14 DAY TRIAL // Texas Instruments announced two new devices built on its DRP single-chip technology, designed to enable the mass-integration of WLAN, Bluetooth and FM technologies into mobile devices. The first product is WiLink 6.0, the latest member of TI's mobile WLAN family that integrates mobile WLAN, Bluetooth and FM, with support for IEEE draft 802.11n for better coverage and reception. The second product is the BlueLink 7.0 solution, the latest version of TI's BlueLink Bluetooth single-chip family that integrates Bluetooth and FM. Both devices are manufactured in 65nm technology, delivering a low-cost, low-power single chip with a small footprint.
The new WiLink 6.0 device integrates mWLAN, Bluetooth and FM on a single chip, allowing handset manufacturers to quickly integrate these three functions into handsets. By integrating the mobile 802.11n solution, consumers can quickly share large files such as movies and photos between their handsets and other WLAN-enabled devices, like laptops, digital cameras and gaming consoles. Operators and service providers deploying dual-mode phone solutions expect 802.11n to drastically improve voice call quality and reliability in VoWLAN applications. The WiLink 6.0 device will help reduce dropped calls, lowering support costs for these newer, more complex dual-mode solutions.
The new BlueLink 7.0 device integrates Bluetooth technology with high-quality FM stereo transmit and receive functions on a single chip. With new FM transmit capability, consumers can enjoy MP3 files stored on their phone on any FM receiver, such as car stereos or radios without wires. The new chip also provides enhanced performance with support for Bluetooth Specification 2.1 plus EDR (enhanced data rate). The WiLink 6.0 solution and BlueLink 7.0 device share the same Bluetooth and FM core solution.
"The phone is now the consumer's center of gravity - the one device they use to entertain, connect and access information. With the WiLink 6.0 single chip, TI is enabling true voice over IP and personal audio broadcasting - allowing people to use their phone in ways they never have before," said Marc Cetto, General Manager of TI's Mobile Connectivity Solutions. "TI's deep expertise in wireless and leading edge process technology makes us well positioned to take Bluetooth and mobile WLAN to the next level and make them affordable for more consumers around the globe."
The first products to incorporate WiLink 6.0 and BlueLink 7.0 solutions are expected in 2008.