Broadcom unveiled its newest wireless combination chip, BCM4329, which integrates 802.11n WiFi, Bluetooth and FM technologies on a single silicon die thus providing significant cost, size, power and performance advantages over discrete semiconductor implementations.
Broadcom continues to raise the bar for mobile connectivity by delivering one of the industry’s first solutions to offer 802.11n for mobile devices. It provides up to 50 Megabits per second (Mbps) of actual wireless throughput, allowing large file transfers to happen more quickly while consuming less total power. In addition, the BCM4329 employs space time block coding (STBC), an 802.11n feature that enables a mobile device to maintain a connection with an access point anywhere within an expanded coverage area.
In addition, the BCM4329 includes both FM transmit and receive capabilities, enabling consumers to stream music directly from a mobile device to car stereos or home theater systems, as well as listen to the FM radio on-the-go.
Finally, the BCM4329 also integrates Bluetooth, which is used for hands-free communications with wireless headsets, data synchronization and stereo music streaming to headphones and speakers.
The new Broadcom combo chip is now sampling to early access customers and is scheduled for significant production quantities in 2009… Full release with more technical information is available from Broadcom’s website.