Freescale DSP enables highly flexible ZTE multi-standard wireless base stations

AUSTIN, USA: ZTE Corp., a leading global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, has selected Freescale Semiconductor’s six-core MSC8156 digital signal processor (DSP) to power a flexible baseband platform for its software definable radio (SDR) base stations.

Using the highly programmable Freescale DSP, ZTE can develop wireless base stations capable of supporting a range of wireless standards including 3G-LTE,TD-SCDMA, WiMAX and WCDMA.

ZTE is a worldwide pioneer in deploying SDR base stations, which can be upgraded from 3G to 4G standards with a simple software update. SDR-based solutions dramatically simplify wireless network evolution and provide a solid foundation for multi-mode wireless networks. Highly programmable DSPs that support SDR help wireless carriers lower capital investments and enable seamless network evolution.

“This design win continues the successful track record that ZTE and Freescale have established in collaborating to create world-class wireless infrastructure solutions,” said Dr. Lisa Su, senior VP and GM of Freescale’s Networking & Multimedia Group. “As the demand continues to grow worldwide for additional bandwidth, Freescale is pleased to work with ZTE to create industry-leading multi-standard 3G/4G solutions.”

In addition to exceptional programmability, Freescale’s flagship MSC8156 DSP also offers ZTE outstanding computational performance. The DSP core technology that powers the MSC8156 product recently garnered top benchmark results from independent signal-processing technology analysis firm Berkeley Design Technology Inc. (BDTI). Freescale’s SC3850 core earned the highest fixed-point BDTImark2000™ score of any DSP architecture tested by BDTI to date.

“Freescale’s multi-standard technology helps us deliver true SDR base station solutions that lower total cost of ownership and ease network upgrades for the industry’s top wireless carriers,” said Zhao Xian Ming, senior VP of ZTE. “Leveraging Freescale technology means our customers can be assured that ZTE equipment is powered by some of the most advanced silicon in the world.”