What is PHY IP Core : Selection Guide & Top Companies

A PHY IP Core is a reusable semiconductor design block that implements the physical layer functions of communication standards such as Ethernet, PCIe, USB, MIPI, and SerDes interfaces. PHY IP cores help chip designers accelerate development, reduce design complexity, and improve interoperability in integrated circuit projects. PHY, short for Physical layer, refers to OSI Layer 1 (L1). Following are examples of some of the PHY IP Cores.

• WLAN cores support 11a, 11b, 11g, and 11n standards.
• WiMAX cores support 16d and 16e standards.
• LTE cores are compliant with 3GPP standards.
• Zigbee PHY IP cores adhere to the IEEE 802.15.4-2003 PHY standard.

List of PHY IP Core Developers

Here’s a listing of companies that offer PHY IP cores and related services:

• S2C Inc. (CA, USA)

  • Web: www.s2cinc.com
  • Offers WLAN PHY IP cores. They also provide Digital/Baseband IP and RF IP for SoC integration, as well as WiGig and Zigbee IP.

• T2M

  • Web: t-2-m.com
  • Offers WLAN PHY IP cores for 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11e, 802.11ac, and 802.11n.

• Seasolve Software Inc. (CA, USA)

  • Web: www.seasolve.com
  • Offers PHY IP cores compliant with Fixed WiMAX, Mobile WiMAX, and WLAN standards.

• Imagination Technologies

  • Web: www.imgtec.com/ensigma
  • Radio IP range includes Ensigma Explorer and Ensigma Whisper. Supported standards include:
    • Wi-Fi - 802.11abg
    • Wi-Fi 802.11n
    • Wi-Fi 802.11n MIMO 1x1 to 4x4
    • Wi-Fi 802.11ac MIMO 1x1 to 2x2
    • Bluetooth Smart and Bluetooth Classic

• Tensilica

  • Web: www.tensilica.com
  • Offers LTE PHY IP cores as per 3GPP standards.

• Tata Elxsi

  • Web: www.tataelxsi.com
  • Offers WiMAX PHY IP Cores compliant with IEEE 802.16e standard. Also offers IP cores for LTE eNodeB and UE.

• UURMI Systems

  • Web: uurmi.com
  • Undertakes PHY layer design and development. Offers solutions for WiFi, WiMAX, and Zigbee standards.

• Sundance

  • Web: www.sundance.com
  • Offers LTE PHY IP in MATLAB, compliant with Release 8 version.

• Silvus Technologies

  • Web: www.silvustechnologies.com
  • Offers 802.11n PHY (baseband) IP cores. Supports MIMO configurations up to 4x4.

• SAI Technology

  • Web: www.saitechnology.com
  • Offers LTE PHY IP for UE, compliant with 3GPP Layer 1 standard.

• RAD3 Communications

  • Web: www.rad3comm.com
  • Offers WiMAX PHY (Physical layer - L1) IP cores for WiMAX, LTE, and Wireless USB.

• Altair Semiconductor

  • Web: altair-semi.com
  • Offers reference designs for LTE, including PHY-L1, L2, and L3.

• TATA Consultancy Services

  • Web: www.tcs.com
  • Offers LTE physical layer fixed-point and floating-point libraries for eNodeB and UE. Deliverables are available in MATLAB and Visual C.

• MIMOON, GmbH

  • Web: www.mimoon.de
  • Offers LTE Physical layer solutions targeted for SDR, DSP, and ASIC platforms.

Summary

A PHY IP Core provides physical layer communication functionality for semiconductor and SoC designs. Leading companies offer PHY IP solutions supporting Ethernet, PCIe, USB, MIPI, and high speed interface standards.