Core helps power wireless Xbox gaming

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Nov 14, 2003

The Microsoft MN-740 Xbox Wireless Adapter uses the AR2312 wireless system-on-a-chip (WiSOC) from Atheros Communications with an integrated processor core from MIPS Technologies.

The Microsoft MN-740 Xbox Wireless Adapter uses the AR2312 wireless system-on-a-chip (WiSOC) from Atheros Communications with an integrated processor core from MIPS Technologies.

The wireless adapter, available now in the USA and Canada, enables users to compete wirelessly via Xbox Live using 802.11g Wi-Fi technology.

Atheros Communications, a MIPS Technologies licensee since 2001, uses the MIPS32 4K core family to develop innovative wireless LAN chipsets for a range of end markets.

The AR2312 chipset operates at 180MHz and is manufactured in a leading TSMC process.

"By leveraging the inherent performance of the MIPS architecture, our WiSOC chipsets can deliver data at speeds up to five times faster than competing technologies", said Rick Bahr, Vice President of Engineering for Atheros.

"Atheros' strength in advanced 802.11g and 802.11a/g technology makes our chipsets an ideally suited match for high-bandwidth gaming and multimedia applications like Xbox".

"Increasingly, performance driven products, such as wireless LAN access points, DVD recordable devices and high definition digital televisions, are relying upon the industry-standard MIPS architecture to deliver an enhanced user experience", said Jack Browne, Vice President of Worldwide Sales at MIPS Technologies.

"Atheros Communication joins other MIPS Technologies licensees that are capturing key design wins in high-growth markets using innovative MIPS-based products.

We applaud Atheros' leadership and look forward to our continued collaboration in the embedded market".