Analog Devices introduces 5G O-RAN ecosystem to accelerate time to market
An ASIC-based radio platform for open radio access network (O-RAN) -compliant 5G radio units is designed to shorten time to market and meet the evolving needs of 5G networks, says Analog Devices. The O-RAN ecosystem uses open standards to disaggregate the traditional network and to add features across carrier networks.
The radio platform includes all the core functionality needed in an O-RAN-compliant 5G radio unit, including a baseband ASIC, software defined transceivers, signal processing, and power. It is designed to enable significant performance and form factor improvements to address the critical power consumption and cost challenges of next-generation networks while reducing design cycles.
ADI is engaging directly with ecosystem participants to optimise total system efficiency, ensure interoperability, and further industry capabilities.
“Bringing an ASIC low PHY baseband to market is a big step forward for Open RAN. Now, there is a clear path for OEMs to build competitive systems for macro and small cell,” said Andy Dunkin, Open RAN RF and Digital Platform Development Manager at Vodafone Group.
The Analog Devices platform allows radio designers and manufacturers to optimise total system performance for macro and small cell solutions. The reference design will enable designers to create O-RAN compliant radios with the use of ADI’s transceiver featuring digital front end signal processing, digital pre-distortion with GaN power amplifier support, crest factor reduction, channel digital up converters and channel digital down converters.
There is also a low PHY baseband ASIC for LTE, 5G and narrowband IoT (NBIoT0, including IEEE1588 precision time protocol and an eCPRI.
The reference design also includes clock and power chain solutions.
According to Steve Papa, CEO of Parallel Wireless: “It is solutions like this that will accelerate the standardisation of Option 7.2 functional split for easier interoperability integration.”
Technology evaluation platforms will be available later this year.
Analog Devices is part of the O-RAN Alliance.
