Broadcom Shows Bluetooth Running at 24 Mbps using Alternative MAC/PHY

Broadcom demonstrated a working implementation of next generation Bluetooth supporting data rates of up to 24 Mbps. The implementation leverages an alternative MAC and PHY (AMP) technology to achieve the increased data rates along with a significant increase in range.


Broadcom's Bluetooth AMP technology is being demonstrated at CES on its wireless solutions including the Broadcom BCM4325 single-chip Bluetooth + Wi-Fi combo device, as well as modules that integrate the BCM2046 single-chip Bluetooth solution and BCM4312 single-chip Wi-Fi device. The demonstration shows fast file transfers between two Broadcom AMP-enabled devices (i.e. PC to PC, PC to mobile phone, mobile phone to mobile phone), which in turn, highlights extended versatility for Bluetooth. Since Broadcom is the market and technology leader in both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, the company is well positioned to help drive Bluetooth AMP forward into the market.


The first AMP technology target for Bluetooth is 802.11g wireless LAN - a radio technology that could increase Bluetooth transfer rates by up to 10x when compared to standard or enhanced data rate (EDR) Bluetooth.


Broadcom said its AMP implementation is based on the current draft of the next Bluetooth specification (code named "Seattle") and the company expects its implementation will be compliant with the final specification when it achieves ratification - which is expected to occur in mid-2009.
"Our unique position as a leader in both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth has enabled us to take leadership in applications that require multiple technologies to work well together in the same device, such as Bluetooth AMP," said Robert Rango, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Broadcom's Wireless Connectivity Group. "We look forward to our continued collaboration with the Bluetooth SIG in moving Bluetooth forward."

http://www.broadcom.com