picoChip, an intellectually restless UK company, is first off the blocks again--this time with a new and complete family of 802.16 reference designs. The new line promises to extend its menu of offerings to cover 802.16-2004, 802.16e, and WiBRO for mobile station and base station designs. Unstrung correctly points out that picoChip is the first--and only--company to offer such a wide range of systems: First to offer reference designs for 802.16e, first to support both 802.16d and 802.16e, and first to deliver the advanced options of WiMax. The reference designs include PHY, MAC, radio (through partners), hardware designs, and management software.

The company is adding its new PC6530 (802.16e BS) and PC6620/6630 (802.16d/802.16e SS or MS) products to its already-popular PC6520 WiMax reference design for 802.16d base stations. The designs are compatible with all WiMax specifications and are readily upgradeable to new 802.16 versions or to accommodate new features such as AAS and MIMO systems. The new systems are impressive indeed. In addition to the ability to accommodate AAS and MIMO, the systems also offer multi-user sub-channelization for 802.16d, multiple subcarrier allocation modes for 802.16e, and STC and antenna diversity.

For more on picoChip latest offering:
- see company press release
- and this Unstrung report