Wifi Revolution

Atheros Communications (News - Alert), Inc. has introduced the Atheros AR3011, the industry's first Bluetooth 2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) solution for PCs. With AR3011, Atheros aims to consolidate its position in the PC OEM market in which the company has in-depth technical experience and strong customer relationships.

 

AR3011 is Atheros' ROCm (Radio-on-Chip for Mobile) family of Bluetooth solution for PCs and supports wireless LAN (WLAN) co-existence and simultaneous usage of multiple Bluetooth-based devices.

 

According to a news release, Atheros will offer the AR3011 along with the company's highly integrated wireless LAN products. These solutions will provide superior WLAN and Bluetooth capabilities in low-cost and compact half-mini PCI Express card designs.

 

The combination of Atheros' WLAN and Bluetooth technologies will help PC OEM customers deliver the complete wireless complement to wired Ethernet and USB connectivity, universal to all personal computers.

 

The combination of WLAN and Bluetooth has become so widespread in wireless-enabled devices that industry activities are now centered on implementing wireless LAN as a part of the high-speed physical layer in Bluetooth technology.

 

The single-chip AR3011 is implemented in standard digital .13 micron CMOS and a low-cost 6x6 mm QFN package. With the solution, Atheros answers to the need for external Flash by integrating SRAM. Furthermore, to decrease the number of external RF components, Atheros has designed the AR3011 radio to eliminate the need for Balun and a matching network. The AR3011 also offers 2-, 3- and 4-wire TDM co-existence support to provide optimal co-existence with co-located WLAN.

 

Atheros claim is that the AR3011 provides the complete software solution for PC platforms. It supports Microsoft (News - Alert) Windows Vista and offers a range of additional Bluetooth profiles and software for easy integration into new laptops and desktop PCs.

 

"To date, the Bluetooth market for PC OEMs has been underserved," said Sam Endy, vice president and general manager of Mobile Wireless Business Unit for Atheros in a statement. "Our single-chip solution is optimized for the PC platform, offering the lowest BOM cost and smallest form factor in the industry while also supporting wireless LAN co-existence. Atheros' Bluetooth technology builds on the company's expertise in the mobile and embedded market to deliver the most complete, wireless networking experience."

 

 

 

 

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