ARM's Broadcom deal is bigger than Microsoft

BROADCOM AND ARM EXTEND RELATIONSHIP WITH STRATEGIC LICENSING AGREEMENT

By Nick Flaherty www.flaherty.co.uk

Broadcom has taken a broad license to all ARM's processor cores in a move that is fundamentally more important for the embedded market than the recent Microsoft announcement.

Broadcom now has access the entire range of ARM processors, from the smallest, lowest-power ARM CortexTM-M0 processor, through to the newly introduced, high-performance Cortex-A15 application processor and beyond. As Broadcom is pushing the system-on-chip approach strongly into the embedded market, this will see a lot more 32bit ARM cores in designs that traditionally used 16bit processors, as well as high end smartphone chips to take on Qualcomm and in highly integrated networking devices.
As part of the agreement Broadcom has access to both current and future ARM processors to use across product lines. This includes the Cortex-A15 processor for use in high performance mobile and networking applications, the specialized security hardened SC000 processor core for security applications, and the newly announced Cortex-R5 and Cortex-R7 processors for high performance real-time applications.
“ARM’s wide portfolio of cores enhances Broadcom’s strategy of designing cost- optimized high performance solutions for a wide range of applications from Bluetooth headsets to high-end application processors for tablets,” said Scott McGregor, President and CEO of Broadcom. “Broadcom and ARM have already established a successful partnership in smartphones and other exciting mobile devices. Today’s agreement will help expand that success into many new and exciting high-growth opportunities.”
 “The growing partnership with Broadcom brings new opportunities” said Warren East, CEO, ARM. “Broadcom’s strength across diverse markets and their expertise in highly integrated systems brings a breadth of knowledge to the ARM Partnership. Our expanded relationship shows the universal benefits that scalable, low-power ARM IP can bring to market leading solutions across a wide range of end devices and equipment.”

Related articles

• Broadcom announces yet another Android-friendly dual-core processor (engadget.com)
• Broadcom Enters the Dual Core Mobile Chip Wars (gigaom.com)
• Broadcom's new BCM21654 baseband processor for Android debuts (slashgear.com)
• Broadcom intros dual-core 1.1GHz ARM chip with 1080p video (electronista.com)

60GHz LAN chips take off

Startups and partnerships to drive 60GHz networks

By Nick Flaherty www.flaherty.co.uk

The development of chips for 60GHz networking is taking off, with UK startup Blu Wireless already developing a radio and baseband digital signal processing, and US WiFi chip maker Atheros joining with Wilocity for a 60GHz chipset.
The driver for this is the establishment of the WiGig Wireless Gigabit Alliance specification for networking, distinct from the WirelessHD 60GHz format for wireless HDMI short range links. This avoids the problems of multiple competing standards that killed UltraWideband (UWB), and the leader in 60GHz WirelessHD, SiBeam, is also developing parts for WiGig.
Blu Wireless has developed a 60GHz RF chip in 40nm and is now working on the underlying DSP, with 2Gbit/s and 4Gbit/s chips in a 10 x 10mm package due next year, volume production in 2012 and a target price of $10 in 2013. My story from the Wireless2.0 conference is here. 
At the same time, Wilocity, a leading Israeli developer of 60 GHz multi-gigabit wireless chipsets for the mobile computing, consumer electronics and peripheral markets, and WiFi chip maker Atheros Communications are collaborating to build tri-band wireless solutions that combine the ubiquity and coverage of Wi-Fi with the multi-gigabit performance of WiGig. Such “tri-band” capabilities will enhance the performance and functionality of wireless devices to enable a variety of new computing and entertainment applications.
Many devices and networks use dual-band 802.11n, which operates in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, to share broadband connections, videos, music, photos and other content throughout a home or enterprise. Advanced 60 GHz technologies offer multi-gigabit speeds to complement existing Wi-Fi capabilities and enable new cutting-edge wireless applications. Tri-band devices that leverage all three bands will also maintain compatibility with the hundreds of millions of Wi-Fi products in use today, ensuring a seamless and simple user experience.
Atheros and Wilocity are jointly developing tri-band solutions based on both the IEEE 802.11n standard and the new WiGig multi-gigabit wireless specification. By integrating and optimizing Wi-Fi and WiGig solutions, the two companies aim to accelerate the design of tri-band wireless products and enable the next-generation wireless ecosystem.
Atheros serves on the board of directors for both the WiGig Alliance and Wi-Fi Alliance; Wilocity serves on the WiGig board and chairs its Marketing Work Group.

