 Single
Chip Software Radio
To develop an ASIC for use in a consumer application, that would
be produced in millions of units per year, and yet where future
flexibility was required. An ASIC that would provide the client
with a low-cost, low-power radio solution for short distance
radio applications.
The design philosophy was to move
as much of the RF circuitry into Digital Signal Processing
(DSP) and digital hardware as possible. The geometry of the
resulting ASIC produced a smaller footprint and was consequently
cheaper than the analogue equivalent. To minimise cost Cambridge
Consultants’ own APE2 Digital
Signal Processor design was used, whose low gate count also kept
die size to a minimum and reduced power consumption.
A single chip radio solution with low unit cost, low power consumption
and a rapid development time that had a design ready for tape-out
in just over 6 months.
By moving large amounts of traditional RF circuitry into the
DSP the ASIC becomes a true software radio. The result is not
only a low-power, low-cost ASIC, but the software options create
a large degree of flexibility, allowing the same chip to provide
new higher baud rates whilst also being compatible with a number
of legacy products.
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