Progressing from a UMTS radio demonstrator to commercial terminal design

With business opportunities in 3/sup rd/ generation communications system looking increasingly attractive, some companies have developed demonstrator systems for WCDMA technology as an aid for 3/sup rd/ generation trials. The next step is to bridge the gap between this research-based technology and practical implementation of UMTS terminals, in preparation for the investment opportunities coming soon. This paper considers the technical differences and progression from a flexible UMTS technology demonstrator towards a commercially viable product.