Qualcomm Debuts 4x4 MIMO 802.11n Solution

Qualcomm introduced a dual-band 802.11n standards-based wireless local-area networking (WLAN) solution with 4x4 multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology capable of delivering 600 Mbps of performance. The new chip is designed to enable users to distribute multiple simultaneous streams of high-definition video, voice and data throughout the home. The WCN1320 chip includes an internal high-speed application processor to run the WLAN software within the chip which provides OEMs the flexibility to use lower cost host processors in their design, easing integration, and reducing development costs for adding WLAN to their products.


Qualcomm is offering WLAN reference module designs to enable manufacturers to quickly integrate WCN1320 into a wide range of media streaming consumer electronic devices such as access points, set-top boxes, and media-centric devices.


The new WCN1320's 4x4 MIMO technology uses four spatial streams to distribute multiple streams of concurrent voice, video and data in either the 5GHz or 2.4 GHz radio bands. The highly integrated N-Stream WCN1320 solution utilizes a 65-nanometer CMOS process technology to combine an embedded applications processor, media-access controller, digital baseband, radio-frequency transceiver and system power-management in a single compact 12x12 mm package.


Qualcomm's N-Stream WLAN WCN1320 solution is expected to begin sampling in the second quarter of 2009. http://www.qualcomm.com