NXP To Demonstrate Programmable Multi-Mode LTE Modem

Eindhoven, The Netherlands -- NXP Semiconductors, the independent semiconductor company founded by Philips, announced it will demonstrate it's first LTE/HSPA/UMTS/EDGE/GPRS/GSM multi-mode baseband platform which forms the basis of a next-generation Software Defined Radio (SDR) system solution at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Powered by NXP's Embedded Vector Processor (EVP), a new Digital Signal Processing core, the solution is capable of achieving data transfer rates of 150 Mbits downlink and 50 Mbits uplink and supports multi-mode capability to cope with evolving mobile standards, particularly challenging for the next generation of mobile terminal manufacturers.

The differentiating value of the EVP-based modem architecture is the ability to support multi-standard baseband processing with negligible area and power penalties – a breakthrough from previous generations of baseband architectures.

Though the specifications for LTE are being finalized, NXP is able implement preliminary specifications today and update the multi-mode baseband as the standard evolves. Critical to this approach is the implementation of the highly-parallel EVP to provide the computational resources for demanding MIMO and OFDM modem functionality. This software programmable platform will enable OEMs to develop their next-generation products quickly with on-the-fly changes to the core behavior of the modem during the critical ramp-up phase of the technology, enabling faster time to market and better performance.

"This is the first cellular system solution to use NXP's breakthrough EVP technology to support the entire GSM family of standards, right through to LTE," said Marc Cetto, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Business Unit Mobile & Personal, NXP Semiconductors. "The solution is fully compliant to the current draft of the 3GPP R8 standard, and was defined in close partnership with global operators, OEMs and infrastructure vendors. Using a software-defined radio approach, we can create silicon and system platforms that evolve as quickly as the industry does."

NXP has selected the first implementation of a multi-mode baseband processor to address the LTE market as it represents the exciting future of next-generation broadband mobility for consumers. "NXP has fully committed to the Long-Term Evolution of the 3GPP roadmap and is investing significantly in standardization and industry-wide cooperation to realize the vision of a connected-everywhere future," remarked Cetto.

LTE customers will benefit from an enhanced user experience as next-generation devices deliver ultra-fast Internet browsing, streaming video services, multi-player gaming and even full length HDTV films. "LTE will usher in a new era of mobile connectivity, and provide consumers with the services and experiences they are used to from the Internet, while they are on-the-go. Multimedia content sharing and Web 2.0 services will be the drivers for next-generation handsets and a new breed of connected consumer electronics," according to Mr. Cetto. This technological breakthrough is targeting not only the handset market, but will also be optimized for next generation laptops, Internet tablets and a new breed of ultra-mobile PCs (UMPC).

SOURCE: NXP Semiconductors