The News: Lattice Semiconductor, a supplier of low power programmable solutions, introduced the Lattice ORAN solution stack. Extending its portfolio of application-specific, low power FPGA-based solutions, the ORAN solution stack is designed to enable robust control data security, flexible fronthaul synchronization, and low power hardware acceleration for secure, adaptable, Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) deployment. Read the Lattice Semiconductor Press Release here.
Lattice ORAN Solution Stack Meets Urgent 5G Requirements including Zero Trust Security and eCPRI
Analyst Take: The new Lattice open radio access network (ORAN) solution stack targets expanding adoption of the disaggregation techniques and openness properties of ORAN technology across the 5G ecosystem. I anticipate that emerging ORAN environments require the secure communications, network-wide efficiency attainable through low-power hardware acceleration and tight synchronization among multiple components to assure the ORAN implementations that fulfill communication service provider (CSP) 5G business objectives.
I expect that Lattice can broaden its channel influence across the ORAN community through its specific portfolio development and marketing emphasis on the IEEE 1588 protocol, which is essential to delivering the strict timing and synchronization between the Distribution Unit (DU) and Radio Unit (RU) key to enabling 5G New Radio (NR) protocols such as enhanced Common Public Radio Interface (eCPRI) capabilities.
Today CSPs use the CPRI interface as the fronthaul connection across LTE/4G implementations by distributing remote radio units (RRUs) across higher-density population areas to improve deployment coverage and range. The RRUs are then connected and backhauled to baseband units embedded in centralized locations.
Through eCPRI, 5G networks can achieve improved network-wide efficiencies by using packet-based (i.e., Ethernet, IP) fronthaul techniques that use fiber technology to meet rapidly escalating 5G network scalability, latency, and performance demands. eCPRI transitions mobile networks from the point-to-point interface methods of pre-5G fronthaul technology and networks by using open interfaces that support the disaggregation and virtualization of ORAN architectures in combination with open-source ecosystem development support.
I also believe Lattice’s support of robust zero trust security fully aligns with the U.S. government’s new Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) “5G Security Evaluation Process Investigation Study” report that sanctions zero trust architecture principles. This can include supporting capabilities such as authentication with real-time encryption and decryption functions as well as RISC-V software configuration capabilities that assure 5G supply chain and ecosystem-wide security including at the silicon level.
Lattice delivered robust Q1 2023 growth and continues to perform well by carving out an important niche in the low-power FPGA space. I expect that Lattice’s focus and continued product innovation can enable sustained growth and differentiation despite challenging macroeconomic conditions on the horizon. The company’s YoY increase, for instance, coincides with the growing demand in its key areas, such as 5G. From my view, the Lattice ORAN solution stack can further augment the company’s overall sales and marketing momentum and near-term growth trajectory especially across the 5G ecosystem.
Disclosure: Futurum Research is a research and advisory firm that engages or has engaged in research, analysis, and advisory services with many technology companies, including those mentioned in this article. The author does not hold any equity positions with any company mentioned in this article.
Analysis and opinions expressed herein are specific to the analyst individually and data and other information that might have been provided for validation, not those of Futurum Research as a whole.
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Lattice Semiconductor Delivers Robust Q1 Growth and Raises Q2 Guidance
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Author Information
Ron is an experienced, customer-focused research expert and analyst, with over 20 years of experience in the digital and IT transformation markets, working with businesses to drive consistent revenue and sales growth.
Ron holds a Master of Arts in Public Policy from University of Nevada — Las Vegas and a Bachelor of Arts in political science/government from William and Mary.
