USI to use Agere chip on portable device module

ODM Universal Scientific Ind. Co. Ltd (USI) has selected Agere Systems Inc.'s Wi-Fi networking chipset to be used on a small-form-factor 802.11b/Bluetooth wireless module specifically designed for handheld consumer devices.

Agere will be providing USI with its complete WaveLAN chip set - including digital baseband, direct-down conversion radio, media access controller (MAC), power management chips and software drivers to provide wireless connectivity at speeds of up to 11Mbps.

The combination Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module is expected to enable portable devices to roam seamlessly among multiple access points and Wi-Fi hotspots, while offering Bluetooth-enabled short-range, peer-to-peer connectivity for information sharing among separate communications equipment. USI will be using Bluetooth technology provided by Cambridge Silicon Radio for this module.