Broadcom Delivers First Single-Chip Wi-Fi, Bluetooth And FM Combo

Thanks to a 65-nm CMOS process, the BCM4325 assumes position as the first to squeeze Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and FM capabilities into a single, low-power chip. The device packs an IEEE 802.11a/b/g MAC, baseband, and radio, support for Bluetooth 2.0 plus enhanced data rate that is upgradeable to version 2.1, and an advanced FM receiver. Claiming up to 40% lower power consumption than comparable chips, it relies on a software architecture that offloads the host processor to significantly extend battery life and reduce memory requirements. Other features include the company's BroadRange technology that ensures consistent connections to Wi-Fi access points and InConcert technology, which consists of software algorithms and hardware mechanisms that promote collaborative co-existence between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The BCM4325 is sampling now. Thanks to a 65-nm CMOS process, the BCM4325 assumes position as the first to squeeze Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and FM capabilities into a single, low-power chip. The device packs an IEEE 802.11a/b/g MAC, baseband, and radio, support for Bluetooth 2.0 plus enhanced data rate that is upgradeable to version 2.1, and an advanced FM receiver. Claiming up to 40% lower power consumption than comparable chips, it relies on a software architecture that offloads the host processor to significantly extend battery life and reduce memory requirements. Other features include the company's BroadRange technology that ensures consistent connections to Wi-Fi access points and InConcert technology, which consists of software algorithms and hardware mechanisms that promote collaborative co-existence between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The BCM4325 is sampling now. BROADCOM CORP., Irvine, CA. (949) 926-5000.