By Shireen Dee
TMCnet Contributing Editor
Freescale Semiconductor recently introduced the MSC8156 processor which is among the first few Digital Signal Processor (News - Alert) (DSPs)-based on the new SC3850 StarCore DSP core technology. This 45-nm process technology based processor has been specifically designed to enhance the capabilities of wireless broadband base station equipment.
The MSC8156 is equipped with enhanced advantages of energy efficiency, form factor and performance. Being an affordable, flexible and integrated device, it meets the mainstream requirements for near-term deployment of Long Term Evolution (LTE (News - Alert))-based networks as well as other next-generation wireless services.
“Freescale’s ongoing investment in advanced networking technologies enables our customers to deliver richer, seamless and more compelling wireless experiences,” said Lisa Su, senior vice president and general manager of Freescale’s Networking and Multimedia Group. “The MSC8156 DSP offers the performance that Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and telecom carriers need to speed delivery of LTE and other next-generation wireless services.”
While other available options require multiple discrete parts, the MSC8156, being a single processor, is capable of replacing the clutter of the numerous parts of other solutions. Additionally, it has been designed such that it can deliver double the performance of the earlier MSC8144 model of programmable DSP designed by Freescale.
With such performance heights, the MSC8156 is capable of supporting high data rates set by latest Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) standards. It also meets the requirements for high throughput and low latency demanded by next-generation base stations.
“To meet growing demand for advanced 3G and 4G services, wireless infrastructure equipment manufacturers increasingly require silicon that offers exceptional performance and flexibility,” said Will Strauss, president of analyst firm, Forward Concepts.
“With the multicore MSC8156 DSP, Freescale has again demonstrated its ability to offer the advanced DSP technologies that its customers require. The MSC8156 is a landmark DSP that should significantly advance next-generation wireless infrastructure equipment,” Strauss added.
While the new MSC8156 is available in a 783-pin Flip Chip-Plastic Ball Grid Array (FC-PBGA) package, it is offered by the company in two versions of different core speeds of 800 Mhz and 1Ghz. With expected prices starting off at $192 for 10K volumes, the company intends to sample its latest DSP to alpha customers during the first three months of 2009.
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Shireen Dee is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Shireen's articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by Michelle Robart
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