FPGA enables 4G smartphone

The Signal+ technology in Huawei’s P8 uses the iCE40 LM FPGA to automatically optimise 4G reception for multiple RF conditions. The resulting antenna solution is 80 times faster than other options, providing reception quality that is 40% better than Huawei’s competitors in the poorly covered or congested RF environments frequently found in both high-density cities and rural areas with limited reception.

Huawei put considerable effort into designing the P8’s attractive one-piece aluminium body, and the Lattice tunable antenna controller helps it achieve optimal RF performance and overcome the inherent RF quality issues of metal casings. The iCE40 LM device performs as the bridge between the Kirin 930 application processor and tuner integrated circuit to minimise latency during an antenna switch, also saving system power.

“We designed the iCE40 LM to provide our partners ultimate flexibility when designing consumer devices where space is at a premium,” said Subra Chandramouli, Director of Marketing, Lattice. “Huawei shows that users do not have to sacrifice functionality when choosing a beautiful device.”