WiMax transistion simplified with programmable chip

UK chip maker PicoChip has launched a system designed to accelerate the production of gear based on the upcoming broadband wireless standard, WiMax, by making it easier for manufacturers to keep their equipment standards-compliant.

WiMax offers fixed wireless services similar to ADSL or cable broadband, but can theoretically be deployed far more cheaply because it doesn't require operators to lay cable. A promised upgrade will make it even more attractive by adding mobile broadband wireless to the mix. In recent months, the technology has attracted increasing levels of hype with Intel, Alcatel and Siemens announcing their backing.

However, the standard won't be ratified until later this year, leading to a dilemma for equipment makers wishing to tap into WiMax demand.

PicoChip claims its PicoArray chip offers an immediate solution since it is entirely software-defined, so systems can be upgraded or altered to fit the evolving WiMax standard without the need to replace hardware. Not only does this make its products attractive to manufacturers worried about a pre-standard WiMax is currently pre-standard, but PicoChip will make it an easier transition to the mobile version of the standard, IEEE 802.16e, the company claims.

While promising compatibility with future standards always entails a risk, "ours is the best-tested technology for mitigating that risk," PicoChip CTO and co-founder Doug Pulley told Techworld. "Even substantial changes [to the standard] could be supported."

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