The BCM4325 Bluetooth + Wi-Fi combination ('combo') chip solution from Broadcom Corporation is used by Ford Motor Company to provide wireless connectivity in its new vehicles. The products from Broadcom (News - Alert) enable the delivery of voice, video, data and multimedia to and throughout the home, the office and the mobile environment.

The Ford SYNC system, based on the Microsoft (News - Alert) Embedded Auto software platform, enables cellular handsets, portable media players and other devices to connect directly to the car's entertainment system. The next-generation of Ford's SYNC communications system features the Broadcom BCM4325 solution that adds advanced Wi-Fi functionality for a convenient and safer user experience.

In a release, Chris Bergey, senior director of Broadcom’s Wireless LAN Mobility Group, Broadcom has enabled consumer electronics devices to connect, share data and enhance the user experience by eliminating wires and cords in varied devices. Bergey added that Broadcom’s collaboration with Ford will make its competitive wireless LAN and Bluetooth combinational technologies available for Ford's future automotive passenger cabins.

The SYNC in-car communication system enables safer hands-free operation of cellular phone handsets and popular digital auto/video players while in the car. That is, the driver will be able to use integrated Bluetooth to make musical selections, initiate phone conversations and manage other car functions by using voice commands. The new SYNC version, which integrates Broadcom Wi-Fi technology, enables consumer electronics devices to connect wirelessly to the system without the need for a USB cable. The SYNC system also includes Broadcom's "soft access point" technology that allows the Broadcom enabled Wi-Fi component to serve as an access point. This will in turn allow any device inside the vehicle to gain wireless Internet access.

The wireless capabilities enabled by Broadcom wireless technology in the SYNC system will allow it to connect to Internet "hot spots" or the driver's own home wireless access point when parked. The 'combo' chip solutions from Broadcom integrates multiple communications technologies onto single die solutions, which makes it cost effective and technically feasible to add Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other functions to consumer electronics products. In addition, the flexible software architecture of BCM4325 combo chip simplifies the migration from a single radio connectivity technology (WLAN or Bluetooth) to a multi-radio technology solution.

The Broadcom BCM4325 combo chip features ultra-low power consumption and a unique InConcert technology. InConcert enables more intelligent operations of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allowing the option for a shared antenna system that will reduce board area requirements and provide the capability to co-exist with additional external radio technologies.