PMC-Sierra expands WiMAX RF IC solutions

WiMAX is fast emerging as a technology of choice for broadband access in developing economies and greenfields such as India, Russia, Latin America, and the Middle East. However, the lack of global spectrum policy has led to a fragmented spectrum and added complexity for system vendors and carriers. For example, the Government of India recently announced its policy and guidelines for a WiMAX spectrum, establishing plans for an auction in the 2.3 GHz and 2.5GHz bands for broadband wireless data services and provisions for future auctions of the 700MHz and 3.3-3.6GHz bands when available. In addition, the existing 2.7-2.9GHz spectrum is being selected for WiMAX services. Indian carriers planning WiMAX deployments will require cost-effective and future-proof solutions with spectrum flexibility.

OEMs can leverage the PMC-Sierra WiZIRD family’s multi-band support to enable an ecosystem of WiMAX equipment for broadband coverage in global markets, reducing cost and time-to-market. OEMs can further enhance return on investment by aggregating volume over different frequency bands and applications through common bill of materials (BOM). A multi-band design also addresses future demand for roaming-ready NIC applications.

“PMC-Sierra has long-standing relationships with telecom equipment providers and carriers, and they have identified that one of their biggest concerns is reach,” said Tom Sun, vice president and general manager for PMC-Sierra’s Broadband Wireless Division. “PMC-Sierra has made great efforts in driving RF IC innovations that extend the reach and reliability of wireless links to enable high-performance WiMAX equipment.”

“With their new range of WiMAX 802.16e (Rev-e) radio frequency solutions, PMC-Sierra confirms that they are major partners of Alcatel-Lucent’s Open CPE Program,” said Karim El Naggar, Vice President and head of Alcatel-Lucent’s WiMAX activities. “Their capability to design multi-band devices will further accelerate the availability of WiMAX solutions for diverse WiMAX markets, and in particular 700MHz solutions for new applications and developing economies. Alcatel-Lucent is the world’s leading provider of innovative WiMAX and wireless broadband network solutions,” he continued.

PMC-Sierra’s WiZIRD family features the industry’s highest density WiMAX RF IC solutions, integrating conversion ZIF RF transceiver, analog and digital converters, and an industry-standard JEDEC JESD207 compliant baseband digital interface. The devices use an innovative harmonic cancelling technique to achieve extremely linear output at high power levels and deliver up to 64QAM modulation for Tx paths at 0dBm output power level with an EVM rating that addresses a complete spectrum of WiMAX solutions, from base station applications to mobile subscriber solutions. The devices feature: