News

26 September 2006

 

Broadcom selects Skyworks’ front-end module for Wi-Fi

Broadcom has selected Skyworks Solutions Inc’s WLAN 802.11n 2 x 2 multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) front-end module (FEM) reference design to complement its Intensi-fi draft-802.11n chipsets.

The proposed 802.11n Wi-Fi specification increases wireless range and the speeds of data transfer. Specifically, draft-802.11n enables real-world throughputs up to 200 megabits per second (Mbps), over five times faster than 802.11g technology, and is backward compatible with earlier standards.

Skyworks says that its SKY65225 FEM for 802.11n applications, or “nFEM”, is the industry’s most integrated device of its type. It has a footprint of 10 x 14 mm, a height profile of less than 1 mm, and is capable of simultaneously powering multiple modes of WLAN operation, including voice, data and streaming video. The two-antenna nFEM combines two complete dual-band transmit/receive (T/R) chains in one ultra-compact radio frequency (RF) FEM optimized for 2 x 2 MIMO operation, in compliance with the 802.11n draft specification. It includes two 5 GHz PAs and two 2 GHz PAs, each with integrated input filtering for 3-4 GHz rejection, and two temperature-compensated, directional power detectors with 20 decibel (dB) dynamic range. Also included are low loss, high rejection GaAs diplexers and switches. SKY65225 is priced at $5.50 each in quantities of 10,000.

Bill Bunch, Broadcom’s director of product marketing for wireless LAN, said: “Skyworks’ RF integration expertise and high-volume production capabilities make the nFEM a valuable complement to our high-performance Intensi-fi reference designs, while their modular approach provides the design flexibility that draft-N manufacturers are seeking.”

“Skyworks is excited to be supporting Broadcom’s aggressive migration to 802.11n ─ a technology that will enable the next broadband revolution focused on home and wireless data networking,” said Stan Swearingen, VP and GM for Linear Products at Skyworks. “The 802.11n technology will deliver on the promise of user-friendly wireless broadband for DVRs, next-generation game consoles, video-on-demand, and HDTV, creating a more sophisticated home entertainment environment.”

Yesterday, Strategy Analytics forecast that total GaAs device demand from WLAN markets will grow by over 76% in 2006 from $138m in 2005. Future demand for GaAs-based components, such as PAs and switches, will grow at a CAAGR of 46% through to 2010, driven by the move to multi-mode and multi-band architectures, which require multiple PAs and switches. See related item.

Visit: http://www.skyworksinc.com