Signal processing ASIC requirements for high-speed wireless data communications

The role of VLSI ASIC technology in the realization of future wireless communication systems is key. New architectures and circuit techniques can be leveraged to provide significant performance improvement in high-speed wireless data communication systems operating at symbol rates in excess of a few MBaud. VLSI ASIC research can help deliver the required signal processing power to realize sophisticated baseband algorithms for adaptive equalization, RAKE reception, smart antenna networks, as well as other highly computation intensive signal processing tasks. This paper provides an overview discussion of present and emerging high speed wireless networks such as third generation cellular, broadband fixed wireless access, and wireless local area networks, along with specifications for their underlying baseband signal processing requirements. Next, alternative VLSI architectures are discussed for the realization of key system components.