Nujira Ltd, the world leader in Envelope Tracking technology, has released the results of an operator-focused study carried out by RTT and Caru Ventures on behalf of Nujira to understand the network performance challenges faced by operators. Crucially the study found that LTE network performance is currently limited by handset transmit performance - reducing network coverage by as much as 32%, requiring operators to install 45% more base station sites.
RTT and Caru conducted interviews with specialists in network planning, and those responsible for handsets, to understand the most important factors for operators in developing LTE networks. The results are available for download from Nujira’s website (www.nujira.com), and Nujira (Hall 1 Stand 1C62), RTT and Caru ventures will be discussing them at next week’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
The study also highlights FCC reports that show how today's LTE handsets and terminals are often incapable of transmitting at full power, falling short by 2 dB or more even in the relatively easy 700 MHz bands. This has a significant negative impact on network performance.
Geoff Varrall, Director at RTT Programmes, commented: “Several operators reported that their HSUPA and LTE network coverage is limited by the handset transmit performance. This has a direct impact on network coverage - our modelling showed that a 3 dB reduction in terminal output power results in a 32% reduction in network coverage, or a requirement to install 45% more base station sites; both scenarios have a significant impact on network economics.”
The study by Caru and RTT went on to show how the noise reduction characteristics of Nujira’s Envelope Tracking technology in RF power amplifiers can dramatically improve both the consumer’s experience on LTE and an operator’s returns on investment in network assets. The study demonstrated that Envelope Tracking in handsets can improve coverage by approximately 40% and network throughput can be doubled. Given that LTE coverage is a key challenge for operators, particularly in the first few years of deployment, this represents a real and substantial improvement in the service an operator can offer consumers from this initial investment in network technology.
Tim Haynes, CEO, Nujira, said: “As data rates grow, new networks like LTE are being deployed in higher frequency bands, such as 2.3-2.7 GHz, where signal propagation is particularly challenging. Coupled with the huge increase in mobile data traffic, where the majority of data is consumed indoors, means that 4G terminals are increasingly operating at the limits of their RF performance. Nujira's Envelope Tracking technology, and our patented ISOGAIN(TM) linearization, overcome these limitations, delivering the full 4G Experience to consumers, and significant economic benefits to operators.”
Mike Grant, Founder of Caru Ventures, added: “In addition to network coverage, operators cited poor battery life and excessive heat dissipation in terminals as major factors degrading the customer experience for LTE. Technologies such as Envelope Tracking which can address these issues were of significant interest for many of the major operators we surveyed.”
About Nujira
Nujira’s mission is to dramatically improve the energy efficiency of transmitters for 3G and 4G handsets, base stations and TV broadcast applications by reducing the amount of waste energy dissipated as heat in the RF Power Amplifier circuit.
Nujira’s patented Coolteq® Modulator technology dynamically controls the power supply to the circuit in line with the amplitude of the signal, enabling the creation of highly efficient RF Power Amplifiers. Today Coolteq technology powers the industry’s most energy efficient and highest performing 4G base stations and TV broadcast transmitters. Nujira is now applying the same energy efficient technology to smartphones and other portable wireless devices.
A fabless semiconductor company located in Cambridge, UK, with design centres in Cambridge, Bath and Edinburgh, Nujira is enabling the design of cost-effective multi-mode, multi-band handsets that deliver faster data rates, longer battery life, and better coverage.
For more information visit www.nujira.com
*******
Press contact:
Ben Smith, Senior Account Manager
EML Wildfire
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 20 8408 8000
Nujira contact:
Jeremy Hendy, VP Sales & Marketing
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 1223 597 900