5Gbps microwave backhaul solution optimises 4G networks

Scalable to meet individual link capacity requirements between cell sites and the core network, the solutions enable mobile operators to maximise throughput capacity and spectrum efficiency with the most cost-effective FPGA and mixed-signal solution. Escape's backhaul modem IP is currently optimised for use on Altera Cyclone V, Arria V, and Arria V SoC FPGAs operating at bandwidths of up to 1GHz (a link operating at 1GHz can provide in excess of 5Gbps throughput) and modulation types from QPSK to 4096 QAM. Altera and Escape are optimising the modem IP cores for use on Altera's next-generation Arria 10 FPGAs and SoCs, which offer a balance of high-performance and low-power capabilities suited for wireless base stations, mobile backhaul and remote radio head designs.

In combination with Altera's carrier-grade Ethernet switch IP, the solution accelerates the performance of traditional microwave backhaul architectures, enabling robust Quality-of-Service switch operation with adaptive coding and modulation. It also offers several LTE Advanced features, including carrier aggregation and support for frequency and timing synchronisation (IEEE 1588v2) compliance.

Scott Bibaud, Senior Vice President, Communications and Broadcast business, Altera, commented: "As deployment of 4G networks heightens the need for capacity, our microwave backhaul solution is positioned to help operators meet the increasing bandwidth demands of current and future networks. With Altera's silicon and Ethernet IP and Escape's field-proven core modem IP, equipment makers can achieve product differentiation and feature agility."

"We're providing mobile equipment makers with a baseband solution offering a complete field-proven software stack, market-leading modem features, performance, and carrying capacities at the lowest total cost of ownership. Our solution has ASSP-like power consumption, but unlike ASSPs, our solution is field-upgradable so our customers can continue to innovate and compete on features, not just price," comments Michael Stewart, CEO and founder of Escape Communications.

The tested and field-proven microwave backhaul modem solution is now available for customer evaluation and is offered as a turnkey hardware and software solution.