Broadcom WLAN Chip Slices Size And Power

Described as a low-cost, single-chip WLAN solution, the BCM4312 exhibits a 40% smaller footprint and consumes half the power of the company's previous WLAN offerings. To bolster the chip, a unique reference design is available that combines best-in-class Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities on a standard mini-card. The chip integrates an 802.11 MAC, baseband processor, and a dual-band radio (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) into a 10 mm x 10 mm package. The BCM94312MCGB reference design integrates the BCM4312 WLAN chip with a BCM2046 Bluetooth chip onto a single PCIe mini-card. The design employs a shared antenna system that eliminates the need for separate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas. BROADCOM CORP., Irvine, CA. (949) 926-5000.