Baseband processor

Baseband processors SoCs in embedded systems such as smart phones, GPS or Bluetooth devices, where they take over all the tasks that are directly related to the data transmission over wireless communication standards, ie the signal generation and processing and implementation of the higher levels of the respective protocol stack. This includes the baseband processor in addition to a CPU, RAM and ROM, and a digital signal processor. It can be installed on a separate chip or IP core. On the CPU of the baseband processor often runs a real time operating system.

Mobile phones

During the baseband processor is the only computing platform on older mobile phones, it is possible for users of smartphones imperceptible - there, the application software is running on the application processor with its own CPU and uses a different operating system. On the iPhone 3G, for example, the application software on the iOS and this is running on a ARM1176JZ, whereas the phone stack is based on the Nucleus RTOS and is running on a ARM926. Outwardly, the baseband processor a little noticed more attack surface dar.

For the separation of CPU for application software and the baseband processor there are several reasons. To write mobile regulations before a certification procedure for the complete communication stack. By separating the two systems, the certification of the much more frequently changing user operating system saves. In addition, the communication system must naturally meet tight time limits to what can be achieved easier by outsourcing to a second system.