Open Source Framework for Commercial Baseband Software Project Initiated by Wireless Innovation Forum Members

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Wireless Innovation Forum (SDR Forum version 2.0), a non-profit organization dedicated to driving the future of radio communications and systems worldwide, announced today a new project focused on reducing cost and time to market in deploying 3G and 4G, “3G+” systems, including: Fixed WiMAX™ (802.16d), Mobile WiMAX (802.16e), WiMAX-Advanced (802.16m), LTE™ (3GPP Release 8) and LTE-Advanced (3GPP Release 10).

“Open Source Framework for Commercial Baseband Software”

The "Open Source Framework for Commercial Baseband Software" is being started by the Forum’s Commercial Baseband Processing Work Group, chaired by Dr. John Glossner of Optimum Semiconductor Technologies and Alexander Chemeris of Fairwaves. This framework is being created for commercial companies and research institutions who need to reduce the development or acquisition costs of their baseband modem designs. This segment includes handset manufacturers, baseband chipset companies, baseband IP providers and 3G+ test and verification manufacturers who work with 3G and 4G baseband software.

“The entire wireless industry will benefit dramatically from this open-source, commercially friendly Framework,” noted Dave Kelf of Sigmatix, who is the task lead for this important new project. “Our objective for this development is to provide commercial 3G/4G air interface reference models, within a high performance design infrastructure, to expedite development of baseband designs while allowing framework users to focus on their areas of differentiation.”

It is anticipated that the development of this framework will result in three separate deliverables, as follows:

An open-source C/C++ based framework for 4G baseband PHY layers, with possible extensions to upper layers. This will be powerful and flexible enough to serve as a base for reconfigurable commercial 3G/4G wireless communication systems. The initial target is modems and handsets, with base stations considered as a possible later target.
A baseband system reference design for one or several 3G/4G protocols, written using a high level mathematical analysis tool, and an implementation of those on top of the C/C++ framework targeted initially for handsets.
An Open C-based language or format, together with an open methodology which may include open source tooling, to promote high performance, portable SDR programming.

This activity is completely member driven and the actual set of deliverables will depend on the received contributions and activity of the participating parties. I.e. more deliverables may be included if participants show interest in developing them.

Development of this project is anticipated to follow an open source model allowing free participation by the development community, with the Commercial Baseband Processing Work Group acting as the steering group for the project to oversee development and release schedules. This steering group will also be responsible for documenting IPR issues associated with the code releases.

“The project's current intention to release all code under open source licensing terms is intended to facilitate fast introduction of modems for companies desiring to enter wireless markets,” stated Dr. Glossner. “This would allow both Forum members and non-members to participate in the project.”

Additional information on the open source model and a call for participation will be issued shortly.

For information on all the Forum’s other projects, please visit our Current Projects page: http://www.WirelessInnovation.org/page/Current_Projects. For more information on the benefits of Forum membership, please visit http://www.wirelessinnovation.org/page/Member_Benefits.

WiMAX is a trademark of the WiMAX Forum

LTE is a trademark of 3GPP

About the Wireless Innovation Forum

Established in 1996, The Wireless Innovation Forum (SDR Forum Version 2.0) is a non-profit mutual benefit corporation dedicated to driving technology innovation in commercial, civil, and defense communications worldwide. Members bring a broad base of experience in Software Defined Radio (SDR), Cognitive Radio (CR) and Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) technologies in diverse markets and at all levels of the wireless value chain to address emerging wireless communications requirements. To learn more about The Wireless Innovation Forum, its meetings and membership benefits, visit www.WirelessInnovation.org.