Baseband processor optimises Wi-Fi costs

The TNETW1350 is a single chip IEEE802.11 a/b/g compatible media access controller baseband processor that couples with TI's flexible radios to offer manufacturers a cost-optimised solution.

The TNETW1350 single chip IEEE802.11 a/b/g compatible media access controller (MAC) baseband processor coupled with TI's flexible radios offers manufacturers a cost-optimised solution that easily complements TI's industry-leading broadband and consumer electronics platforms.

The solution enables the next phase of home networking for consumers, providing seamless Wi-Fi connectivity to fixed applications including residential gateways, IP set top boxes and digital media adapters as well as embedded devices such as digital still cameras, portable media and portable audio players.

"Many of today's average home networks consist of a cable or DSL modem, a router and a wireless access point interacting with one or multiple PCs".

"However, home networks in the near future will incorporate consumer devices that generate content, which must be stored, transferred, shared, and edited wirelessly", said Aaron Vance, Senior Analyst with Synergy Research Group.

"TI is a Wi-Fi silicon and software provider with expertise in integrating broadband, wireless, and other consumer technologies and they are well-positioned to help drive the home networking revolution".

The 1350 can easily integrate into TI's DSL customer premises equipment (CPE) and personal communications and consumer electronics platforms.

End-to-end TI solutions eliminate integration and interference issues manufacturers face when working with multiple vendors, speeding time to market and allowing them to focus on other issues like product customisation.

"TI is setting the stage for the proliferation of home networks by adding WLAN functionality to existing market-leading technologies", said Lucy Huang, Worldwide Product Manager of TI's WLAN business unit.

"TI technology is driving the evolving wireless digital lifestyle where consumers can wirelessly broadcast photos stored on their digital camera to their televisions and listen to music from their portable audio players on their home stereos".

The 1350 provides on-chip power conversion and regulation, without external filters, reducing component count and the bill of materials (BOM) by 50%.

In addition, the 1350 works with TI's portfolio of flexible radios such as the TNETW3422/28 extended range, high output power 802.11 b/g compatible direct conversion radio for fixed applications such as residential gateways.

The 3422/28 is the industry's most cost effective extended range radio frequency (RF) solution, providing up to two times the range of existing solutions at a fraction of the cost.

The 1350 can also be coupled with the TNET3422/26 low power consumption b/g compatible solution for mobile devices such as digital still cameras.

The 1350, 3422/28 and 3422/26 solutions are cost-optimised and specifically target fixed and mobile applications, without the costs associated with other applications like the PC card or a PCI adapter.

The solutions will also support the second generation of Wi-Fi Protected Access security (WPA2), offering the highest level of security for Wi-Fi products, as well as the 802.11e draft standard for quality of service extensions for networks, providing service for voice over Wi-Fi and other multimedia applications.

TI's TNETW1350, 3422/28 and 3422/26 will be available in Q2 2005.

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