Skyworks Solutions Inc. expanded its wireless portfolio with the introduction of highly integrated front-end modules enabling 802.11ac connectivity in smartphones and tablets. The company’s precision analog semiconductors are already being utilized in many of the world’s first commercially-available 802.11ac notebooks, ultrabooks, LED TVs, routers, USB data cards and Blu-Ray® players.
IEEE 802.11ac technology allows consumers to download content substantially faster than equivalent 802.11n solutions and improve the wireless range. With download speeds of greater than a gigabit per second, these devices offer consumers the world’s fastest, most reliable wireless coverage and help address the growing need for a more robust and efficient wireless network.
“Skyworks is gaining early momentum in meeting the demand for 802.11ac solutions, particularly in the high growth smartphone and tablet markets,” said Peter Gammel, vice president and general manager of mobile connectivity at Skyworks. “With several key reference design wins in place, we are pleased that our highly integrated products are delivering the exceptional performance our customers expect and in turn allowing consumers to enjoy some of the fastest download speeds across multiple mobile platforms.”
According to ABI Research all major smartphone makers are planning to include WiFi functionality in their platforms, with many carriers adding the standard for its ability to support large files for movies and songs. Currently 44 percent of smartphones have WiFi capability with the number expected to increase to 90 percent by 2014. ABI also predicted that the number of WiFi-enabled traditional mobile phones shipped would reach 520 million units by 2014, up from 141 million shipments in 2009.