Next-Generation WLAN Chips Meet IEEE 802.11 Specifications

The first two members of the firm's PRISM II wireless LAN chipset are the HFA3861A baseband processor and the HFA3841 medium access controller (MAC). The former (see photo) is an 11-Mbps device that uses complementary code keying technology for conformance with the IEEE802.11 high-rate standard. It features a rake receiver to reduce interference and offers an antenna diversity option. The latter provides a direct interface between the baseband processing engine of the physical layer and the host computer and is the last leg of the end-to-end chipset. It's also IEEE802.11-compliant but is also interoperable with older, 802.11-based DSSS systems.