Leuven, 25 October 1999…IMEC, Europe’s leading microelectronics research and development centre, has produced the world’s first working silicon for wireless broadband networks based on OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing). This modulation technique will be adopted for broadband wireless solutions such as wireless local area networks and wireless domestic networks .  Standards based on this technique (IEEE802.11a in the US; Hiperlan/2 in Europe and MMAC in Japan) are expected to emerge shortly.

In cooperation with SAIT-Devlonics (www.saitrh.com) and IWT (Institute  for the Promotion of Scientific and Technological Research in the  Industry) IMEC has designed an OFDM digital transceiver processor which integrates the entire modem in a single ASIC. This activity has initiated  a wider programme on advanced wireless local networks where IMEC collaborates with a.o. Philips Belgium.

The OFDM prototype is currently achieving data rates of up to 75 Mbps. Through IMEC’s new DSP techniques a/o multiple antenna processing, adaptive loading and turbo codes that improve bandwidth and power efficiency, 155 Mbps wireless local networks will be  demonstrated.

Effectively producing software radio on a “programmable ASIC”, this highly flexible device forms the core of a test bed that will be used to support the demonstration of more advanced features and provide valuable input for the development of new standards.  Plans for further integration with the front-end will ultimately lead to a single package solution for the entire system.

“Thanks to the programmability of IMEC’s OFDM core, we have been able to demonstrate some key features of the emerging standards already,” notes Ivo Bolsens, Vice President of IMEC.

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Notes to editors

ABOUT IMEC

IMEC was founded in 1984 and today is Europe's leading independent research centre for the development and licensing of state-of-the-art microelectronic technologies.  IMEC is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and employs about 850 people, of whom 75 percent are highly qualified scientists and engineers.  Its $88 million revenue is derived from agreements and contracts with government agencies, aerospace and semiconductor industry companies worldwide.  IMEC's activities concentrate on: design of integrated information and communication systems; silicon process technology; silicon technology and device integration; microsystems, components and packaging; advanced training in microelectronics.

For further information please contact:

IMEC

Marianne Van den Broeck

Public Relations and Marketing Communications Manager

IMEC, Kapeldreef 75

B- 3001 Leuven, Belgium

http://www.imec.be

Tel +32 16 28 14 91 Fax +32 16 28 16 37

Email: Marianne.vandenbroeck@imec.be