Wi-Fi chips suit mobile handsets

STMicroelectronics announced the STLC4420, an ultra-low power consumption dual-band Wi-Fi solution that provides wireless IEEE802.11a/b/g capability for mobile handsets in a single package. A second new device, the STLC4550, delivers similar IEEE802.11b/g functionality to the existing STLC4370, which entered volume production early in 2006, but in a smaller package.

The STLC4420 is a WLAN device operating in the 5GHz, as well as the 2.4GHz, frequency bands and supporting both OFDM and CCK (complementary code keying) signal modulations. It is designed for mobile platforms, including cellphones and Wi-Fi handsets, PDAs, laptops and cameras. The product also comes with a 30mW sleep mode.

The STLC4550 shares the features and performance of the dual-band STLC4420, but without the 5GHz IEEE802.11a capability. It's placed in an 8.5-by-8-by-1.4mm package and integrates passive components making the footprint small, said the company.

Both devices are supported by software drivers, firmware and test suites designed for mobile platforms and for operating systems including Symbian, WinMobile and Linux. Supported reference code is available to customers for evaluation in new designs.

The interface between both devices and their host processor is through a mode selectable SPI or Secure Digital I/O interface. System reference clock frequencies of 19.2-, 26-, 38.4- and 40MHz are accepted.

Engineering samples of both the STLC4420 and STLC4550 WLAN ICs have already been shipped to key customers, and volume production is planned for Q4 2006. Pricing is $9 and $8.50, respectively, for quantities of 100,000 units.