Intel Demos Software Defined WiFi/WiMAX/DVB-H Chip

Doc Ruby writes "Electronics Weekly is reporting that Intel has developed a new prototype chip for software defined radio. The new chip will be able to handle WiFi, WiMAX and DVB-H digital TV all on the same chip. 'This kind of chip would allow equipment to access the WiFi network in the home, automatically handover to a WiMAX network when you leave the house and also access digital TV on the move, all through one chip.' It's also a proof that the entire class of SW radios that could possibly converge CDMA, GSM and various other radio networks for opportunistic handoffs by a single device, a 'universal radio' that could use content formerly locked into a single radio type."

Comments

Winmodem?

[solafide]

Will these chips end up like Winmodems? no intelligence in the chip and impossible to get drivers for?

Cell Companies

[Adambomb]

With a resounding cry of "Ahhhhh crap." from carriers relying on clients using only their devices.

"You need to replace your phone? well then you can sign a new contract for a discount on our new..."

"I already have a device to use for it right here....picked it up online, and its not part of your expected sell/refurb/resell cycles. I believe you know what you can do with your contract..."

Course there will still be the "But don't you want 6 months of unlimited local talking and a discounted rate plan?!", still cuts out a lock in technique though.

They sound much more interesting than Winmodems

[Chuck Chunder]

So there's a much better chance that some of the clever people capable of reverse engineering this sort of stuff will make the effort to do so.

Re:ettus USRP

[Doc Ruby]

OK, but does the USRP (or even v2) fit on a 24mm^2 chip drawing 80mW for 52Mbps?