Real-time implementation of a reconfigurable IMT-2000 base station channel modem

Research suggests that joint methods combining smart antennas, RAKE reception, multi-user detection or other adaptive methods may be practically implemented for IMT-2000 channel modems using computationally simplified algorithms. Using software-defined radio methods, these modems can be employed in a new generation of adaptive multimode base stations which permit software reconfiguration from second- to third-generation air interfaces. Practical implementation is made possible by corresponding advances in hardware technology, including new processors and high-bandwidth I/O fabrics which replace traditional computer buses with their inherent limitations in bandwidth and scalability. In this article adaptive processing research is reviewed, implementation requirements for second- and third-generation base stations are considered, and the capabilities of selected new monolithic silicon devices are examined. A possible implementation approach for a reconfigurable multimode base station channel modem using software defined radio (SDR) design methods is proposed.