Companies Unite To Deliver SoCs To Broadband Wireless Market

Fujitsu Microelectronics America Inc. and Wi-LAN Inc., a provider of broadband wireless communications technologies, are set to codevelop systems-on-chips (SoCs) for broadband wireless applications. The joint development program will yield a broadband wireless-access subscriber-station device targeting a wide range of individual and business users.

Under the terms of the nonexclusive agreement, Wi-LAN will combine its expertise in wideband orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (W-OFDM) technology with Fujitsu's ASIC design capabilities. Together, the companies will create SoCs with integrated embedded processors and mixed-signal technology.

Wi-LAN and Fujitsu are working on proprietary W-OFDM SoCs based on Wi-LAN's BWS 3000 series broadband wireless access systems. Next, they'll collaborate on SoCs built around the IEEE 802.16a standard. Fujitsu will market the SoCs and related devices. While Wi-LAN's knowledge of broadband wireless systems will help drive development of high-performance products, Fujitsu will deliver the intellectual-property cores needed for these complex SoCs.

For further information, visit www.wi-lan.com or www.fma.fujitsu.com/asic.