The Promise Of The Single-Processor Cellular Modem

StarCore's Technology Delivers on the Promise of the Single-Processor Cellular Modem

The much heralded concept of creating a single-processor cellular modem has now become reality. TTPCom's newly announced single-processor modem reference design, implemented on a StarCore processor will be demonstrated at 3GSM in Cannes, France, February 23 - 26 in both the TTPCom and StarCore(TM) booths. The business models of each company provide handset manufacturers and semiconductor suppliers easy access to the technologies to accelerate adoption.

The wireless handset industry has reached a new milestone with the availability of a single-processor modem reference platform. The cellular modem reference platform was developed on StarCore technology by TTPCom Ltd. (LSE: TTC), the world's leading independent supplier of technology for digital wireless communications.

Until now, the communication engine of cellular communication chips was split between a Microcontroller (MCU) that ran the protocol stack and a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) dedicated to signal processing functions. TTPCom's latest version of their proven Cellular Baseband Engine (CBE 2000) combines both DSP and MCU functions on a single processor, resulting in a greatly simplified programming model, thanks to the elimination of the overhead associated with communication between the DSP and the MCU.

This provides a much more flexible way to partition tasks for easier maintenance and higher programming efficiency. StarCore's VLES (variable- length execution set) technology, which combines high signal processing performance with microcontroller-like code density, is a key factor in achieving the necessary high levels of integration. Thanks to StarCore's compiler-friendly architecture, software developers can develop both signal processing and control code entirely in C and compile it into a seamlessly integrated application.

Julian Hildersley, Managing Director of TTPCom's Silicon Business Unit commented: "The single processor modem is targeted at a new breed of high performance processors. The StarCore architecture provides the right combination of performance, code density, and efficiency required in such an implementation. With StarCore's code compatible roadmap, our customers who choose to base their designs on the StarCore processor should find they can continue to meet the demanding requirements of future communication standards."

"TTPCom's endorsement of StarCore confirms that our architecture exceeds the stringent requirements of leading cellular solution providers," stated Tom Lantzsch, StarCore LLC CEO. "Handset manufacturers and semiconductor companies are constantly challenged to design reliable communication engines at lower cost, while providing new applications for consumers. The general approach until now has been to build communication engines with multiple processors and proprietary software stacks. Today we are announcing an innovation that demonstrates a new system architecture complemented with an open business model. Customers can now license a reference modem design that encompasses both the software and the hardware components of the single- processor modem solution from TTPCom, whilst obtaining a suitable processor solution from StarCore. This milestone is part of our strategic roadmap to bring value to high-volume applications and accelerate the adoption of the StarCore architecture."

Philippe Bettler, Manager of strategic alliances added: "The efficiency of the StarCore SC1200 and SC1400 processor cores provides performance headroom to integrate additional communication engines or novel applications. This is a natural solution for the increasing requirements of newer generations of handsets." About StarCore LLC Based in Austin, Texas, StarCore LLC is a leader in the development of high-performance processor architectures, cores and intellectual property building blocks for the communications and consumer electronics industries. For more information on StarCore LLC and its intellectual property and services, visit the company's website at http://www.starcore-dsp.com . Media Contact StarCore LLC Allen Hyman +1 512-682-8558 PR@starcore-dsp.com

SOURCE: StarCore LLC

CONTACT: Allen Hyman of StarCore LLC, +1-512-682-8558, or PR@starcore-dsp.com

Web site: http://www.starcore-dsp.com http://www.3gsmworldcongress.com/congress

Released: Friday, January 23 2004 - 06:45

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