Energy Efficient Digital Frontend Designs With PolarFire FPGAs

This white paper discusses energy-efficient digital frontend designs utilizing PolarFire FPGAs for small cell applications in mobile access networks. It outlines the increasing demand for small cells due to the limitations of conventional macrocells in providing adequate indoor wireless coverage. The paper details the advantages of using Power over Ethernet (PoE) for powering small cells, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness and low power consumption. It explains the role of small cells in enhancing network capacity and efficiency, particularly in high-density environments. The document further describes the functionalities of PolarFire FPGAs, highlighting their suitability for digital frontend designs due to their low power and high performance. It elaborates on the various methodologies for implementing digital frontend functionalities, comparing FPGAs with other technologies like ASICs and DSPs. Additionally, the paper presents the architecture of small cell networks, the importance of signal processing capabilities, and the specific features of PolarFire FPGAs that contribute to their efficiency in radio design.