Related articles

• Atheros and Wilocity embrace 'tri-band' wireless wares, 60GHz wireless PCIe (engadget.com)
• Wireless Gigabit Spec Published, Gains Cisco Support (pcworld.com)
• Wi-Fi, WiGig To Deliver 60 GHz Wireless (informationweek.com)
• Wireless Gigabit set to become next-gen Wi-Fi? (go.theregister.com)
• Wi-Fi, WirelessHD Cozy up to WiGig Standard (pcworld.com)
• WiGig promise 7 Gbps wireless with WiFi b/g/n compatibility (slashgear.com)

Consumer WiFi drives global growth

Wi-Fi chip shipments to surpass 770m units in 2010 up 33%
By Nick Flaherty www.flaherty.co.uk

Wi-Fi chip shipments are forecast to surpass 770 million units in 2010, up almost 33% compared to 2009, says a new report from market researchers ABI Research. Shipment of 802.11n ICs will surge ahead of 802.11g and dominate the market this year, accounting for approximately 60% of total Wi-Fi IC shipments.

“The 802.11n standard which was ratified last year is a powerful growth engine to drive the Wi-Fi IC market increases,” says ABI Research wireless and semiconductor industry analyst Celia Bo.


Wi-Fi IC Shipment Forecast by Product Type
The cellular handsets segment is seen to be maintaining the highest unit shipment of Wi-Fi-enabled products in next five years, achieving an estimated CAGR of 25% between 2009 and 2015; the penetration rate will reach approximately 40% of total handsets shipped in 2015.
Laptops, netbooks, and MIDs are other segments which will see higher shipments across all Wi-Fi-enabled products, and the trend will carry on throughout the following years.
“The penetration rate of Wi-Fi ICs in consumer electronic products will continue to grow robustly,” Bo said. “Total shipments of consumer electronic products with Wi-Fi functionality are expected to exceed 530 million in 2015, with a 26% CAGR between 2009 and 2015. Shipments of Wi-Fi-enabled digital still cameras, TVs and DVD players will increase more than tenfold in 2015 as compared to 2009. The demand for Wi-Fi-enabled home entertainment products such as networked game consoles and handheld game consoles is increasing as well: between 2009 and 2015, the CAGR will reach 8% and 6% respectively.

Related articles

• More people buying Wi-Fi-enabled devices (news.cnet.com)
• Smartphone Owners Lead Daily Mobile Web Access (marketingvox.com)
• Strategy Analytics: Short-Range Gigabit Radio Poised for Rapid Growth (eon.businesswire.com)
• Global WiFi Enabled Consumer Electronic Products Market to Reach 3.7 Billion Units by 2015, According to New Report by Global Industry Analysts (prweb.com)
• Netgear's Universal Wi-Fi Internet Adapter Connects Consoles and TVs Alike [Wi-Fi] (gizmodo.com)

