The 3G Single Core Modem: A New Telecommunications Device
Group 4
Warren Irwin, Austin Beam, Amanda Medlin, Rob Westerman, and Brittany Deardien
Key Words: 3G, Modem, Digital Signal Processor (DSP), Global Systems for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Date for GSM Evolution (EDGE), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)
Right now there is a battle going on in the telecommunications industry. Different companies are trying to get the upper hand in mobile phone productions by cultivating new technologies. Freescale Semiconductor has made a huge step in the innovative direction by introducing its new single core modem for 3G mobile phones. Freescale’s single core modem is the first and only model of its kind thus far involving 3G mobile phones. This unique modem is the heart of the Mobile Extreme Convergence (MXC) Platform for Freescale. The single core modem combines two functions: first the StarCore SC140e Digital Signal Processor (DSP) that operates up to 250MHz, and secondly the ARM1136 applications processor core operating up to 532MHz. The three main tasks the single core modem performs deal with handling the Global Systems Mobile Communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), and Enhanced Data for GSM Evolution (EDGE). Generally speaking, with these things combined, the single core modem uses lower power and works with a higher performance than previous modem models. It also proves to be more cost effective and can be developed with reduced time and effort, setting it apart and above other modems.
A modem is simply a device that transmits data into an audio signal and sends it. The single core modem takes that definition to a new level. As stated previously, the single core modem is a combination of the DSP and the applications processor core. The applications processor, also known as the microcontroller unit (MCU), is put into a chip with a shared memory system, eliminating an external additional applications processor. The shared memory aspect makes it possible for more efficient interprocessor communication, which results in higher performance, lower power consumption, and reduces the complexity of the software. The applications processor runs open operating systems, such as Linux OS and Symbian OS. The DSP deals with signals and methods of processing signals, or in simpler terms, turns the signals mobile phones receive into auditory messages the receiver can understand.
The combination of the MCU and DSP allows the single core modem to take on other jobs as well. GSM is controlled entirely by this modem. GSM is a standard for mobile phones that allows user to operate their mobile phones in many distinct parts of the world. Along with controlling the GSM, the single core modem also controls the GPRS of the mobile phone. This feature works with GSM and speeds up data transfer between mobile phone users, eliminating pauses between auditory signals sent between the two phones. The EDGE aspect is also handled by the new modem. EDGE enables the mobile phone to use internet connectivity, and it increases the data capacity for video services and multimedia applications.
Most mobile phones already provide the features that the single core modem provides for the Freescale 3G mobile phones. So one might ask what the fuss is all about. Well, combining all these functions into one core modem provides numerous benefits for Freescale Semiconductor. One such benefit is lower power usage of the phone, giving it a longer battery life. This is accomplished by implementing three things. First, all communication functions are operating on a single core. Second, the single core is equipped with hardware accelerators shortening the length of time for applications to process. Lastly, the modem has internal memory banks and caches that store greater amounts of data. Higher performance is another benefit due largely in part to the high speed DSP and MCU.
The greatest competitive edge Freescale Semiconductor obtains in developing the single core modem deals with two primary advantages: cost efficiency and reduced development time. The shared memory system discards the need for an addition external shared memory system and MCU. Eliminating this part lowers the total production cost. The sheer architecture of the single core modem also helps in this area. Integrating different parts into a single structure lowers total cost by getting rid of extra parts once used, as well as condensing the size of the modem. The single core modem is roughly the size of a postage stamp, thus eliminating the need for extra warehouse storage space. The integration of all these parts into one core modem also helps reduce time and effort. Having one design to work with simplifies the software entirely. There is no need for multiple personnel working on multiple parts for the mobile phone. This gives Freescale a lot of flexibility within their company. The simpler software enables Freescale to spend more time to engineer new designs and decreases development time dramatically.
Freescale Semiconductor’s 3G single core modem is leading the way in the telecommunications industry. It provides all the modern features today’s mobile phones offer, yet it does so in a faster and more efficient fashion. Through innovative design and integrated parts assembly, Freescale is provided with numerous benefits. These include lower costs and more time to develop more innovative products for the future. It also provides benefits to the user, such as lower power usage and a higher performance. Lower costs and future innovative products will benefit the user as well, though. The more inexpensively Freescale can produce mobile phones using the 3G single core modem, the cheaper this company will be able to offer this product to the public. Technology and innovation are two things shaping tomorrow. As said earlier, the simpler software of single core modems allow companies like Freescale Semiconductor to spend more time on innovation and technology. The more advances that are made, the more public consumers will benefit from innovative, high-tech products, making everyday life just a little bit easier. Who knows, with the way technology is moving forward at such an exponential rate, soon a person will be able to check emails, run the family business, buy stocks, and then check on his/her spouse and children all from the features provided by the mobile phone that is tucked away in his/her coat pocket. Just food for thought.
References
Electronic Source; Yahoo Education. Dictionary; Word: Modem.
www.education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/modem
Electronic Source; Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia. Words: Digital Signal Processor,
Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution, General Packet Radio Service and Global System for Mobile Communications.
Electronic Source; Wireless Telecom News. “Freescale unveils world’s first 3G single
core modem for mobile phones”.
www.wirtel.co.uk/wireless_telecom_news_1.htm
Electronic Source;
www.mobilemag.com/content/100/340/c4985
Electronic Source;
Informed Executives”.
www.darwinmag.com/learn/curve/column.html?ArticleID=182
Questions over 3G
single core modem
1. What are the two main parts that the single core modem is composed of?
a. DSP and the applications processor b. MCU and GSM
c. GSM and EDGE d. GRSP and MCU
2. Which component of the modem controls operating systems applications?
a. applications processor b. DSP
c. shared memory d. EDGE
3. How does the single core modem lower manufacturing costs?
a. by transmitting signals b. by speedy internet access
c. by integrating parts d. by using video images
4. Which is not a benefit of the single core modem?
a. cost efficiency b. reduced development time
c. higher performance d. higher labor costs
5. Which of the following is a task the single core modem performs?
a. GSM b. EDGE
c. GPRS d. all of the above
6. The __________runs systems such as Linux OS and Symbian OS.
a. DSP b. EDGE
c. applications processor d. none of the above
7. The single core modem design produces_____________.
a. higher performance and lower energy use b. high costs
c. extended development time d. minimal mobile phone coverage