Samsung brings beamforming to 5G developments with Xilinx

Samsung has utilised Xilinx Versal adaptive compute acceleration platform (ACAP) to enable 5G commercial deployments in the global market.

Specifically, the Xilinx Versal ACAP will provide a flexible and scalable platform that can be used by multiple operators across different geographies.

The solution is a multicore, heterogeneous compute platform able to perform real time signal processing, including beamforming techniques.

Versal ACAP provides compute density at low power consumption to perform real-time, low-latency signal processing needed with beamforming algorithms, solving key issues with the technology.

According to Xilinx, 5G requires beamforming as it allows multiple data streams to be transmitted simultaneously to multiple users using the same spectrum, thus increasing the 5G network capacity.

However, beamforming requires significant compute density and advanced high-speed connectivity to meet 5G's low-latency requirements.

In addition, different system-functional partition requirements and algorithm implementations lead to a wide range of processing performance and compute precision.

Xilinx states it is difficult for traditional FPGAs to optimally address this requirement while meeting thermal and system footprint constraints.

The Xilinx solution solves these issues and provides a successful means of utilising beamforming for 5G technology, the company states.

Furthermore, the AI Engines, which are part of the Versal AI Core series, are comprised of a tiled array of vector processors, meaning the required mathematical functions can be implemented.

In turn this offers high compute density, advanced connectivity, and the ability to be reprogrammed and reconfigured even after deployment, according to Xilinx.

Samsung Electronics executive vice president and head of R-D networks business, Jaeho Jeon says, "Samsung has been working closely with Xilinx, paving the way for enhancing our 5G technical leadership and opening up a new era in 5G.

"Taking a step further by applying Xilinx's new advanced platform to our solutions, we expect to increase 5G performance and accelerate our leadership position in the global market.

Xilinx executive vice president and general manager Wired and Wireless Group Liam Madden says, "Samsung is a trailblazer when it comes to 5G innovation and we are excited to play an essential role in its 5G commercial deployments."

Madden says, "Versal ACAPs will provide Samsung with the superior signal processing performance and adaptability needed to deliver an exceptional 5G experience to its customers now and into the future.

The first Versal ACAP devices have been shipping to early access customers and will be generally available in the Q4 2020 timeframe.

Xilinx develops adaptive processing platforms across various technologies from endpoint, to the edge, to the cloud.