ALPS Aims Low Power Wireless Module at WiFi Smart Meters

WiFi automation networks set to take off

ALPS Electric has developed  an all-in-one WLAN module for wireless networks. The module’s built-in CPU and networking protocol combined with low energy consumption enables easy setup of sensor or other device networks, such as those used for smart meters.
Sensor network systems promote efficient energy usage by monitoring power consumption, temperature, humidity and lighting, and using collected data to control devices. Use of these networks is expanding into areas such as communication between appliances and smart meters in homes, energy-saving management for corporations, temperature control in server rooms, security, disaster prevention and plant factories. Zigbee applications have already been launched, yet with an environment increasingly ready for WiFi infrastructure, needs are developing for easily configurable, low-cost wireless network systems.
ALPS has created an all-in-one wireless LAN module to meet market needs, integrating the GainSpan-developed compact “GS1011” chip featuring an antenna, WiFi protocol and connection applications. In addition, the module provides a UART physical interface, ADC, I²C, PWM, and GPIO analogue/digital port which allow direct connection with devices such as humidity and lighting sensors. The product’s internal CPU chip eliminates the need for a host CPU or development of a network stack on the set device side. These features enable easier wireless network configuration while reducing development time and design resources for sensor devices.
Due to low energy consumption and power management functions, the module is able to operate for up to 10 years on a single AA type lithium thionyl chloride battery. Furthermore, the product’s serial interface connection allows wireless LAN capability to be integrated into devices and systems not originally equipped for networking. The module is suitable for medical instruments, healthcare devices such as weight scales, and real-time locating systems serving logistics and entry control management.

The module features:

1. All-in-one type with built-in antenna, wireless LAN and application processor
   
2. Single battery operation and low power consumption current (5μA or less on standby)
   
3. Autonomous operation without a host CPU is possible
   
4. Japan certification

Principal Applications

• Smart meter and home appliance communication, factory air conditioning management, environmental management in plant factories, etc.
  
• Security sensor communication, disaster prevention management, home condition management, etc.
  
• Health care devices, medical instruments, real-time location information systems (logistics, and entry control systems), etc.

Related articles

• AvaLAN Wireless Enters the Embedded Systems Market with a Suite of Industrial Wireless Modules (prweb.com)
• Roving Networks Acquires G2 Microsystems Wi-Fi Technology (eon.businesswire.com)

Long range module runs Bluetooth over 1.2km

ConnectBlue has developed a long range Bluetooth module that provides an exceptionally long range of 1.2km, high throughput and the Extended Data Mode protocol which makes individual data channel communication possible for each unit in the 7-slave multi-point network.
The new OEM Serial Port Adapter 433 achieves its exceptional range of over 1200 meters through high receiver sensitivity and output power. In order to provide the highest throughput possible, the module supports Bluetooth Specification v2.1+EDR and is prepared for Bluetooth v3.0 via firmware upgrade.
“Our customers are found in demanding industrial applications and in these tough conditions, it is particularly important with wireless connections that are reliable,” said Rolf Nilsson, President of connectBlue. “Expanding the range to 1200 meters puts extra demands on a wireless solution and we have therefore focused on expanded testing in order to deliver a robust and ready-to-use experience for the customer.”
The customer can be up and running in no time since the Bluetooth stack is embedded in the module and no additional driver or stack is required in the host. Further, the OEM Serial Port Adapter 433 is fully Bluetooth qualified and radio type approved for Europe, US and Canada, and has the connectBlue standard interface for compatibility over product generations and across wireless technologies Bluetooth, Wireless LAN and IEEE 802.15.4 / ZigBee. The Bluetooth module is also compliant with EMC, Safety and Medical standards.
Key features of the OEM Serial Port Adapter 433 Bluetooth module include high speed UART logic level and RS232 (SPIand I2C on request), analog and digital I/Os, easy configuration by AT commands, connectBlue Low Emission Mode™, Wireless Multidrop™ with up to 7 channels, Extended Data Mode for individually controlled multipoint data channels, repeater mode, and a choice of internal or external antenna. The module supports the Bluetooth profiles Serial Port Profile (SPP), Personal Area Networking Profile (PAN), Generic Access Profile (GAP), Dial-up networking Profile (DUN GW, DUN DT), File Transfer Profile (FTP) and Object push Profile (OPP).

Related Bluetooth articles

• Murata Offers The World's Smallest Bluetooth Module (ubergizmo.com)
• Market for Wireless Sensor Networks on the Rebound (prweb.com)