Software-Defined Radio - Altering the Wireless Value Chain

This publication has been discontinued on July 19, 2011.

Introduction

The potential impact of Software Defined Radio on the wireless value chain is immense and will affect end-users, network operators, service providers, OEM suppliers, and the handset manufacturers, some positively, some negatively.

"Software-Defined Radio - Altering The Wireless Value Chain" is a follow-up to Pioneer Consultings initial study of this disruptive leading edge technology which was published in 2002. Since then, the markets, the technologies, the issues, and the challenges have become clearer, making it possible for Pioneer to delve deeper and produce a more comprehensive review of where SDR is today, how it is likely to develop in the future, and what impact it will have on the wireless industry as a whole.

This report, first of all, provides an overview of the technologies involved in SDR and explains the key differences between this platform and traditional wireless technologies.
The significance of software-based signal processing as a key driver for development of SDR is highlighted, together with the growing capability in the processing power of digital signal processors which can now support a wide variety of modulation schemes and protocols. Key attributes of DSP processors, enabling software mobile solutions, are described, along with other technology enablers for SDR which have developed or been enhanced in the last two years (see Table of Contents)

From the theoretical to the practical, Pioneers report then provides a summary of SDR development so far, within the context of developing cellular standards and the evolution of wireless subsystems, driven by advances in hardware and software technologies. This analysis leads to a discussion of emerging SDR platforms, and key markets. Profiles of major vendors present a brief history, financial information, employee figures, SDR related research and development, SDR products and technologies, recent contracts and news related to SDR (see Table of Contents for details).

Pioneer then goes on to consider the future of SDR and this technologys prospects for meeting the challenges ahead. Key drivers of demand and counterbalancing constraints are highlighted and major issues, such as system security, regulatory obstacles, and competing technologies are also discussed.

Finally, Pioneer uses its proprietary methodologies to forecast worldwide and regional demand for SDR in the period 2004-2010 in terms of handsets and base stations and in terms of revenue from these segments.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - Executive Summary

• 1.1 Introduction
• 1.2 What is SDR?
• 1.3 Strengths and Weaknesses
  • 1.3.1 Key Strengths of SDR
  • 1.3.2 Key Weaknesses of SDR
• 1.4 Demand Drivers and Suppressants
  • 1.4.1 Key Demand Drivers for SDR
  • 1.4.2 Key Demand Constraints for SDR
• 1.5 Market Opportunities
• 1.6 Revenue and Unit Forecasts
• 1.7 Prospects for the Technology

Chapter 2 - Introduction

• 2.1 Definition of Software Defined Radio
• 2.2 Overview of the Study
• 2.3 Sources of Information and Methodology

Chapter 3 - Software Defined Radio Technology

• 3.1 Technology Overview
  • 3.1.1 Traditional Wireless System Design
  • 3.1.2 SDR Based Wireless System Design
• 3.2 Software Communications Architecture (SCA)
• 3.3 Hardware and Radio Frequency Technology
  • 3.3.1 DSP Processors
  • 3.3.2 FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array)
  • 3.3.3 RF Technology
  • 3.3.4 Digital to Analog/Analog to Digital Converters
  • 3.3.5 Smart Antennas
• 3.4 Implementation of SDR Technology
  • 3.4.1 SDR in Base Stations
  • 3.4.2 SDR in Handsets

Chapter 4 - Software Defined Radio: Evolution, Current Status and Adoption

• 4.1 Evolution of Cellular Standards
• 4.2 Evolution of SDR
  • 4.2.1 Advancement of SDR Technology
• 4.3 Emerging SDR Architectures
  • 4.3.1 JTRS
  • 4.3.2 OMG - Software Radio Domain Task Force
  • 4.3.3 SCOUT (Smart user-centriC cOmmUnication environmenT)
  • 4.3.4 SDR Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL)
  • 4.3.5 Radio Definition Language (RDL)
• 4.4 Areas of Adoption
  • 4.4.1 Defense
  • 4.4.2 Civil - Government and Public Safety
  • 4.4.3 Commercial
• 4.5 Vendor Profiles
  • 4.5.1 Vanu
  • 4.5.2 PrismTech
  • 4.5.3 ADC Telecommunications
  • 4.5.4 Spectrum Signal Processing Inc.
  • 4.5.5 AirNet Communications Corporation
• 4.6 Alternative Applications for SDR
  • 4.6.1 RFID Readers
  • 4.6.2 WiMAX

