Intersil has added a new highly integrated quad up-convertor to its CommLinkT family of digital radio ICs for fixed basestation applications

The new device allows easy upgrading of existing basestations to handle the latest higher speed protocols with higher throughput rates. The new quad up-convertor can be programmed to handle up to four different cellular channels and multiple protocols simultaneously. For example, it can be programmed to handle both legacy and newer third generation (3G) cellular standards simultaneously or as they come online, including GSM, IS-136 TDMA, EDGE, IS-95, CDMA (CDMA2000 and UMTS) and AMPS.

This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 5 January 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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The converter's ability to handle the latest high-speed protocols at high output rates of up to 80MSPS allows designers to upgrade existing base-stations to overcome their inherent frequency capacity and throughput limitations.

The CommLink ISL5217 up-convertor is designed for use in the transmit section in wireless cellular basestations.

A companion part, the ISL5216 performs complementary functions in the receive section of the base-station.

The ISL5217 features a maximum output rate of 80MSPS and supports input sample rates as high as 5MSPS.

Multiple devices can be cascaded digitally for multichannel applications.

"The new up-convertor enhances Intersil's position as a supplier of complete digital radio solutions for the cellular market", said Juan Garcia, marketing manager of CommLink products at Intersil.

"CommLink devices are specifically designed to support the expanding use of digital radio and wireless Internet applications across multiple cellular including 2nd and 3rd generation standards with faster speeds and greater throughput".