Broadcom Announces World's First Bluetooth Qualification for Stand Alone All-CMOS Radio Transceiver
Blutonium(TM) CMOS Radio Qualification Validates Path Toward All-CMOS, High Performance Single-Chip Radio for Bluetooth
IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 5, 2000-- Broadcom Corporation (Nasdaq: BRCM - news), the leading provider of integrated circuits enabling high-speed broadband communications, today announced that its all-CMOS Blutonium(TM) BCM2001 radio transceiver has received Bluetooth(TM) qualification.
The Broadcom® BCM2001 is the world's first radio transceiver developed in a standard digital CMOS process to be qualified by the Bluetooth Qualification Board, the body overseeing compatibility among Bluetooth devices. This qualification marks a significant step towards large-scale Bluetooth deployment. Broadcom's ability to deliver a Bluetooth-qualified radio in CMOS demonstrates the feasibility of high-performance, low cost wireless systems manufactured in this standard manufacturing process.
The qualification means that equipment manufacturers developing Bluetooth-enabled electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptop computers will at last be able to take advantage of the integration and cost advantages provided by the CMOS manufacturing process. Broadcom's product enables equipment manufacturers to add certified Bluetooth connectivity to their products in quantities not possible with competing transceivers developed in other process technologies such as Silicon Germanium or BI-CMOS.
``The qualification of our radio device marks the passing of a long-anticipated milestone for the Bluetooth community,'' said K.C. Murphy, Vice President and General Manager of Broadcom's RF and Advanced Mixed Signal Business Unit. ``Broadcom's sampling of a Bluetooth-qualified radio transceiver in CMOS makes feasible the volume and cost targets for the projected Bluetooth IC market. Because CMOS will allow us to integrate radio and baseband functions onto a single chip, our products will enable the significant potential of this exciting wireless networking technology.''
Qualification of the BCM2001 was performed by Hyper Corporation, a Bluetooth Qualified Test Facility in Pleasonton, Calif. The qualification process consisted of verification of test data against specifications set by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). In accordance with these procedures, Hyper reviewed Broadcom's test results and verified compliance of the transceiver, ensuring that products using the chip will be able to bear the Bluetooth logo. The Broadcom transceiver was qualified with no waivers.
``Our qualification process enforces the strict performance requirements set forth by the Bluetooth Qualification Review Board (BQRB), ensuring interoperability among Bluetooth wireless technology products,'' said Kurt Fischer, President of Hyper Corporation. ``Broadcom's development of a Bluetooth wireless technology radio in CMOS is an important achievement.''
The Blutonium BCM2001 includes RF and modem functionality with a BlueRF interface. The BCM2001's robust architecture is optimized to provide a strong balance between receiver sensitivity and interference rejection. The BCM2001 transceiver has been designed to work particularly well in high interference environments, ensuring that Bluetooth data is transmitted and received reliably. By integrating all filters and eliminating most off-chip components, the Broadcom radio offers the smallest footprint, thereby enabling small portable consumer products. BCM2001 samples are available now.
biz.yahoo.com |
