Picocom SoC Enables Versatile 5G Small-Cell O-RUs for Diverse Use Cases

Picocom Launches PC805: Optimized SoC for 5G Small Cell Open RAN Radio Units

Today, Picocom, the 5G Open RAN baseband semiconductor and software specialist, is proud to announce the launch of PC805, a highly integrated System-on-Chip (SoC) optimized for 5G small cell Open RAN radio units (O-RUs).

The PC805 SoC is designed to simplify the implementation of 5G NR/LTE small cell O-RUs, supporting various deployment use cases such as enterprise, industrial, neutral host, and private networks. With its small footprint and low power consumption, the PC805 offers a significantly reduced Bill of Materials (BoM) compared to current designs.

The PC805 interfaces directly with O-DUs via Open Fronthaul (split 7.2) and seamlessly connects to RFICs using a standardized JESD204B high-speed serial interface. It comes with a fully integrated O-RAN compliant Picocom 5G NR RU and M-plane software suite.

"Most existing O-RU products are based on FPGA technology, requiring a hardware redesign approach for different use cases," says Picocom President Peter Claydon. "To unlock new opportunities, we need a more focused approach where new use cases can be accommodated with simple software changes. That's why I'm thrilled to introduce Picocom's optimized yet flexible SoC for small cell radio units. PC805 will empower a new era of small cell deployments, meeting the increasing demands for carrier aggregation and flexible spectrum utilization."

Peter Jarich, Head of GSMA Intelligence, emphasizes the importance of optimized silicon for the success of Open RAN. He states, "It's good to see companies delivering optimized silicon for small cells, which are particularly important for neutral host and private network deployments along with network densification exercises."

PC805 supports the aggregation of four or more 4T4R carriers in a 200 MHz instantaneous bandwidth (IBW), making it applicable for operation in the US CBRS and equivalent bands available in other countries. It also supports multiple bands, including both TDD and FDD for both 5G NR and LTE, with the option to double the bandwidth supported by cascading two SoCs.

To ease development and accelerate time-to-market, PC805 launches with a complete software suite and a companion RU Demonstrator Board, the PC805RDB. The PC805RDB is a flexible 5G NR/LTE Radio Unit board that demonstrates the capabilities of the PC805 SoC, featuring an onboard RF transceiver, front-end, associated support circuitry, and software.

The PC805 is available in a 17mm x 17mm FC LFBGA Flip-Chip Ball Grid form factor. Samples will be provided to lead customers starting from November 2023.

With the PC802 and PC805 chips already on the market and customers moving into volume production, Picocom President Peter Claydon is optimistic about the company's growth. "There'll be no more chips from us for two years – we'll be concentrating on what we've got," Claydon said, adding, "I'm hopeful to close sales with three new customers this year."

For more information on PC805 or to download the product brief, visit picocom.com/products/socs/pc805.