60GHz wireless baseband system IP specialist, Blu Wireless Technology (BWT) is to partner with Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (CDNS), a leader in global electronic design innovation. The aim is to advance and promote a complete set of design IP required for their customers to develop low-power solutions for the emerging 60GHz WiGig and 4G backhaul market sectors with minimal risk and fast time to market on advanced process nodes.

The 60GHz market is being driven by consumer demand for HD video ‘anywhere, anytime’ via smartphones, laptops and tablets. 802.11ad Wi-Fi (also called WiGig), which uses the 60GHz band, is now hitting the market and is capable of delivering more than 20 times the speed of existing Wi-Fi. This enables the near instantaneous sharing of large HD video files between devices and also supports low-latency wireless streaming of video and gaming content to large HDTVs.

This market is forecast to be worth over $5B per annum by 2018¹. 4G basestation companies are using the same 60GHz band for high-speed unlicensed wireless links between small cells that can be mounted on street furniture such as signs, benches and streetlamps. The market for these small cells is also being driven by the demand for mobile video and is forecast to be worth over $3B per annum by 2018 (source Infonetics, March 2013). Both Blu Wireless and Cadence intend to collaborate on developing advanced IP for these markets. Cadence will contribute its analog/mixed-signal IP expertise. Blu Wireless will contribute its expertise in 60GHz band design.

Henry Nurser, CEO of Blu Wireless, said “As our customers turn to 28nm and beyond for designs for the 60GHz communications market, it is important for them to be confident that they can rely on robust mixed-signal and interface IP from Cadence that has been matched to our HYDRA baseband architecture. By working with Cadence, we will be able to provide a complete system IP solution addressing our customers’ time-to-market, cost and power demands.”

Seow Yin Lim, group director of IP marketing of Cadence, said “Our customers are looking for a comprehensive solution for 60GHz small cells. Our vast library of analog IP will enable us to provide essential links to the outside world. By working together, we can bring a tested solution to market, saving our customers valuable design time.”