Chipset runs from USB to Wi-Fi

Texas Instruments has developed a high-performance, cost-optimised IEEE802.11 b/g system solution with universal serial bus (USB) 2.0 capabilities.

Texas Instruments has developed a high-performance, cost-optimised IEEE802.11 b/g system solution with universal serial bus (USB) 2.0 capabilities.

The TNETW1450 MAC (media access controller) baseband processor coupled with TI's TNETW3422/TNETW3426 flexible radios enables manufacturers to seamlessly add wireless connectivity to devices with USB ports.

The latest WLAN solution combines the TNETW1450 with the TNETW3422, a highly optimised 2.4GHz single-chip, radio frequency (RF) transceiver/power amplifier and the TNETW3426 radio frequency front end (RFFE) that supports IEEE802.11 b/g standards.

This system solution provides a significant reduction in board size compared with TI's previous 802.11 chipsets, using fewer discrete components than currently used in competing solutions.

The TNETW1450 and corresponding radios with USB capabilities represent the latest addition to TI's application-specific system solutions including the recently announced TNETW1350 and complementary radios for embedded applications.

The solution includes optimised design and test tools, which eliminate interoperability issues and reduce design time.

The hardware and supporting software meet the highest level of security and quality of service (QoS) standards, including Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) and Cisco Compatible Extensions Program 2.0 (CCX 2.0).

Pairing the TNETW1450 with TI's industry-leading digital subscriber line- (DSL), cable- and voice-gateway solutions allows manufacturers, operators and consumers to realise greater benefits.

For example, the TI powered USB 2.0 adapter used in conjunction with TI's AR7-based DSL customer premises equipment (CPE) solutions, enables manufacturers to quickly reach the market with an interoperable, deployment ready, reliable solution resulting in fewer operator support calls.

"With this latest solution consumers simply plug the USB adapter into their PC's USB port and it seamlessly interacts with the broadband gateway".

"TI at both ends also allows consumers to enjoy increased datarates beyond 802.11g and enhanced connectivity", said Marcelo Vieira, Director of Marketing and Business Development for TI's WLAN business unit.

"This latest USB solution is just another example of how TI's complete broadband portfolio enables our customers to reach the market faster with differentiated solutions that allow consumers to experience better broadband".

The system solution, including hardware and software, will be available by the end of the first quarter, with select customer engagements currently underway.

Back to top