News

16 February 2009

 

Fujitsu launches LTE eNodeB base-station, incorporating GaN HEMTs

Fujitsu Network Communications Inc, a supplier of optical and wireless networking solutions, has launched its new BroadOne LS LTE eNodeB base-station portfolio, which aims to address the power and implementation cost requirements of wireless operators as they expand existing networks to include fourth-generation (4G) mobile services.

The new base-stations feature simple maintenance, easy customization, and are among the smallest and most power efficient in the industry, resulting in lower implementation and operational costs, the firm claims. Mobile service providers should be able to build 4G wireless broadband infrastructure at a lower cost and offer end-users 4G mobile service at more reasonable rates.

The LS LTE eNodeB family is based on a new architectural concept and will be available in distributed and all-in-one versions. The eNodeBs include antenna technologies comprising advanced digital signal processors (DSPs) to augment advanced RF technology. The BroadOne LS LTE series employs a distributed architecture, consisting of a remote radio head (RRH) and a base band unit (BBU). The BBU comes in both indoor and outdoor models to meet the diverse deployment environments that exist in existing networks. The RRH is designed to take advantage of the lower operational cost of an all-outdoor deployment.

The eNodeB’s RRH incorporates a high-output amplifier, which uses a gallium nitride (GaN) high-electron mobility transistor (HEMT) device that was developed based on ultra-high-speed transistor technology patented by Fujitsu. The device is coupled with Fujitsu digital pre-distortion technology, which already has a proven track record in 3G systems, to create two high-output power transceivers packaged in a single unit. These technologies allow for efficiencies never before seen in the industry, reducing the power consumption by half over current technologies, the firm claims.

“Carriers who purchased AWS and 700MHz spectrum at record pricing levels want to get the most out of their investment and satisfy consumers who continue to devour more bandwidth,” says principal network architect Jim Orr. “Our LTE solution will allow carriers to make the most efficient use of their spectrum while offering the performance that an increasingly savvy public demands,” he adds. “Fujitsu pioneered GaN HEMT-based amplifiers, so we’re able to deliver a whole new level of efficiency and operational simplicity that has not been available before to North America wireless operators.”

The RRH is compact and lightweight, enabling installation anywhere there is fiber, up to 20km from the RRH. The efficient design provides low operating costs as less heat translates to no fans, no filters, or any other moving parts. By combining energy efficiency and world-class design, Fujitsu claims to have significantly reduced the costs associated with installing and operating base-stations.

“Fujitsu is also a leader in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and multiple input multiple output (MIMO) technologies that are fundamental for LTE systems,” Orr claims. “With such expertise, we can provide network operators with end-to-end LTE solutions for network infrastructure in a variety of applications and services.”

Fujitsu has developed a 3GPP-compliant LTE system for the global market. The firm was chosen by NTT DOCOMO to be a supplier for its LTE eNodeB in 2006 as well as its LTE core network system in 2008, and is now taking the technology worldwide. In a joint demonstration with NTT DOCOMO, performance of more than 250Mb/s was exhibited in an outdoor environment over the LTE eNodeB (also demonstrated at both CEATEC Japan 2008 and CTIA Wireless 2008 in Las Vegas, NV, USA).

Fujitsu offers a full portfolio of products and solutions for the mobile network, providing terminals, radio access network equipment and core network equipment in addition to a full suite of engineering and civil services.

Carriers can create and extend their LS LTE eNodeB footprint by using Fujitsu’s Network Life Cycle Services for next-generation wireless networks (wireless solutions for every life-cycle phase, including: RF planning & design, network deployment, network integration & testing, NOC services, and knowledge transfer).

See related items:

Fujitsu reports record 320W C-band power amplifiers

Fujitsu claims first high-output GaN HEMT to cut power in standby mode

Search: Base-station 4G GaN HEMT

Visit: http://us.fujitsu.com/telecom