Sandbridge Demos SDR-based Processor In Multimedia Handsets
Flexible baseband processing promises to free handset manufacturers from a wide range of hardware-based design constraints—and to enable wireless operators to easily upgrade network performance and services via simple OTA (over-the-air) updates. The SB3010 paves the way for a powerful new class of multi-mode, multimedia convergent devices that merge the flexibility and performance of PC's with the form and convenience of mobile handhelds.
"A breakthrough development with broad and potentially disruptive implications for the wireless industry," said Will Strauss Principal analyst of Forward Concepts. "Sandbridge has developed a truly innovative DSP architecture that could revolutionize the design of advanced mobile devices by eliminating manufacturer dependence on fixed-function hardware."
The SB3010 platform departs from dedicated baseband hardware by allowing manufacturers to create, test, modify and execute their designs entirely in software. Coupled with intuitive programming tools and a supercomputer class "C" compiler, the SB3010 facilitates swift and easy adaptation to multiplying and evolving standards; emerging network requirements like MIMO; and diverse audio and video formats. The SB3010 also provides manufacturers with a method of differentiating and extending the usability of their designs by streamlining the development and integration of new features and applications.
"The importance of this achievement cannot be overstated," said Guenter Weinberger, Sandbridge President and CEO. "It proves that our solution can provide 100% flexibility for multimode/multimedia wireless handhelds. The advanced functional capacity of this platform has the potential to transform today's humble handset into tomorrow's personal computing device of choice."
The SB3010 baseband processor utilizes Sandbridge's Sandblaster DSPs with an ARM926 to deliver 10 billion MACs of converged DSP performance. The processor can run virtually any radio protocol such as GSM/GPRS, EDGE, W-CDMA, CDMA2000, 1xEV-DO, TD-SCDMA, WiFi and GPS—as well as multimedia formats like MPEG-4 H.264, MP-3, WMA and more. Sandbridge is also developing HSDPA, WiMax and DMB/DVB solutions as an upgrade to the platform and will maintain pace with evolving standards to address the needs of the global wireless marketplace. The SB3010 is also the optimal solution to provision laptops and sub-notebooks with ubiquitous, broadband connectivity via evolving WiFi and WiMax protocols. The SB3010 is currently being sampled to select top-tier manufacturing customers who are developing next generation wireless solutions free of fixed-function hardware ASIC's.
SOURCE: Sandbridge Technologies