TTPCom Begins Interoperability Testing with Single Processor based EDGE Modem

March 22, 2004 - TTPCom Ltd, the world’s leading independent supplier of digital wireless technology, today announces that it has started Interoperability Testing with its Single Processor based EDGE modem design. The single processor configuration of TTPCom’s proven Cellular Baseband Engine (CBE) includes the complete modem from RF drivers to protocol stack software (GSM, GPRS and EDGE) on the Digital Signal Processor (DSP). The utilisation of a single processor enables handset manufacturers to use the second processor for applications or open operating systems, whilst minimising silicon count and the bill of materials.

Julian Hildersley, Managing Director of TTPCom’s Silicon Business Unit commented, “The commencement of EDGE Interoperability Testing is a significant step forward for our single processor architecture. It means that silicon and handset manufacturers will soon be able to mass produce EDGE capable feature phones, Smartphones and PDA’s with lower costs, smaller form factor and increased capabilities, all within a shorter time frame.” He added, “As the market for EDGE devices grows there will be significant interest in developing applications that enable end users to make use of the higher bandwidth. Separating the modem functionality from the applications enables this fast moving evolution and innovation to take place, without impacting on the performance and reliability of the cellular modem.”

TTPCom will be demonstrating its Single Processor architecture on booth 1816 at CTIA wireless in Atlanta, Georgia from 22 to 24 March; and on booth 532 at electronicaUSA in San Francisco, California from 29 March to 1 April.

TTPCom’s Cellular Baseband Engine (CBE)
TTPCom's CBE is a scalable and portable cellular modem design, with an aggressive roadmap meeting the future needs of the cellular handset market. Designed to be processor independent, the latest version of CBE; CBE 2000 allows any combination of GSM, GPRS, E-GPRS and W-CDMA to be deployed in an optimal way on any of the leading DSP and MCU processor cores available today.

The CBE 2000 architecture supports implementation on both dual and single processor modem configurations, whilst also enabling applications and modem functionality to be cleanly separated. The modular design approach means that even the device management and audio functions, including speech codecs, can be executed either directly within the modem or on a separate applications processor.

In addition to freeing up the second processor for full use by applications, integrating the complete modem functionality on one processor allows the use of a single unified memory system, which in turn provides a saving in silicon overhead when compared with more traditional modem designs.

The fully featured CBE 2000 platform provides all the necessary infrastructure for a cellular modem, together with several optional features, including: Advanced ciphering (A5/3 & GEA3) support, Enhanced handset IMEI and SIMLock security and Digital radio interface.