Motorola has launched two additions to its base station portfolio: the CTU4 and RCTU4. These products are expected to be commercially available in the second half of 2009.
According to the company, the next-generation radios are both based on multi-carrier power amplifier, or MCPA, technology and are GSM, evolved-EDGE and LTE capable, offering service providers increased capacity and functionality on legacy equipment.
Motorola has said that the radios offer two discrete form-factors that suit different network needs. The CTU4 is a plug-in unit for Motorola’s existing Horizon II base stations, suited for established networks. The RCTU4 is a remote radio unit (RRU), which is particularly suitable for greenfield deployments. Both the radios support both GSM and the new LTE standards.
These new radio products are based around a modified radio architecture that sees the baseband and RF functions (traditionally in the same unit) split into physically separate modules that are connected via an optical fiber.
The key attributes of both radio products include: software definable radio with separate baseband units, maximizing the re-use of existing equipment; up to six RF carriers capable of supporting E-EDGE, which will provide enhanced end-user experiences and enable more applications.
Fred Wright, senior vice president for wireless network products, home & networks mobility at Motorola, said: The capabilities of the CTU4 and RCTU4 radios demonstrate the evolution of enhanced data capabilities, reduced total cost of ownership and the future readiness of Motorola’s cellular infrastructure solutions.
