Agere revamps DSP, ARM interface in mobiles

Agere revamps DSP, ARM interface in mobiles
By Robert Keenan, CommsDesign.com
August 12, 2003 (5:51 p.m. EST)
URL: http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20030812S0029

WAYNE, N.J. — Agere released a messaging interface Tuesday(Aug. 12) that could change the way DSP and ARM microprocessor cores exchange data and control commands in the baseband section of a mobile phone architecture.

The baseband processing section of a mobile phone typically houses a DSP core handling Layer 1 processing tasks and an ARM processor handling control functionality. The processor cores rely on AT commands to exchange information.

According to Agere, the AT command creates several problems in mobiles, including the lack of parallel processing, an unproven multiplex protocol and the need for non-standard AT commands to control the GPRS engine.

Agere said its new messaging interface overcomes these limitations by using software that enables parallel processing, allowing simultaneous data and control commands over a single physical interface. The interface also supports packet-switched operation.

Agere expects to includ e the messaging interface in a GPRS chip set being delivered to select customers in the fourth quarter. The chip sets will be generally available in early 2004.