Dual-Band WiFi Chip targets mobile platforms.
Press Release Summary:
Capable of operating in 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz frequency bands, Model STLC4420 WLAN Device supports both OFDM and CCK signal modulations. Intelligent power management, which includes IEEE802.11 power-save mode, enables rapid mode switching from deep sleep to high-speed packet transmission. Unit includes ARM9-based MAC, digital baseband, and ZIF transceiver. Measuring 8.5 x 8 x 1.4 mm, Model STLC4550 shares same features, but without 5 GHz IEEE802.11a capability.
Original Press Release:
STMicroelectronics Extends Wireless LAN Series with IEEE802.11a/b/g Ultra Low Power Mobile Wi-Fi Chip
New dual-band solution and a smaller IEEE802.11b/g device provide state-of-the-art WLAN capability at lower cost for smaller form factor portable applications
Geneva, April 5, 2006 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) today announced an ultra-low power consumption dual-band Wi-Fi solution - the STLC4420 - which provides wireless IEEE802.11a/b/g capability for mobile handsets in a single compact package. A second new device, the STLC4550, delivers similar IEEE802.11b/g functionality to the existing STLC4370, which entered volume production early in 2006, but in a significantly smaller package; the earlier device is designed into several Wi-Fi enabled handsets from leading mobile-phone manufacturers.
The STLC4420 is a highly integrated WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) device capable of operating in the 5GHz, as well as the 2.4GHz, frequency bands and supporting both OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) and CCK (Complementary Code Keying) signal modulations. It is designed expressly for mobile platforms, including cellular and Wi-Fi phones, PDAs, laptop computers and cameras, and matches the ultra-low operating power consumption requirements of these applications with a 30µW sleep mode.
Intelligent power management, which includes the IEEE802.11 power-save mode, enables rapid mode switching from deep sleep to high-speed packet transmission, and delivers the lowest power consumption in the market. Other embedded functions include an ARM9-based MAC (Media Access Controller), digital baseband, and ZIF (Zero IF) transceiver. The application component count is extremely low as a result of the high level of integration and the device is housed in an advanced, space-efficient, package.
The STLC4550 shares the features and performance of the dual-band STLC4420, but without the 5GHz IEEE802.11a capability. Its package is a remarkably small 8.5x8x1.4mm, enabling manufacturers to provide cost-effective Wi-Fi connectivity in even more compact mobile products. The device integrates passive components making the overall footprint extremely small. Both products offer best-in-class integrated WLAN/Bluetooth(TM) coexistence, using a PTA (Packet Traffic Arbitration) algorithm, to allow the simultaneous exchange of audio and video or data.
ST offers manufacturers a complete WLAN hardware and software solution, with source code in house. Both new devices are supported by key software drivers, firmware, and test suites, optimized for mobile platforms and for operating systems including Symbian, WinMobile, and Linux. Supported reference code is available to customers for evaluation in new designs.
The interface between both devices and their host processor is through a mode selectable SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or SDIO (Secure Digital I/O) interface. For maximum flexibility and to minimize cost, system reference clock frequencies of 19.2, 26, 38.4 and 40MHz are accepted. Either device is easily integrated with all leading processor platforms, including ST's Nomadik family of mobile multimedia application processors.
"These new Wi-Fi devices open up more and more possibilities in multi-function portable products and handsets, and they're especially attractive as battery-life expectations increase and product size shrinks," said Matthew Hatch, General Manager of ST's Wireless LAN Business Unit. "This family of WLAN products has already been designed in into several phones by one of the world's leading mobile phone manufacturers."
Engineering samples of both the STLC4420 and STLC4550 WLAN ICs have already been shipped to key customers, and volume production is planned for Q4 2006. Pricing is $9.00 and $8.50, respectively, for quantities of 100k units.
This press release is also available at
st.com/stonline/stappl/press/news/year2006/p2020.htm
...with links to further information on the STLC4550; more information on the STLC4420 will be available shortly.
About ST's Home, Personal, Communication Group (HPC)
STMicroelectronics is a world-leading supplier of comprehensive solutions for the converging segments of home entertainment, communication, and connectivity. ST's HPC product offering encompasses a whole range of applications in the digital consumer market, including set-top box, DVD, TV, and audio; a wide array of solutions for personal multimedia, from application processors to energy management, mobile imaging, and wireless connectivity; and a full spectrum of display ICs and devices for wireless and wireline network infrastructures.
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2005, the Company's net revenues were $8.88 billion and net earnings were $266 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
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