Agilent Technologies’ New 3GPP LTE Baseband Exploration Library Enables Throughput Verification for Algorithm, Hardware Developers

September 16, 2009 | Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today introduced a new LTE baseband exploration library for the SystemVue 2009 design platform.

September 16, 2009 | Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today introduced a new LTE baseband exploration library for the SystemVue 2009 design platform. The library (version W1912) provides full source-code access to PHY golden reference algorithms that are consistent with the 3GPP LTE March 2009 standard. Agilent’s new LTE library provides key advances for 3GPP LTE baseband algorithm and hardware developers designing next-generation 4G wireless systems, enabling simulation-based throughput performance measurements as well as a graphical user interface that simplifies complex configurations.

Enabling IP Access for 3GPP LTE PHY Design

Agilent’s W1912 simulation library unlocks algorithmic-level source code in C++ and provides working link-level reference designs with test benches based on version 8.6 of the 3GPP LTE TS36-101, 104 standards, including HARQ support. The source code allows engineers to investigate algorithms inside a working LTE baseband PHY, setting breakpoints and saving time by creating critical test vectors and verification suites. Since the W1912 library interoperates with Agilent’s measurement sources (e.g., the N5106A PXB and N5182 MXG), receivers (e.g., the N9020A MXA) and software (e.g., the 89600 VSA), baseband architects can now quickly harden real-world algorithms in emerging areas of FDD LTE, TD-LTE and MIMO. A simulation-only version of the library (W1910) is also available.

“Access to LTE source code is of critical importance in creating the early test solutions hardware developers require to develop high-quality, market-leading LTE user equipment devices and chipsets,” said Niels Fach�, vice president and general manager of Agilent’s Mobile Broadband Operation. “Using SystemVue, along with the new LTE model library, for example, we were able to successfully shave three months off the development of a baseband signal-processing implementation for our new E6620A LTE one box tester. With savings like this, SystemVue 2009 and its new LTE library are quickly becoming an indispensable tool for today’s 3GPP LTE baseband algorithm and hardware developers.”

Predictive Throughput Measurements

Agilent also today introduced an innovative new dynamic dataflow simulator mode for SystemVue 2009, which enables simulation-based throughput verification, as specified in version 8.6 of the LTE standard. Baseband designers can now create and verify robust algorithms that ensure system throughput performance and greater coverage of the Layer 1 standard, long before physical prototypes are actually available for test, thus shortening design cycles. This is the result of SystemVue’s new sub-frame communication HARQ support, which extends the physical layer to allow new dynamic behaviors, while retaining the versatility and RF accuracy of the physical layer approach.

Both the source code and compiled-only LTE libraries follow the development cycle from system-level design to test. As blocks move from concept to virtual prototype to working link-level hardware, the libraries’ Source and Receiver user interfaces allow hardware designers to configure test vectors for block-level debug. Throughout the design process, the same environment and test set-ups provide link-level verification against the 3GPP-LTE standard, continuing directly into hardware test.

About SystemVue 2009

SystemVue 2009 is Agilent’s new electronic design automation (EDA) platform for electronic system-level (ESL) design. The new platform cuts physical layer (PHY) design time in half for high-performance communications algorithms and system architectures, for both wireless and aerospace/defense applications.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

Agilent’s new LTE baseband exploration library, version 8.6, for SystemVue 2009 is expected to be available on Sept. 25, 2009. SystemVue configurations start at approximately $15,000 for the environment and $16,000 for the simulation-only version of the library (W1910). For pricing on full source code access (W1912), please contact Agilent directly.

For more information about SystemVue as well as screen images, visit www.agilent.com/find/eesof-systemvue. A photo of the new W1912 LTE baseband exploration library is available at www.agilent.com/find/W1912_images.

About Agilent EEsof EDA Software

Agilent EEsof EDA is the technology leader and industry’s leading supplier of Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software for microwave, RF, high-frequency, high-speed, RF system, electronic system level (ESL), circuit, 3-D electromagnetic, physical design and device-modeling applications. Agilent EEsof EDA offers personal, value-priced products as well as enterprise-level solutions that save money, improve design flows and simplify EDA vendor relationships. Agilent EEsof EDA software is compatible with and is used to design the company’s test and measurement equipment. Additional information about all Agilent EDA software offerings is available at www.agilent.com/find/eesof.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world’s premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company’s 18,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenues of $5.8 billion in fiscal 2008. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *