Mindspeed Technology Product Portfolio and Infrastructure Solutions
Mindspeed provides a diverse range of high-performance semiconductor solutions designed to power modern communication networks. From the backbone of wireless infrastructure to the precision of high-performance analog components, the company's portfolio focuses on efficiency, scalability, and high-speed data processing.
Wireless Infrastructure and Small Cell Solutions
Mindspeed specializes in ARM-based processors and low-power, multi-core System-on-Chip (SoC)—integrated circuits that combine all components of a computer or other electronic system into a single chip—for both fixed and mobile carrier infrastructure. This includes support for 3G and 4G networks.
The Transcede Family
Launched in 2010, the Transcede family of wireless baseband processors is designed to meet varying infrastructure needs:
- Transcede 3000: A single-core processor tailored for picocell eNodeB processing, operating with a power consumption of less than 10 watts (W).
- Transcede 4000: A dual-core processor capable of delivering three sectors of LTE processing for macro cells serving thousands of subscribers.
The Transcede 4000 is a highly integrated device featuring 26 programmable processors, including two ARM Cortex A9 multi-core symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) processors, 10 CEVA digital signal processors (DSPs), and 10 DSP accelerators. This architecture allows manufacturers to support multiple air-interface standards, including WCDMA/HSPA, LTE, LTE time-division duplex (TD-LTE), and TD-SCDMA (used in China). Due to its innovation, the Transcede 4000 received the Best Mobile Technology Breakthrough award at the 2010 Mobile Excellence Awards.
Additionally, following the acquisition of Picochip, Mindspeed integrated Picochip's SoC products for 3G (HSPA) femtocells and small cells into its Wireless Business Unit.
Communications Convergence Processing
Mindspeed offers the Comcerto product line, which consists of ARM-based, low-power, multi-core DSP SoCs designed for residential and enterprise platforms, as well as carrier-grade Voice over IP (VoIP) systems.
These embedded packet processors are utilized in a variety of hardware, including high-end VoIP-enabled home gateways, security appliances for small-to-midsized businesses (SMB), and Ethernet-powered 802.11n enterprise access points. The company expanded this portfolio in June 2012 with the announcement of the Comcerto 2000 generation.
High-Performance Analog Components
Mindspeed's analog portfolio provides the critical physical connection between fiber optic or coaxial cable interfaces and electrical subsystems. These products typically operate at data transmission rates ranging from 155 megabits per second (Mbit/s) to 10 gigabits per second (Gbit/s).
Transmission and Signal Conditioning
The transmission suite includes a wide array of components to ensure signal integrity, such as:
- Laser drivers and transimpedance amplifiers.
- Post amplifiers and signal conditioners.
- Clock and data recovery circuits.
- Serializers/deserializers, video reclockers, cable drivers, and line equalizers.
Switching Solutions
Mindspeed produces high-speed crosspoint switches used to manage traffic within network equipment. These are commonly deployed in Optical Transport Network (OTN) systems, add-drop multiplexers, high-density IP switches, storage-area routers, and broadcast video routing and production switching applications.
Wide Area Networking (WAN) Legacy
The company maintains a legacy portfolio of wide area network communications devices, which includes Layer 2 processors, carrier Ethernet devices, T-carrier and E-carrier devices, and symmetric digital subscriber line (SDSL) devices.
Key Facts
- Transcede 4000: Integrates 26 programmable processors to support LTE, WCDMA/HSPA, and TD-SCDMA.
- Power Efficiency: The Transcede 3000 consumes less than 10W for picocell processing.
- Analog Speeds: Transmission products support data rates from 155 Mbit/s up to 10 Gbit/s.
- Comcerto Line: ARM-based packet processors used in VoIP gateways and SMB security appliances.
- Acquisitions: Integrated Picochip's small cell SoC technology into the Wireless Business Unit.
| Product Family | Primary Application | Key Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Transcede | Wireless Base-stations (3G/4G) | ARM Cortex A9, CEVA DSPs |
| Comcerto | Residential/Enterprise Gateways | ARM-based Packet Processing |
| Analog Suite | Fiber/Coaxial Interfaces | Crosspoint Switches, Laser Drivers |
| WAN Legacy | Carrier Ethernet & DSL | Layer 2 Processors, SDSL |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Transcede 4000 processor?
The Transcede 4000 is designed for macro cells, providing LTE processing for three sectors and supporting thousands of subscribers through its 26 integrated programmable processors.
Which air-interface standards does the Transcede family support?
The family supports WCDMA/HSPA, LTE, LTE time-division duplex (TD-LTE), and time division synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA).
What are Comcerto processors used for?
Comcerto processors are embedded packet processors used in VoIP-enabled home gateways, small-to-midsized business security appliances, and 802.11n enterprise access points.
What data rates are supported by Mindspeed's analog transmission devices?
These devices typically operate at data transmission rates between 155 Mbit/s and 10 Gbit/s.
What is the role of crosspoint switches in Mindspeed's portfolio?
Crosspoint switches are used to switch traffic within network equipment such as OTN systems, IP switches, storage-area routers, and broadcast video production systems.