Carrier-Grade Software, Tools Speed WiMAX Development

Texas Instruments’ WiMAX Forum-compliant IEEE 802.16e Wave 2 software and development tools platform can help OEMs get their systems up and running quickly. The carrier-class nature of the software provides the most up-to-date WiMAX standards-based features that service providers demand, according to TI. The software library allows OEMs to customize their system architecture based on their specific needs. The library provides a robust set of building blocks for developing a Wave 2 system that can enhance a base station’s range, throughput, or both. The library focuses on multi-antenna systems with MIMO and beam-forming algorithms. Whether the solution targets a dense urban setting or a rural emerging market, OEMs can leverage the same development platform for their entire WiMAX portfolio, reducing development and production time.

The development tool platform contains an evaluation module (EVM) with a quick connect to the MAC layer for complete system testing. This RapidIO-enabled, AMC form-factor EVM enables complete system integration when used in conjunction with other AMC cards and RapidIO enabled devices. The EVM features TI’s high performance, multicore TCI6487 digital signal processor. Manufactured in a 65 nm process, this 3-GHz single-chip baseband processor can support a complete 10-MHz, two-antenna, three-sector solution, improving overall cost and power per channel. The 3 Mbits of on-chip memory keeps the cores supplied with data during operation. High-speed peripherals, including Gigabit Ethernet and two lanes of RapidIO (SRIO), keep data moving throughout the system. The fully programmable DSP cores allow software modifications for future algorithm enhancements and customization.