Alcatel intros Bluetooth chip CeBit
Feb 24, 2000 --- Alcatel today introduced its Bluetooth chip, which combines RF, base-band, processor, memory, antenna and filtering devices into a low-power, single-die package.
The chip brings Bluetooth functionality to any device, Alcatel said, and can be used in a range of products, including GSM handsets, personal digital assistants, laptops and modems by minimizing the need for RF expertise at the customer site.
The single 15mm x 15mm ball grid array (BGA) package contains a complete radio, base-band controller, ARM 7 and Bluetooth 1.0 software stack on flash ROM with optional application software, the broadband networking company said.
It also offers base-band interfaces such as a high-speed serial SPI-bus, UART and PCM (USB optional). The antenna and all external components are embedded in the BGA package.
"The driving principals behind this design are: complete, compact and competitive," said Steve Beckers, director of Alcatel Microelectronics RF Group, in a statement.
Bluetooth is an emerging standard for wireless local area communications. With a current range up to 10 meters, it allows devices fitted with a transceiver chip to communicate data at rates up to 1Mbit/sec.
The chip uses the 1.0 software stacks from TTP Communications, a supplier of digital cellular technology. The development platform is
available to customers now, Alcatel said, and volume production will begin in early 2001.
eb-mag.com
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