Wave Electronics, a major developer and manufacturer of 5G base station equipment, has incorporated the Picocom PC802 system-on-chip (SoC) into its latest Open RAN radio unit (O-RU). The UK-based company Picocom is an expert in 5G Open RAN baseband semiconductor and software solutions.
The newly integrated product is titled the WEH47-TM24B radio unit (O-RU). Bristol-based Picocom and Wave Electronics will be jointly demonstrating the deployment-ready O-RU at the MWC Barcelona 2024 event, set to occur from 26-29 February 2024. This live end-to-end demonstration promises to be a highlight for the telecom industry.
In addition to utilising the PC802 SoC device, Wave Electronics has committed to using Picocom's newly launched PC805 device in its future Open RAN products. The PC805 is the industry's first SoC explicitly developed for 5G small cell Open RAN radio units. The next generation of these products is anticipated for release later in 2024.
YJ Lee, CEO at Wave Electronics, stated, "We have been working with Picocom for some time behind the scenes and are delighted with our close collaboration. In 2023, we completed optimisation and proof-of-concept of our new PC802-based O-RU equipment, working closely on interoperability and certification testing with a Korean private 5G network operator. In addition, we are already well underway in incorporating Picocom's latest PC805 device for our next generation of O-RU products."
Peter Claydon, President at Picocom, expressed excitement about collaborating with Wave Electronics, highlighting their showcasing of Wave Electronics' new O-RU featuring Picocom's PC802 device at MWC 2024. Claydon mentioned their satisfaction with Wave Electronics' achievements and revealed plans for Wave Electronics to transition seamlessly to Picocom's PC805, optimising their O-RU for next-generation in-building and outdoor products.
Claydon said, "I am thrilled to showcase Wave Electronics' new O-RU that features our PC802 device at MWC 2024. We are very pleased with their accomplishments and are excited to disclose that they will seamlessly transition to the PC805 to harness the full potential of our O-RU-optimised SoC for their next-generation of in-building and outdoor products."
"This move demonstrates Picocom's dedication to supplying state-of-the-art technology, and we anticipate continued mutual success in maintaining our clients' competitive edge in the ever-evolving 5G landscape."
Wave Electronics is not only aiming at domestic expansion but also plans to foray into the international market. As noted by YJ Lee, "Wave Electronics has plans to start deployments with Korea's private 5G market this year and expand further into the global private 5G, CBRS, in-building and outdoor O-RU markets. In addition, we have developed and completed Fronthaul Multiplexer (FHM) certification, which offers a solution for customers to organise networks economically."
Those interested in experiencing the latest development between Picocom and Wave Electronics are encouraged to see the live demonstration of the new Wave Electronics WEH47-TM24B O-RU at MWC Barcelona 2024.