Chapter 5 - Software Defined Radio: Future and Challenges

• 5.1 Key Demand Drivers for SDR
  • 5.1.1 Flexibility and Interoperability
  • 5.1.2 Upgrades and Fault Correction
  • 5.1.3 Dynamic Network Reconfiguration
  • 5.1.4 Efficient use of Spectrum
  • 5.1.5 Economies of Scale and Mass Customisation
  • 5.1.6 Increase in Business Travel and Roaming Revenues
• 5.2 Key Demand Constraints for SDR
  • 5.2.1 Brand Erosion due to change in Business Models
  • 5.2.2 Hesitation towards SDR Adoption
  • 5.2.3 Technological Challenges
  • 5.2.4 Security
  • 5.2.5 Regulations
  • 5.2.6 Network Management
  • 5.2.7 Rogue Terminals
• 5.3 Evolving Wireless Business Models
  • 5.3.1 Transformation of the Wireless Value Chain
  • 5.3.2 Potential Impact on Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
  • 5.3.3 Potential Impact on Network Operators
  • 5.3.4 Potential Impact on Service Providers
  • 5.3.5 Potential Impact on Consumers/Users
  • 5.3.6 Emergence of Third Party Software Vendors
  • 5.3.7 Third Party Hardware Vendors
• 5.4 Challenges for SDR
  • 5.4.1 Security Issues
  • 5.4.2 Regulatory Obstacles
  • 5.4.3 Impact of Alternative Technologies - Multimode Hardware Radios
• 5.5 Summary/Conclusion

Chapter 6 - Software Defined Radio: Market Forecasts and Analysis

• 6.1 Methodology
  • 6.1.1 Forecast Model Techniques
  • 6.1.2 Forecast Model
  • 6.1.3 Key Assumptions
• 6.2 Worldwide Forecast Summary
  • 6.2.1 Base Transceiver Station Market
  • 6.2.2 Handset Terminal Market
• 6.3 Regional Forecast Results
  • 6.3.1 Cellular Subscriber Forecasts
  • 6.3.2 Base Transceiver Station Forecasts
  • 6.3.3 Handset Terminals Forecast

Chapter 7 - Conclusions

• 7.1 Key Findings
• 7.2 Major Conclusions

List of Exhibits

Chapter 1 - Executive Summary Exhibit 1.1: Worldwide Subscriber Forecasts

• Exhibit 1.2: Protocol Stack for a Wireless Platform
• Exhibit 1.3: Software Defined Radio Wireless Platform
• Exhibit 1.4: Total Market Opportunity for SDR Technology by Region (Chart)
• Exhibit 1.5: Total Market Opportunity for SDR Technology by Region (Table)
• Exhibit 1.6: Total Worldwide Market Opportunity for SDR Technology by Application (Chart)
• Exhibit 1.7: Total Worldwide Market Opportunity for SDR Technology by Application (Table)
• Exhibit 1.8: SDR Base Stations Revenue and Unit Forecasts (Chart)
• Exhibit 1.9: SDR Base Stations Revenue and Unit Forecasts (Table)
• Exhibit 1.10: SDR Handset Revenue and Unit Forecasts (Chart)
• Exhibit 1.11: SDR Handset Revenue and Unit Forecasts (Table)
• Exhibit 1.12: SDR Technology Advancement Path
• Exhibit 1.13: Evolved Wireless Services Relationship Chart

