Date: 20/02/2011

LTE eNBF reference design from Aricent optimized for Freescale Semiconductor

Aricent has launched its LTE eNodeB reference framework (eNBF), optimized for high-performance processors from Freescale Semiconductor. Aricent is offering this reference design to help Telecom Equipment Manufacturers (TEMs) to speed up development of LTE base stations by using less internal resources.

The Aricent-Freescale reference framework includes Layer 2 and Layer 3 software from Aricent, which is optimized on Freescale's QorIQ P2020 processor and integrated with Layer 1 software on Freescale's MSC8156 DSP platform. Aricent has also planned to develop the reference platform on the recently announced QorIQ Qonverge platform from Freescale to support multiple configurations of femto, pico, micro, and macro networks. The reference framework supports both the Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD) modes of operation on LTE.

"Today, TEMs need to rapidly innovate and deliver a future-proof portfolio of LTE base station products that support multiple protocols, performance requirements, and cell sizes," said Preet Virk, director, Networking Segment at Freescale. "Combining Freescale's comprehensive portfolio of multi-mode processors with future-proof software components from Aricent can help TEMs optimize R&D efficiency and deliver an exceptional product portfolio based on a common, highly-scalable architecture."

"With several LTE rollouts and trials currently in progress, TEMs are seeing the need for a wider range of eNodeB equipment to address the unique requirements of global operators," explains Rakesh Vij, vice president at Aricent. "Aricent is excited to collaborate with Freescale to deliver its proven and compelling software framework on this new range of processors, which helps TEMs accelerate delivery of innovative base stations in this highly competitive and strategic LTE market."