Integrated baseband chip supports multiple vocoders

CML Microcircuits is now offering a new product from its Sicomm Technologies design center. The SCT3258TD is a highly integrated baseband solution that includes both DMR and dPMR standards.  As well as providing full support for the DMR and dPMR protocol stacks, the device is differentiated from CML’s other baseband processors by embedding multiple low rate vocoders including AMBE+2™ (Digital Voice Systems Inc.) and RALCWI  (CML’s proprietary technology).

In its digital mode, the SCT3258TD can sense the presence of analog PMR and automatically switch operating mode.  This enables radios containing the device to interoperate seamlessly with legacy radios, providing a smooth transition for users from analog to the new digital standards.

David Brooke, CML’s Wireless Voice and Data Product Manager said, “We have been working closely with Sicomm to evolve their proven DMR and dPMR technology into ETSI compliant solutions. CML Microcircuits already has a selection of IC solutions for PMR and being able to offer the SCT3258TD further expands the range of baseband solutions available to our customers. CML now offers a choice of system architectures where the vocoder function is located in either the main microcontroller or on the baseband processor. Embedding and supporting multiple vocoders enable manufacturers to cost optimize designs, especially where standards do not dictate vocoder choice. This is a key factor in helping to close the cost differential between analog and digital radios.”

CML works with radio manufacturers to ease the development process by providing in-depth technical support and a hardware evaluation kit is available to assist in product evaluation.