Location-Based Measurement Solution Development

Physical Layer Development of 3G Location-Based Measurement Solution

A leading North American provider of location-based solutions wanted to develop a customized physical layer for its 3G Location Measurement Unit (LMU). The customer sought a highly portable and flexible solution that allowed for the hardware-software (HW-SW) partitioning of the functionality between DSP and FPGA. In addition, the customer wanted the solution to incorporate complete symbol rate processing functionality and customizable chip rate processing algorithms.

Aricent Solution

Aricent worked closely with the customer to address these challenges. It drew upon its experienced resource pool and deep domain knowledge to assemble a team of consultants and engineers who were able to co-create an optimal solution cost-effectively and ahead of schedule.

Key components of the solution included:

  • Development of the complete physical layer and the implementation/realization of enhanced chip rate processing algorithms on the FPGA-DSP combination
  • Integration of Aricent's UMTS/HSPA NodeB PHY framework with the customer's target platform
  • Porting and optimization of the symbol rate processing libraries on the Texas Instruments

TMS320TCI6482 platform

Enhancement of the chip rate algorithms for diversity cases and Implementation on FPGA

  • Re-samplers for sampler rate conversion (6 MSPS - 7.68 MSPS)
  • Frame search and Path search
  • Path Tracker
  • Rake receiver with dynamic allocation of minimum of 8 Rake Fingers
  • Channel Estimation and Rake Combining
  • SIR Estimation

Aricent's complete ownership from integration to testing and support which included:

  • Sub-system integration of Symbol rate processing and Chip rate processing chains on the target platform - a combination of DSP and custom FPGA platforms
  • Testing with third-party vendors
  • Onsite and offshore support for system integration

Results

Aricent helped the customer to create a high quality product that exceeded the mandated performance requirements. Aricent's combination of deep technology and domain expertise and the use of mature best practices helped the customer deploy a high performance and cost-effective product ahead of schedule.

In addition, Aricent's UMTS/HSPA NodeB PHY framework helped jumpstart product validation and testing. Aricent's proven expertise in UMTS/HSPA development and product lifecycle services like porting, optimization, and DSP platform and infrastructure development reduced time-to-market considerably.

Aricent's complete ownership of the physical layer development allowed the customer to focus on core activities and develop application level features that enhanced and customized the solution.