Date: 20/10/2010

New baseband processors from picoChip for LTE small cell systems

At the 4G World in Chicago, picoChip has unveiled the PC500, a baseband processor for its customers working on LTE small cell systems. The processor is code-compatible with the picoChip's PC960x µTCA-based development system.

picoChip says PC500 provides a low-risk platform for carrier-class enterprise and metro femtocell products. All of picoChip's LTE solutions support both FDD and TDD modes of operation and a wide range of industry standard frequency bands.

"Small cells are vital for the success of LTE," said Rupert Baines, VP of Marketing at picoChip. "But the traditional development model won't cut the mustard for these products. With the PC960x we have given our customers a year's head-start in system development. The PC500 extends this advantage. It is compatible not only with our proven LTE solution, but also with our market-leading HSPA+ and WiMAX products, and partner 2G offerings. As a result it offers both a smooth migration path and unmatched integration potential, paving the way to dual (LTE and HSPA+) and even multi-mode systems in the future."

The PC500 uses picoChip's multi-core signal processing technology (the picoArray) to deliver the physical layer (PHY), lower MAC and cryptographic features required for LTE. In terms of sheer processing power it is one of the highest performing DSP devices on the market, delivering 105GMACS and nearly 800GIPS. The programmable system is upgradeable to support interoperability, changes in standards or manufacturer-specific features, claims picoChip.

picoChip quotes recent research by the Yankee group which says 65 percent of carriers expect to build at least some of their LTE coverage using femtocells 'from the bottom up' from late 2012. Applications will include both zones of outdoor femtocells, and building out macro and femto basestations in parallel, to achieve the most flexible and optimized coverage.

Availability of this chip: Q1 2011.