQN1220 is based on state-of-the-art 65nm technology and four years of Sequans’ proven field experience. It delivers dramatically reduced power consumption, size and cost over previous generation technology in a tiny 10X10 package. In addition to the extra processing power provided by the embedded network processor to support VoIP and CPE applications, the SQN1220 features Sequans’ patent-pending mimoMAX™ technology that comprises dual transmit channels (2Tx), enabling uplink MIMO, and maximum likelihood MIMO performance for throughput of greater than 40 Mbps with extremely low power consumption. Uplink MIMO can nearly double cell coverage, and the SQN1220’s power consumption is the lowest in the industry at less than 350 mW with fully loaded MIMO traffic.

ODMs adopting Sequans’ new chip technology can take advantage of full reuse of Sequans software, S3MAX, which is the most mature software solution in the industry, based on four years of experience running in virtually all WiMAX deployments worldwide. S3MAX includes the entire 802.16e software stack and drivers for all major operating systems.

“We are pleased to make the SQN1220 available to customers today,” said Karam. “It is the most powerful solution of its kind in the industry today.”

Feature highlights of Sequans SQN1220 SOC for Mobile WiMAX mobile stations

• Integrated network CPU available to support VoIP and networking applications
• 65nm single die, baseband and triple band RF
• supports 2.3-2.4, 2.5-2.7, and 3.3-3.8 GHz bands
• Superior MIMO technology – mimoMAX™
• maximum likelihood MIMO performance
• high throughput > 40 Mbps
• 2Tx for uplink MIMO – only from Sequans
• TDD and H-FDD
• ultra low power consumption
• <350 mW in active mode with fully loaded MIMO traffic
• <0.5 mW in standby mode
• supports H-ARQ, up to category 4
• allows full reuse of Sequans’ prior version S3MAX software
• ready for WiMAX Forum® Certification

About Sequans

Sequans Communications is the leading WiMAX chipmaker. Sequans has products that are WiMAX Forum Certified™ for both fixed and Mobile WiMAX, for both base stations and subscriber stations and Sequans is currently powering more than half of the WiMAX Forum Certified™ Mobile WiMAX (MIMO) devices now coming to market. Sequans offers equipment manufacturers the most complete and powerful semiconductor solutions available today, enabling them to build the widest range of high performing WiMAX network components: femto, pico, micro and multi-sector macro base stations, outdoor and indoor subscriber terminals, home gateways, and all types of mobile devices. Sequans is ISO 9001-2008 certified. www.sequans.com