PMC-Sierra Expands WiMAX RF IC Solutions with New Multi-Band Devices for Global Spectrum Coverage

PMC-Sierra, Inc. (Nasdaq:PMCS) today added four new multi-band devices to its WiZIRD™ family of highly integrated WiMAX™ RF IC solutions for Broadband Wireless Subscriber equipment. These new devices enable WiMAX system designers to leverage a single radio design to provide Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) and Network Interface Cards (NICs) for all popular broadband wireless radio bands (450-928 MHz, 2.3-2.7 GHz, 2.7-2.9 GHz, 3.3-3.8 GHz and 4.9-5.95 GHz, see Figure 1) for worldwide WiMAX deployments. PMC-Sierra’s WiZIRD family is the industry’s most versatile and complete WiMAX RF IC portfolio (see Figure 2), providing cost and performance flexibility in addressing global spectrum challenges.

Multi-Band Capability Addresses Fragmented Global Spectrum Challenges

WiMAX is fast emerging as a technology of choice for broadband access in developing economies and greenfields such as India, Russia, Latin America, and the Middle East. However, the lack of global spectrum policy has led to a fragmented spectrum and added complexity for system vendors and carriers. For example, the Government of India recently announced its policy and guidelines for a WiMAX spectrum, establishing plans for an auction in the 2.3 and 2.5 GHz bands for broadband wireless data services and provisions for future auctions of the 700 MHz and 3.3-3.6 GHz bands when available. In addition, the existing 2.7-2.9GHz spectrum is being selected for WiMAX services. Indian carriers planning WiMAX deployments will require cost-effective and future-proof solutions with spectrum flexibility.

OEMs can leverage the PMC-Sierra WiZIRD family’s multi-band support to enable an ecosystem of WiMAX equipment for broadband coverage in global markets, reducing cost and time-to-market. OEMs can further enhance return on investment by aggregating volume over different frequency bands and applications through common BOM. A multi-band design also addresses future demand for roaming-ready NIC applications.

"PMC-Sierra has long-standing relationships with telecom equipment providers and carriers, and they have identified that one of their biggest concerns is reach,” said Tom Sun, vice president and general manager for PMC-Sierra’s Broadband Wireless Division. "PMC-Sierra has made great efforts in driving RF IC innovations that extend the reach and reliability of wireless links to enable high-performance WiMAX equipment.”

"With their new range of WiMAX 802.16e (Rev-e) radio frequency solutions, PMC-Sierra confirms that they are major partners of Alcatel-Lucent’s Open CPE Program,” said Karim El Naggar, vice president and head of Alcatel-Lucent’s WiMAX activities. "Their capability to design multi-band devices will further accelerate the availability of WiMAX solutions for diverse WiMAX markets, and in particular 700MHz solutions for new applications and developing economies. Alcatel-Lucent is the world’s leading provider of innovative WiMAX and wireless broadband network solutions,” he continued.

PMC-Sierra added the following software compatible devices to its WiZIRD portfolio:

• PM8850 – Two transmit and two receive branches (2Tx/2Rx) with multi-band support for 2.3-2.9 GHz, 3.3-3.8 GHz and 4.9-5.95 GHz (see Figure 3).
• PM8851 – One transmit and two receive branches (1Tx/2Rx), with multi-band support for 2.3-2.9 GHz, 3.3-3.8 GHz and 4.9-5.95 GHz.
• PM8870 – 2Tx/2Rx with multi-band support for 2.3-2.9 GHz, 3.3-3.8 GHz and 450-928 MHz (see Figure 4).
• PM8871 – 1Tx/2Rx with multi-band support for 2.3-2.9 GHz, 3.3-3.8 GHz and 450-928 MHz.

PMC-Sierra’s WiZIRD family features the industry’s highest density WiMAX RF IC solutions, integrating conversion ZIF RF transceiver, analog and digital converters, and an industry-standard JEDEC JESD207 compliant baseband digital interface. The devices use an innovative harmonic canceling technique to achieve extremely linear output at high power levels and deliver up to 64QAM modulation for Tx paths at 0dBm output power level with an EVM rating that addresses a complete spectrum of WiMAX solutions, from base station applications to mobile subscriber solutions. The devices feature:

• Low-power receivers and transmitters;
• Direct-conversion ZIF design;
• Patent-pending integrated DC Offset algorithm that performs DC Offset correction every frame, minimizing drift over temperature;
• Support for 802.16e-2005 and 802.16-2004 IEEE standards;
• Configurable channel bandwidths of 3.5 MHz, 5 MHz, 7 MHz, 8.75 MHz, 10 MHz, 14 MHz and 20 MHz;
• Flexible baseband device interface options;
• Integrated analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters; and
• Integrated transmitter baluns.

Availability and Customer Support

PMC-Sierra’s WiZIRD PM8850, PM8851, PM8870 and PM8871 are sampling now. The devices are implemented in CMOS technology, packaged in a 108-pin MLF/QFN package, and rated for industrial temperature operation (-40 to +85 degrees Celsius). A comprehensive support package, including drivers, datasheets, application notes and reference design material is available at www.pmc-sierra.com, or contact PMC-Sierra at sales@pmc-sierra.com.

About PMC-Sierra

PMC-Sierra^® is a leading provider of broadband communications and storage semiconductors for metro, access, fiber to the home, wireless infrastructure, storage, laser printers, and fiber access gateway equipment. PMC-Sierra offers worldwide technical and sales support, including a network of offices throughout North America, Europe, Israel and Asia. The company is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the PMCS symbol. For more information, visit www.pmc-sierra.com.

Attachments:

Figure 1: WiZIRD multi-band devices for all popular broadband wireless radio bands worldwide

Figure 2: PMC-Sierra’s WiZIRD WiMAX RF IC Portfolio

Figure 3: PM8850 WiZIRD Block Diagram

Figure 4: PM8870 WiZIRD Block Diagram

For figures visit: http://www.pmc-sierra.com/news_room/pdf/WiZIRD_multi-band_figures.pdf

For photos visit: http://www.pmc-sierra.com/news_room/images/WiZiRD_multi-band.jpg

© Copyright PMC-Sierra, Inc. 2008. All rights reserved. PMC and PMC-SIERRA are registered trademarks of PMC-Sierra, Inc. in the United States and other countries. PMCS, WiZIRD and "Enabling connectivity. Empowering people.” are trademarks of PMC-Sierra, Inc. WiMAX is a trademark of the WiMAX Forum. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.