Chip Simplifies 802.11a/b/g LAN Design

Premiering as the market?s first complete IEEE 802.11a/b/g WLAN device, the AR5006Xv chip integrates a media access controller (MAC), baseband processor, and a radio with both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz capabilities in a single CMOS chip. In addition to eliminating one chip of a previous two-chip solution, the device employs design techniques that eliminate up to 24 discrete components. It provides full support for the IEEE 802.11i security standard and the company?s eXtended (XR) and Super AG technologies. The XR technology, which provides single access point coverage in home networking environments, is said to eliminate dead spots in corporate wireless LANs while providing outdoor coverage of up to two times greater than comparable approaches. Super AG employs multiple techniques that include dynamic turbo with adaptive radio technology, packet bursting, fast frames, and data compression. The technology supports link rates up to 108 Mb/s with throughput rates beyond 60 Mb/s. Price is $15 each/10,000. ATHEROS COMMUNICATIONS INC., Sunnyvale, CA. (408) 773-5200.