Lowell, Mass.-based fabless semiconductor startup BitWave Semiconductor Inc. is out of the stealth mode. A developer of software-defined transceiver technology for wireless applications, BitWave has announced the development of a Softransceiver RFIC. Implemented in 0.13-micron CMOS process, the Softtransceiver RFIC chip uses software-defined transceiver technology to enable users of cell phones, laptops and other mobile devices to communicate across diverse networks. Mobile devices using the Softransceiver can easily operate on multiple frequencies and communication protocols, giving consumers and businesses a broader choice of networks and services.

According to BitWave, the Softransceiver will allow network operators to offer services on demand and allow device manufacturers to build a single, low-cost radio that can be used in any network, anywhere. The Softransceiver chip is expected to be released in the summer of 2006 for customer sampling and testing.

The reconfigurable transceiver technology and associated intellectual property (IP) developed by BitWave dramatically reduces the size and power of the transceiver chip, said the developer. It was developed in collaboration with professors from notable universities including MIT and the University of Florida.

BitWave said that its chip uses digitally controlled analog components to effectively move the operating characteristics of a transceiver in real time by software commands. Consequently, it can shift the center frequency, modify the bandwidth and change linearity of a transceiver channel in real time under software control. Thus, one programmable transceiver can replace the many fixed transceivers now found in a typical cell phone, the manufacturer stated. BitWave has further recognized that if one moves the operating point in real time, one can dynamically re-optimize the transceiver for its environment. The transceiver can be optimized in real time for performance or battery life as well as other operating parameters. Controlling the transceiver's reconfiguration with software offers carriers, OEMs, distributors and cell phone designers more choices with one chip, asserted Bitwave.

"Handset designers have struggled to keep up with the many different and evolving wireless network standards," said Douglas Shute, BitWave CEO. "Now, by utilizing the Softransceiver, we are making it much easier for them to build a single cell phone that can be used on any network and we are doing it using a single programmable transceiver in the handset.”

"Our development and tests of the underlying digital CMOS process and technology have been validated with Cadence Design Systems," said Geoff Dawe, BitWave CTO. "Moreover, we have proven in the lab that the individual programmable components, which we are now assembling into a complete transceiver, perform as well or better than our expectations. These individual components have already demonstrated performance superior to other commercially available fixed application devices. Software-enabled chips in the handset will be the cornerstone for carriers and handset manufacturers seeking to deliver a wider and more profitable selection of services to today's consumers who want more."

Since its inception in 2003, the company has received $13 million in venture funding.

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