Longtime Linux VoIP stack vendor HelloSoft is shipping a VoWiFi (voice-over WiFi) phone turnkey reference design with a claimed talk time of 15 to 20 hours. Integrating the company's low-power, ARM-based HS100 IP Convergence Processor, the design ships with a Linux BSP, says the vendor.

Claimed to have the lowest bill of materials of any WiFi phone on the market, the design is aimed at wireless media phones, audio devices, low-power security devices, and other applications, says HelloSoft, which introduced its first Linux VoIP reference design back in 2003. The new design incorporates HelloSoft's own 360MHz ARM HS100 IP Convergence Processor, which integrates peripherals and interfaces required for 2G/3G/4G (LTE/WiMAX) connectivity, says the company. Designed primarily for low-cost, power-efficient VoWiFi and multi-mode handsets, the UMA-compatible processor includes HelloSoft's SmartWLAN technology, which is said to be based on patented cross-layer optimization and power management technology.

The 1.6 x 3.9-inch (40 x 100mm) VoWiFi design includes antenna diversity, a 27-key keypad, and a two-inch RGB LCD, says HelloSoft. It offers an undisclosed supply of onboard SDRAM, as well as an SDIO card reader, and USB host and slave interfaces. The design is said to support 802.11 a/b/g WiFi modes.

A Linux BSP and optional Android support

The reference design ships with a Linux BSP (board support package), and offers optional support for Android, says the company. The phone includes a demonstration GUI application, complete with phonebook, contact list, call history, and three-way calling apps. Supported features include “ultra-wideband” speech, hardware security for IPSec/VPN or SRTP, and optional support for music and video playback.

Meanwhile, supplied drivers are said to include USB, SDIO, I2S, I2C, LCD, and the keypad. The mobile software includes HelloSoft's mature VoIP stack, which offers SIP and QoS support, says the company.

Stated Allan Johnson, VP of marketing and business development for HelloSoft, “The HS100-based VoWiFi reference design has been field-tested by a leading operator and proven to achieve unrivaled battery life of greater than 15 hours. The reference design provides superior range, call quality, and user experience.”

Availability

The HelloSoft VoWiFi reference design appears to be available now at an undisclosed price.

 
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