Microelectronics in mobile communications: a key enabler

Mobile communications have grown beyond expectations since the beginning of the 1990s, mostly due to the introduction of second-generation (2G) digital solutions for mobile systems. Since the introduction of the first digital cellular networks in 1992, more than 250 million terminals have been sold. Europe has taken a leading position with products based on the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), which represent more than 60% of the 2G cellular equipment market. Of the top five GSM manufacturers, four are European companies: Nokia (Finland), Ericsson (Sweden), Alcatel (France), and Siemens (Germany). Massive manufacturer investments have resulted in low-cost solutions and the success of GSM. This article traces the evolution of 2G cellular terminals and discusses the GSM terminal architectures and technologies, showing the key role of microelectronics. We also discuss the challenges facing microelectronics in 3G systems such as the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and wideband code division multiple access (CDMA), both to be introduced early in the next century. The European Community has consistently supported initiatives in the telecommunications domain. In particular, several ongoing MEDEA projects are associated with new developments in mobile communications