Bluetooth Chip Breaks Speed Limits

Compared to standard Bluetooth devices, the BlueMoon UniCellular (PMB 8753) chip is said to enable mobile handsets with wireless multimedia capabilities to exchange data at speeds three times faster within a 10m range, in the realm of 2.1 Mb/s. The chip supports the Version 2.0 Bluetooth standard, as well as enhanced data rate (EDR) functionality. Also compared to similar devices, the PMB 8753 relies on the company’s 130-nm CMOS process technology to reduce power consumption by 35%. Other features include a receiver sensitivity of –90 dBm and an overall package size measuring 5 mm x 5 mm. In terms of support, a software stack is available that matches the chip to many currently available mobile phone architectures. Offered in a WFLGA-56 lead-free and halogen-free package, samples are available now with production expected mid-2005. INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES CORP., San Jose, CA. (408) 501-6000.