A new report by Mobile Experts provides a detailed analysis of the future of advanced processors for 5G and 6G base stations. The report explores the transition from ASICs and FPGAs to vRAN SoCs, semi-custom ICs, and off-the-shelf solutions. It highlights the rising cost of developing ASICs and the impact of AI on mobile networks. The report also tracks market trends and predicts a shift in the semiconductor marketplace towards off-the-shelf chip options and semi-custom ICs. Subscribers will receive full access to the report, including technical analysis and cost breakdowns. Overall, the report offers valuable insights into the future of baseband processors in wireless infrastructure.
- The Mobile Experts report predicts a shift from ASICs and FPGAs to vRAN systems on chip (SoCs) and semi-custom ICs for baseband processors in 5G and 6G base stations, due to the rising cost of developing ASICs.
- The report also highlights the impact of AI on mobile networks and how processor opportunities will shift towards reusing elements developed for other applications.
- Subscribers will receive access to a comprehensive report with technical analysis, market trends tracking, and cost analysis of various chip solutions in the mobile infrastructure market.
Mobile Experts, the industry’s leading forecaster, has just released a groundbreaking report that delves into the evolving landscape of advanced processors for 5G and 6G base stations. This in-depth analysis provides valuable insights into the transition from traditional ASICs and FPGAs to more sophisticated solutions like vRAN systems on chip (SoCs), semi-custom ICs, off-the-shelf options, and acceleration solutions. So, let’s dive right in and explore what the future holds for these crucial components of our mobile networks.
A Deep Dive into Advanced Processors
This first-of-its-kind report delivers an in-depth analysis of baseband processors in wireless infrastructure. It highlights the transition from ASICs and FPGAs to a more intricate world of vRAN systems on chip (SoCs), semi-custom ICs, off-the-shelf solutions, and acceleration solutions.
The Rising Cost of ASICs
The report, titled *Semiconductors for BBU / DU / CU 2023*, underscores the escalating cost of developing an ASIC as technology migrates from 10nm to 3nm CMOS. Interestingly, the relatively small size of the mobile infrastructure market makes justifying a lineup of fully customised ASICs challenging.
AI’s Impact on Mobile Networks
In addition to this, a new expert INSIGHT report called “How AI will Impact the Mobile Network” was unveiled this week. This report provides a clear technical and economic analysis, illustrating how the processor opportunity will distinctly shift to solutions that re-use elements developed for other applications.
A Peek into Market Trends
The BBSEMI report includes tracking of current BBU, DU, and CU chip vendors’ market share to validate the identified trends. Its forecasts span five years for technical specifics and ten years for a broader chip market direction analysis. This approach offers a glimpse into the rise of new methodologies in the 5G-Advanced and 6G cycle.
A Shift in the Semiconductor Marketplace
Joe Madden, Principal Analyst at Mobile Experts, commented on the matter. “The 5G cycle is peaking now and will start to decline for a few years,” he said. “As the market realigns for 6G, we expect to see the semiconductor marketplace realign as well, with off-the-shelf chip options becoming a significant portion of the total, and semi-custom ICs replacing the previous pattern of ASICs with customisation of every function.”
What Subscribers Can Expect
Subscribers will receive full access to the 45-page report, 40 comprehensive charts and figures, a detailed technical background and architectural analysis, and a cost analysis of how various chip solutions are used. They will also have access to the analysts behind the reports.
Final Thoughts
As we reach the peak of the 5G cycle and start preparing for the arrival of 6G, the semiconductor marketplace is poised for a significant shift. The Mobile Experts report sheds light on this transformation, highlighting how off-the-shelf chip options will play a vital role and semi-custom ICs will replace the traditional approach of fully customized ASICs. With access to the comprehensive report, subscribers will gain valuable insights into market trends, technical specifics, and cost analyses of various chip solutions. This detailed analysis, combined with the expertise of the analysts behind the reports, promises to provide a comprehensive understanding of the future of baseband processors in wireless infrastructure. So, get ready to embrace the changing dynamics and innovative approaches that will shape the 5G-Advanced and 6G cycle.
FAQ
Q: What does the report by Mobile Experts focus on?
A: The report focuses on the future of advanced processors for 5G and 6G base stations, providing an in-depth analysis of baseband processors in wireless infrastructure.
Q: What are some of the processor solutions discussed in the report?
A: The report discusses the transition from ASICs and FPGAs to vRAN systems on chip (SoCs), semi-custom ICs, off-the-shelf solutions, and acceleration solutions.
Q: Why is developing an ASIC becoming more challenging?
A: The report highlights the escalating cost of developing an ASIC as technology migrates from 10nm to 3nm CMOS. The relatively small size of the mobile infrastructure market makes justifying a lineup of fully customised ASICs challenging.
Q: What is the impact of AI on mobile networks?
A: The report “How AI will Impact the Mobile Network” provides a technical and economic analysis, illustrating how the processor opportunity will shift to solutions that re-use elements developed for other applications.
Q: What does the BBSEMI report track?
A: The BBSEMI report tracks the market share of current BBU, DU, and CU chip vendors to validate identified trends. It provides forecasts spanning five years for technical specifics and ten years for a broader chip market direction analysis.
Q: How does Joe Madden, Principal Analyst at Mobile Experts, describe the semiconductor marketplace?
A: Joe Madden predicts that as the market realigns for 6G, off-the-shelf chip options will become a significant portion of the total, and semi-custom ICs will replace the previous pattern of ASICs with customization of every function.
Q: What do subscribers receive with access to the report?
A: Subscribers receive access to the 45-page report, 40 comprehensive charts and figures, a detailed technical background and architectural analysis, and a cost analysis of how various chip solutions are used. They also have access to the analysts behind the reports.
