Product category: Embedded Software and Operating Systems
News Release from: TTPCom | Subject: CBE
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial Team on 22 January 2004

Cellular modem runs
on single processor core

A new cellular modem reference design can be implemented on a single processor

Integration of the complete modem, from protocol stack to RF drivers, on one processor, frees up the second processor completely for hosting applications or open operating systems. This approach has significant benefits for the evolution of mobile devices, including reduced time to market for modem, application and handset developments; a lower bill of material; smaller product size and the ability to add wireless capability to a much wider range of devices.

Traditionally, cellular modem chips have been designed around two separate processors: a microcontroller unit (MCU) in which protocol and application software coexist, and a digital signal processor (DSP) for the signal processing functions.

However, with the recent development of more powerful processor cores TTPCom has added an option to its proven Cellular Baseband Engine (CBE) that enables the entire cellular modem to run on the DSP.

The consequent separation of the modem and application environments simplifies handset design, enables much faster integration of the sophisticated services that are a feature of the modern mobile device, and removes bottlenecks by enabling the modem and the applications environments to evolve separately.

Julian Hildersley, Managing Director of TTPCom's Silicon Business Unit commented: "The entire wireless industry stands to benefit from the development of a single processor modem: for semiconductor vendors the simplified architecture shortens modem time to market; for handset manufacturers easier integration of new applications enables them to launch new products faster; the network operators benefit from the early deployment of new revenue-generating services and the user will gain from a wider choice of exciting devices".

He added: "In future we'll see the modem and applications roadmaps proceeding in parallel but at different rates.

This is already a key issue for both silicon and handset developers and is set to become more significant as handset functionality evolves, particularly with the importance of open operating systems".

Frazer Bennett, Sales Director, Silicon Business Unit, commented: "TTPCom has been providing silicon developers with wireless hardware and software IP for more than a decade.

Our single processor modem builds on this experience - we have rethought the modem architecture and the result is a design that will improve our customers' products considerably.

The design is already being built into our customers' chips today".

TTPCom will demonstrate its single processor reference implementation at 3GSM World Congress 2004 in Cannes.

TTPCom has worked closely with StarCore during this project to implement the CBE onto StarCore's SC1400 core to provide a fully functional demonstration.

"We are pleased that TTPCom selected StarCore technology for their reference design", said Alex Bedarida, VP Marketing and Sales at StarCore.

"This is an eminent example of how software developers are taking advantage of the superior code density and processing efficiency of our SC1200 and SC1400 processor cores to combine control and signal processing functions in one low-cost processor.

Furthermore, clever use of the C compiler enables them to promptly respond to customer needs and market changes.

TTPCom's choice validates StarCore's leadership in the single-core wireless modem space".

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