Existing 2.5G or 3G network cells usually have more download data traffic than upload traffic. As a result, base-station transmitters must work harder. They also need more power to support quality-of-service demands. Until recently, adding base-station cells seemed like the answer to this problem. Now, Innovics Wireless (www.innovicswireless.com) has licensed ARM's (www.arm.com) ARM922T microprocessor core for use in its baseband signal processors (see figure). These processors are predicted to increase the capacity of wireless-network cells by two to four times.
The company will use the ARM922T core as the platform around which it builds its baseband solutions. It is concentrating on developing solutions for 2.5G and 3G terminals. As the industry encompasses more data-intensive services, the networks will be straining to meet larger demands. Satisfying these needs is not the job of the base stations alone.
Innovics Wireless' Diversity Processing technology promises to help alleviate both power and quality-of-service problems. Using two antennas, its technology-enabled wireless terminals combine two sets of data signals. They promise to get the best possible signal, which enables faster processing at the terminal. This approach requires no modifications to the base station or network infrastructure.
The key to these baseband devices is their power and performance sensitivity. With its low power and high-performance, the ARM922T core easily fits into Innovics Wireless' development vision. The company also will benefit from the ARM Foundry Program.