Programmable code processor for software defined radio

This paper describes a flexible processor capable of producing binary codes for various standards such as UMTS and 802.11b. Its field of application lies in base-stations and in future software defined radio terminals. Because of its flexibility just one or two instances may be integrated into a SoC (system on chip) where multiple codes are needed. This approach adds flexibility compared to a dedicated code generating structure where the class of codes is fixed. Specialized bit-ALUs allow to address multiple bits of a register and to operate simultaneously on them. Instructions tailored for code generation enhance its efficiency considerably. The processor was successfully integrated and tested in a 0.25 μm 5 ML CMOS process.