picoChip's PC8520 802.16d fixed WiMAX solution is already proven and in commercial use with over 100 operators. It is a complete software-defined implementation of the 802.16-2004 OFDM PHY and lower-level MAC functions that provides carrier-class reliability and performance.

The design is completely software based, allowing optimization of algorithms and rapid customization, and fostering an iterative design approach based on field experience. An open and extensible API facilitates integration with upper MAC functions. Integrated filtering, peak clipping, level control and DC compensation functions simplify DAC/ADC interfacing, and take cost out of the RF subsystem.

picoChip’s software-defined approach also facilitates graceful upgrades to 802.16e-2005 via the PC8530 reference design and the PC8532 software upgrade to support Wave 2 and IO-MIMO.

The PC8520 supports channel bandwidths of up to 10MHz, customizable in software, and payload data rates of up to 37Mbit/s. It can be used with either zero-IP or low-IF radio architectures, and provides optional support for features such as antenna diversity and multi-user uplink subchannelization.

Complementing the PC8520 software reference design, picoChip offers the PC7218 baseband reference design, a hardware platform based on the PC102 multi-core signal processor. Equipped with a host processor and various interfaces, the PC7218 allows designers to rapidly evaluate basestation designs and perform system test and debug.