"Radio Free Intel" Approach Seeks Computer/Communications Integration

A "Radio Free Intel" strategy seeks to accelerate the convergence of computing and communications at the processor level, said Pat Gelsinger, Intel's Chief Technology Officer (CTO), speaking at the Intel Developer Forum in San Jose. Gelsinger said Intel is making significant progress to develop silicon radios using its low-cost, scalable manufacturing process technology. Intel plans to integrate radios into its future processors and to develop new adaptive radio technologies. Intel has already developed core radio components using its 0.18-micron digital CMOS process, including the world's fastest voltage controlled oscillator (a radio component that determines the frequency at which signals are transmitted and received) in CMOS operating at speeds greater than 75 GHz. Intel believes these and other analog radio components could be built with a digital manufacturing process. Intel's work in adaptive radios has been in the areas of channel estimation, adaptive modulation techniques and smart antennas.


Intel plans to expand its "Centrino" mobile technology platform to include an 802.11b/g wireless networking component that will be in production before the end of 2003, and an 802.11a/b/g wireless networking component that will be in production in the first half of 2004. Intel is also developing IEEE 802.16a devices and has signed agreements with leading OEM's in broadband wireless access equipment to deliver low-cost WiMAX-certified equipment based on Intel 802.16a silicon in the second half of 2004.
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