Skyworks Solutions Inc. announced that Broadcom has selected its WLAN 802.11n 2 x 2 multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) front-end module (FEM) reference design to complement its Intensi-fi™ draft-802.11n chipsets. The proposed 802.11n Wi-Fi® specification significantly increases the wireless range and speeds the transfer of data, empowering more robust applications to be effectively run over public hotspots and private networks.


More specifically, draft-802.11n today enables real-world throughputs up to 200 megabits per second (Mbps) ─ more than five times the performance of state-of-the-art 802.11g technology ─ and is backward compatible with earlier standards. Designed to enable high definition (HD) video, voice and music transfer between devices, 802.11n technology will extend beyond traditional PCs, notebooks and network gear into consumer electronics, handhelds, printers, digital cameras, digital video recorders, cable set-top boxes, game consoles and audio equipment.

Skyworks’ FEM for 802.11n applications, or “nFEM”, is the industry’s most integrated device of its type. With a footprint of just 10 x 14 millimeters (mm) and a height profile of less than 1 mm, Skyworks’ nFEM provides Broadcom’s customers with an extremely small solution capable of simultaneously powering multiple modes of WLAN operation, including voice, data and streaming video.

“To continue pushing the Wi-Fi envelope, Broadcom partners with industry leading suppliers who can help us meet customers’ aggressive roadmaps and stringent performance demands,” said Bill Bunch, director of product marketing for wireless LAN at Broadcom. “Skyworks’ RF integration expertise and high volume production capabilities make the nFEM a valuable complement to our high performance Intensi-fi reference designs, while their modular approach provides the design flexibility that draft-N manufacturers are seeking.”

“Skyworks is excited to be supporting Broadcom’s aggressive migration to 802.11n ─ a technology that will enable the next broadband revolution focused on home and wireless data networking,” said Stan Swearingen, vice president and general manager for Linear Products at Skyworks. “The 802.11n technology will deliver on the promise of user-friendly wireless broadband for DVRs, next-generation game consoles, video-on-demand and HDTV, creating a more sophisticated home entertainment environment. Given Skyworks’ technology breadth and depth, we are uniquely positioned to help Broadcom and others capitalize on this emerging wireless market trend.”