Software Defined Radio: Baseband Technologies for 3G Handsets and Basestations

9

Altera System Architecture Solutions for SDR

Paul Ekas

Altera Corporation, San Jose, CA

A key challenge in the implementation of SDR systems is the definition of the implementation architecture that enables system reconfigurability with the additional constraints of high processing performance, low power, and low cost. Field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or programmable logic devices (PLDs) are natural components of software defined radios (SDRs) because of their programmable reconfigurability and their efficient implementation of high performance processing. In this chapter we explore the specifics of what FPGAs are and how they can be used to advantage in a variety of different SDR design situations. Of importance are not only the devices themselves but also their support tools and the intellectual property (IP) available to program them. To confirm their practical usefulness today we will describe, as appropriate, the FPGA product line of Altera Corporation and project its future directions in this application area.

9.1. Setting the Scene

9.1.1. Cellular Baseband SDR Requirements

This chapter addresses, with FPGA solutions, the SDR requirements described in the early chapters of this book. The important general distinctions to keep in mind are that requirements vary between the cellular basestation and the cellular handsets and portable terminals. In each case the total metric of quality will include performance, low power and low cost through a high level of integration. ...