/>
The PC20xx-10 devices are based on the same proven multi-core picoArray architecture as existing PC20x products, but with a larger array of processors, whilst retaining full code compatibility. The picoChip picoArray has been demonstrated in independent benchmarks to deliver a 40-fold advantage in price-performance, and eight-times higher absolute performance, compared with traditional DSPs.



The performance uplift in the PC20x-10 devices is achieved not by traditional clock speed increases or by shrinking the semiconductor manufacturing technology employed: instead the multi-core nature of the picoArray is used to increase the number of processor elements in the devices from 248 to 273. This strategy also increases memory size by eight per cent, giving designers more scope to implement value-added functionality as well as to create and enhance robust turnkey solutions. Because clock rate does not change, the new devices are fully code-compatible; software written for the smaller chips can immediately run on the new devices.



The extra processing headroom of the PC2xx-10 devices gives OEMs significantly more flexibility in creating 3G, WiMAX and 4G wireless products. For example, complex multi-sector cellular basestations can be realized using fewer chips; femtocells can include new features or custom functionality; and premium products can be equipped with enhanced features. The PC205-10 is at the heart of picoChip’s single-chip WiMAX solution, the industry’s only offering capable of delivering true IO-MIMO – a critical requirement of mobile WiMAX.



Doug Pulley, CTO and co-founder at picoChip said: “The PC20x-10 devices represent a vital step in the evolution of the picoChip product offering. The PC20x family is the market leader, and for most applications we see today provides more than enough processing power. However, we see some customers pushing the boundaries in design innovation and that’s where the PC20x-10s will really come into their own. An attraction of our multi-core architecture is how easy it is to scale the array to suit the needs of the problem: smaller for lower price or bigger, as here, for higher performance.”



Launched in 2006, the PC20x series of cost-effective multi-core DSP chips for next-generation wireless broke the $1/GMAC barrier. Amongst other applications they have become the industry-leading femtocell solutions and the de facto standard for WiMAX PHY implementations. All three basic variants in the series are suited to complete software radio systems, and full reference designs are available for WiMAX (both 16d and 16e) and WCDMA (including HSDPA, with upgrade to HSUPA).