Technology Trends

In this and earlier chapters we have seen the need for a dramatic increase in baseband
processing capability in the 3G standards. Even a minimum-feature entry-level handset
or Node B requires several orders more digital processing than has been seen in 2G
products.
It may be argued that it is the practical restrictions of digital processing capability
and speed versus power consumption that will be the prime factor in restricting introduction
and uptake rate of 3G networks and services. It is not surprising, therefore,
that most established and many embryo semiconductor, software, fabless, and
advanced technology houses are laying claim to having an ideal/unique offering in
this area. Certainly, design engineers facing these digital challenges need to constantly
update their knowledge of possible solutions.
Advanced, full-capability handsets and node Bs using smart antennas, multiuser
detection and, multiple code, and channel capability will require increasingly innovative
technologies. Solutions offered and proposed include optimized semiconductor
processes, both in scale and materials (for example, SiGe, InP, and SiC), Micro-Electro-
Mechanical Systems (MEMS), cluster DSPs, reconfigurable DSPs, wireless DSP, and
even an optical digital signal processing engine (ODSPE) using lenses, mirrors, light
modulators, and detectors. The designer will not only need to weigh the technical
capabilities of these products against the target specification but also weigh the commercial
viability of the companies offering these solutions. 257