Orca launches smallest dual-mode Bluetooth RF, modem IP core

Orca touts the device as the industry's smallest dual mode Bluetooth RF and modem IP core, leveraging its revolutionary DSP-RF platform. The device has an area of less than 1.3mm² for the RF transceiver and less than 1.4mm² for the Bluetooth modem in 90nm CMOS. Orca believes that the small size of the DRBT core makes it suitable for SoC integration.

Additionally, DRBT scales as process geometry shrinks enabling integration at any CMOS process node and provides a simple cost reduction roadmap.

"We are seeing strong demand for a silicon efficient Bluetooth RF and modem solution. With the establishment of our IP core, we are equipped to enable groundbreaking SoC designs for our customers," said Guruswami Sridharan, founder and CEO of Orca Systems. "DRBT provides customers with tremendous flexibility to create competitive SoCs, including the selection of CMOS process node and flexibility in the layout enabled by its ultra-small silicon footprint."

DRBT includes the RF and modem functions for a dual mode Bluetooth ver2.1 + EDR and Bluetooth v4.0 low energy standards.

In addition to its small silicon footprint, DRBT features include: 1) Orca's DSP-RF based sampling receiver; 2) Orca's SelfAlign polar transmitter; 3) Channel codec functions; 4) Orca's DSP-RF based open loop frequency synthesiser; 5) Direct wideband modulation; 6) Integrated LNA; 7) Integrated T/R switch; 8) Self contained AGC and AFC; 9) Configurable serial or parallel packet interface; and 10) Selectable reference frequency

DRBT is available now as a licensable IP core. A 90nm CMOS prototype IC and reference board based on DRBT is available for evaluation to select customers.