Module embeds WiMAX in Linux devices

By Jonathan Angel
2007-08-07

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SyChip Inc. has announced the first in what it says will be a family of WiMAX modules. The WiMAX95xx supports embedded Linux, and "targets consumer electronics [devices]... where high integration and fast design cycles are highly valued."

The company says its SyMax platform includes the WiMAX95xx hardware, and all the software necessary to provide a turnkey system for WiMAX enabled devices. Components on the QFN (quad flat no-lead) style module consist of a baseband/MAC IC, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, a power amplifier (PA), and on-board memory and matching components (see block diagram, below).

SyChip's WiMAX95xx integrates an RF transceiver and other components
(Click to enlarge)
According to SyChip, the software suite includes drivers and application layer interfaces for a variety of host interfaces (SDIO, SPI, half mini-card), and operating systems, including Linux. The module is said to be ideal for VoIP or audio/video streaming.

Specifications include:

Standards conformance -- IEEE 802.16e
Frequency range -- 2.5 to 2.7 GHz
Channel bandwidth -- 10 MHz, 8.75 MHz, 7 MHz and 5 MHz
Transceiver -- 1x 2 MIMO
RF power -- +23 dBm
Antenna interface -- PCB pad
External reference clocks -- 40 MHz (TCXO Oscillator)
External sleep clock -- 32.768 KHz (Oscillator)
Host interface digital I/O voltage Level -- 3.3v
External DC supplies -- 3.6v, 3.3v, 2.6v, 1.8v, 1.2v; power requirements unspecified
Physical:
- dimensions -- 0.8 x 0.9 x 0.05 inches (21.6 x 23.7 x 1.5 mm), without shield
- package -- 80-pin QFN
- RoHS compliant
Operating systems supported -- Linux, Nucleus, VxWorks, Windows Mobile
Security -- EAP-SIM, EAP-AKA, EAP-TLS

Moses Asom, SyChip co-founder and senior VP of marketing and business development, stated, "We are seeing the benefits already with the chipset vendors that we are working with. This directly correlates to what is happening in the market."

According to IDC data cited by the company, WiMax technology experienced the most substantial growth in the telecommunication market, jumping 140 percent since 2005.

Engineering samples of the WiMAX95xx are available now, and volume production is scheduled to begin during the second quarter of 2008, the company said. Pricing was not disclosed.

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