DesignArt’s Open, Multi-Protocol SoC Platforms - for LTE, WiMAX and HSPA Solutions

 In order to build a multi-gigabit 4G radio access network with pervasively available in- and outdoor capacity, the architecture of the radio access network (RAN) must evolve – broader 4G channels are needed in conjunction with complex signal processing techniques, requiring higher RF output power and a dramatic increase in base station processing power. Amidst all that more base stations will be required, which now need to be more compact and consume less power. DesignArt Networks’ open SoC platforms address these and many other critical requirements, right at the foundation – at the silicon level – eliminating the roadblocks to 4G.

 DesignArt Networks’ patented SoC architecture integrates four essential RAN processing layers into an extremely high performant SoC:

• Service & Network Control Layer
• Media Access & Data Path - MAC
• Physical Access Layer & Signal Processing - PHY
• Digital Front-End & Signal Processing - DFE

 Also part of this multi-layer, multi-core SoC architecture is the assistance of fully programmable dedicated multi-core HW acceleration processors on all layers, delivering unparalleled end-to-end capacity and an absolute minimum in latency. To the benefit of equipment vendors this provides a fully SW-defined development platform with massive processing power and future-proof performance – delivering a software-centric, single-SoC development framework suitable for virtually any product targeting the mobile RAN infrastructure.

 The use of customized DSP and RISC processing cores, combined with a generous support of dedicated HW acceleration, generates unprecedented SoC performance, but it also allows a net reduction in the number of layer-specific processing cores. This leads to several key SoC and end-system characteristics, beneficial for vendors and operators alike:

• Extremely high system performance, very low latency
• Fully SW-defined products, with future-proof spare processing power
• Very efficient system programming model, lower system SW complexity
• Order-of-magnitude reduction in SoC power consumption
• Several orders-of-magnitude in SoC-based system power consumption

 Long-term benefits for operators are equally impressive.  Above mentioned multi-core HW acceleration capability is a mandatory ingredient for the support of concurrent GSM, HSPA, WiMAX and/or LTE services operation - at the full performance level of a multi-sector macro base station. Thus, even ultra-compact, single-box base station and relay products based on DesignArt's SoC platforms offer a seamless multi-protocol evolution path. This ensures both future-proof and backwards compatible in-field service upgradability for operators - all the way to full 4G, for example LTE Advanced.

 Service & Network Control Layer

 Mobile equipment vendors have built up extensive software assets and IP on multi-protocol Service & Network Control layers – hardened in field trials and years of service operation. Allowing the seamless transition of these software assets, while scaling down cost, size, and power consumption of any type of equipment, is a key concern of DesignArt – facilitated by a powerful, open multi-core CPU layer.

 Media Access & Data Path - MAC

 The MAC layer separates into distinct functional domains, real-time data path and media access control processing – with the latter served on the multi-core CPU layer. DAN SoC platforms also provide a powerful multi-core network processing layer, including high-capacity multi-protocol security engines. Integration of the real-time data path includes all frame processing, traffic management and packet forwarding, reducing data latency and control plane processing power requirements.

 Physical Access Layer & Signal Processing - PHY

 Ultra-compact micro and picocell base stations must be considered “carrier-grade RAN infrastructure” – especially when deployed in greater numbers! Hence, in-field software-upgradability and concurrent multi-protocol PHY operation are mandatory requirements for single-box RAN equipment. DAN SoCs provide a multi-core PHY pipeline, matched up with dedicated multi-protocol HW acceleration, capable of supporting the concurrent operation of multiple mobile access and backhaul technologies at the full performance level of macro base stations.

 Digital Front-End & Signal Processing - DFE

 Wireless technology has reached a limit – substantial capacity increases can really only be achieved with the use of wider channels, in turn requiring higher PA output power to maintain maximum cell size. For wide-channel 4G deployments MIMO, beam forming and signal linearization techniques are key requirements for all types of outdoor base stations, even for compact picocells, lowering the number of costly deployment sites. DAN SoCs provide massive DFE signal processing capacity, combined with a flexible and fully programmable multi-core HW acceleration layer. This allows the fully embedded SW implementation (and in-field SW upgrade) of multi-carrier, multi-protocol linearization techniques, such as digital pre-distortion or crest factor reduction, capable of maximizing PA efficiency and thus reducing input power and heat dissipation.