Chapter 2 - Introduction

Chapter 3 - Software Defined Radio Technology

• Exhibit 3.1: Protocol Stack for Wireless Platform
• Exhibit 3.2: Wireless System Platform
• Exhibit 3.3: Component Descriptions of Wireless System Platform
• Exhibit 3.4: Traditional Wireless System Component Platform
• Exhibit 3.5: Moores Law
• Exhibit 3.6: Traditional Stovepipe Wireless Architecture
• Exhibit 3.7: Software Defined Radio System Wireless Component Platform
• Exhibit 3.8: Software Defined Radio System Architecture
• Exhibit 3.9: Functional SDRF Model
• Exhibit 3.10: SDR Forum Open Architecture
• Exhibit 3.11: SDR Forum Functional Interface
• Exhibit 3.12: Generic PC Hardware/Software: SDR Analogy
• Exhibit 3.13: Software Communications Architecture (SCA) Diagram
• Exhibit 3.14: DSP partitioning of Software Defined Radio
• Exhibit 3.15: FPGA Implementation of SDR
• Exhibit 3.16: Elements of a SDR System
• Exhibit 3.17: Antenna Selection and Spatial Reuse
• Exhibit 3.18: Modulation Schemes
• Exhibit 3.19: Multiple Access Schemes
• Exhibit 3.20: Smart Antenna System Implementation
• Exhibit 3.21: SDR Cluster Solution for BTS
• Exhibit 3.22: Narrowband Base Station Architecture
• Exhibit 3.23: Wideband base station Architecture
• Exhibit 3.24: SDR Handset Architecture

Chapter 4 - Software Defined Radio: Evolution, Current Status and Adoption

• Exhibit 4.1: Historical Timeline of Cellular Standards
• Exhibit 4.2: SDR Technology Advancement Path
• Exhibit 4.3: Evolution of SDR in Wireless Systems
• Exhibit 4.4: SCOUT Functional Architecture
• Exhibit 4.5: Signal Path for SDR
• Exhibit 4.6: Role of RDL
• Exhibit 4.7: Cluster 1
• Exhibit 4.8: Cluster 2
• Exhibit 4.9: Airborne and Maritime/Fixed Station (AMF) cluster*
• Exhibit 4.10: Cluster 5*
• Exhibit 4.11: JTRS Timeline
• Exhibit 4.12: Software Radio Base Station System Architecture
• Exhibit 4.13: Trial System Sites in Gorman and DeLeon, Texas
• Exhibit 4.14: Trial System Results
• Exhibit 4.15: Customer list for PrismTech
• Exhibit 4.16: Architecture of a SDR based RFID Interrogator
• Exhibit 4.17: Main advantages of an SDR based RFID platform

Chapter 5 - Software Defined Radio: Future and Challenges

• Exhibit 5.1: Traditional Wireless Services Relationship Chart
• Exhibit 5.2: Evolved Wireless Services Relationship Chart
• Exhibit 5.3: Transactions and Revenue Streams
• Exhibit 5.4: Characterizations of Software Download
• Exhibit 5.5: Evolution of Regulatory Concerns

