Sophia Systems, an embedded consulting company that based in Japan has been developing the Sandgate 3-P, a hardware reference design for handheld IP (Internet Protocol) phones that able to run on Windows CE, Windows Mobile 6.0, and Linux.

Sandgate 3-P is a device that based on a Marvel PXA310 (“Monahans-LV”) processor, which is running on the clock of 624 MHz. Sandgate 3-P has not been the final device for commercial customer. Instead, it is designed to bring a reference for manufacturers to build similar devices. The first thing that needs to be redesigned is the external form design.

According to Sophia Systems, the supplies of the hardware reference designs will not only a BSP (Board Support Package). However, it is also with tools and optional third-party offerings, such as operating system porting services, middleware, and drivers/driver development. Sophia Systems has tried to make the design of Sandgate 3-P much closer to a final product.

The potential applications for the Sandgate 3-P design that listed by Sophia Systems include:
• Developing or evaluating handheld terminals or IP phones
• Development and evaluation of applications software and middleware
• Research and development of user interface (UI) technology
• Field verification of mobile phones and handheld terminals
• Systems development and verification
• Practical evaluation and demonstrators for handheld terminals aimed at enterprise application

The design of this device is based on Marvell’s 624 MHz PXA310 (Monahans-LV) system-on-chip, which is powered by VGA video acceleration. Marvell has delivered the PXA310 with NAND flash and DDR RAM in a module stacks. The design of Sandgate 3-P also includes 128 MB of RAM and 256 MB of flash that can be expanded via MicroSD slot.

This prototype device includes a 2.2 inches QVGA (640 x 480) color LCD display with 65K colors. It is also integrates a 1.3 MP digital camera. Sophia Systems also integrates many features inside of the Sandgate 3-P, including radio connectivity interface, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and “W-SIM” cards.

W-SIM is a card that has the same fingernail-sized form-factor as the SIMs (Subscriber Identity Modules) used in GSM/GPRS phones. However, they integrate an entire radio baseband subsystem, including antenna. This movement can enable designers to implement cellular radio capabilities inexpensively to all kinds of low-cost consumer electronics devices, apparently including IP phones. Unfortunately, such technology is only available in Japan.

The device also has an additional 3-P I/O includes a mini-AB USB port and IrDA. The design measures 5.7 x 1.9 x 0.9 inches (145 x 48 x 22mm), and weighs 3.9 ounces (110 grams). It uses a 3.7-Volt, 1300mAh battery.