Chapter 6 - Software Defined Radio: Market Forecasts and Analysis

• Exhibit 6.1: Fisher-Pry Curve
• Exhibit 6.2: Gompertz Curve
• Exhibit 6.3: Normal Distribution
• Exhibit 6.4: Forecast Model Methodology
• Exhibit 6.5: Estimation of Cellular Subscribers
• Exhibit 6.6: Estimated Subscriber per BTS Values
• Exhibit 6.7: Estimation of Annual Demand for Total BTS Units
• Exhibit 6.8: Estimation of Annual Demand for SDR BTS Units
• Exhibit 6.9: Replacement Factor for Different Regions
• Exhibit 6.10: Estimation of Total Handset Terminals
• Exhibit 6.11: Estimation of SDR Handset Terminals
• Exhibit 6.12: Worldwide Unit Forecast for Base Transceiver Stations (Chart)
• Exhibit 6.13: Worldwide Unit Forecast for Base Transceiver Stations (Table)
• Exhibit 6.14: Worldwide Revenue Forecast for Base Transceiver Stations (Chart)
• Exhibit 6.15: Worldwide Revenue Forecast for Base Transceiver Stations (Table)
• Exhibit 6.16: Worldwide Unit Forecast for Handset Terminals (Chart)
• Exhibit 6.17: Worldwide Unit Forecast for Handset Terminals (Table)
• Exhibit 6.18: Worldwide Revenue Forecast for Handset Terminals (Chart)
• Exhibit 6.19: Worldwide Revenue Forecast for Handset Terminals (Table)
• Exhibit 6.20: Worldwide Subscriber Forecasts
• Exhibit 6.21: Regional Subscriber Forecasts (Chart)
• Exhibit 6.22: Worldwide Subscriber Forecasts (Table)
• Exhibit 6.23: Cellular Subscriber Penetration Rate (Chart)
• Exhibit 6.24: Cellular Subscriber Penetration Rate (Table)
• Exhibit 6.25: Regional Unit Forecasts for Total Base Transceiver Stations Installations (Chart)
• Exhibit 6.26: Regional Unit Forecasts for Total Base Transceiver Stations Installations (Table)
• Exhibit 6.27: Regional Unit Forecasts for SDR Base Transceiver Stations Installations - Optimistic Estimate (Chart)
• Exhibit 6.28: Regional Unit Forecasts for SDR Base Transceiver Stations Installations - Optimistic Estimate (Table)
• Exhibit 6.29: Regional Unit Forecasts for Annual Growth in SDR Base Transceiver Stations Installations - Optimistic Estimate (Table)
• Exhibit 6.30: Regional Revenue Forecasts for SDR Base Transceiver Stations Installations - Optimistic Estimate (Chart)
• Exhibit 6.31: Regional Revenue Forecasts for SDR Base Transceiver Stations Installations - Optimistic Estimate (Table)
• Exhibit 6.32: Regional Unit Forecasts for SDR Base Transceiver Stations Installations - Realistic Estimate (Chart)
• Exhibit 6.33: Regional Unit Forecasts for SDR Base Transceiver Stations Installations - Realistic Estimate (Table)
• Exhibit 6.34: Regional Unit Forecasts for Annual Growth in SDR Base Transceiver Stations Installations - Realistic Estimate
• Exhibit 6.35: Regional Revenue Forecasts for SDR Base Transceiver Stations Installations - Realistic Estimate (Chart)
• Exhibit 6.36: Regional Revenue Forecasts for SDR Base Transceiver Stations Installations - Realistic Estimate (Table)
• Exhibit 6.37: Regional Unit Forecasts for SDR Base Transceiver Stations Installations - Pessimistic Estimate (Chart)
• Exhibit 6.38: Regional Unit Forecasts for SDR Base Transceiver Stations Installations - Pessimistic Estimate (Table)
• Exhibit 6.39: Regional Unit Forecasts for Annual Growth in SDR Base Transceiver Stations Installations - Pessimistic Estimate
• Exhibit 6.40: Regional Revenue Forecasts for SDR Base Transceiver Stations Installations - Pessimistic Estimate (Chart)
• Exhibit 6.41: Regional Revenue Forecasts for SDR Base Transceiver Stations Installations - Pessimistic Estimate (Table)
• Exhibit 6.42: Worldwide Unit Forecast of SDR BTS Installations (Chart)
• Exhibit 6.43: Worldwide Unit Forecast of SDR BTS Installations (Table)
• Exhibit 6.44: Worldwide Revenue Forecast of SDR BTS Installations (Chart)
• Exhibit 6.45: Worldwide Revenue Forecast of SDR BTS Installations (Table)
• Exhibit 6.46: Regional Unit Forecasts for Total Handset Terminals (Chart)
• Exhibit 6.47: Regional Unit Forecasts for Total Handset Terminals (Table)
• Exhibit 6.48: Regional Unit Forecasts for SDR Handset Terminals (Chart)
• Exhibit 6.49: Regional Unit Forecasts for SDR Handset Terminals (Table)
• Exhibit 6.50: Regional Unit Forecasts for Growth in Annual SDR Handset Terminal Sales
• Exhibit 6.51: Regional Revenue Forecasts for SDR Handset Terminals (Chart)
• Exhibit 6.52: Regional Revenue Forecasts for SDR Handset Terminals (Table)

Chapter 7 - Conclusions

• Exhibit 7.1: Total Worldwide Market Opportunity for SDR Technology by Application (Chart)
• Exhibit 7.2: Total Worldwide Market Opportunity for SDR Technology by Application (Table)
• Exhibit 7.3: Total Market Opportunity for SDR Technology by Region (Chart)
• Exhibit 7.4: Total Market Opportunity for SDR Technology by Region (Table)

Related Reports