Date: 19/10/2010

New IC from Ralink combines Wi-Fi and Bluetooth funtionality on a single chip

Ralink Technology Corp has released a single chip 802.11n plus Bluetooth 3.0 + HS solution named the RT3290 for application in mobile PCs. The RT3290 contains all components necessary for both 802.11n and Bluetooth functionality on a single chip such as antenna switches, and a Class I power amplifier to provide up to 10 dBm output power for Bluetooth.

"With this latest addition to our family of ultra-compact single chip solutions, we have further extended our technology leadership position in the industry," said Paul Lin, General Manager of Ralink's Wireless Business Unit. "Ralink continues leading the industry for size and power consumption reductions, and our single chip solutions now offer better performance and more cost-competitive price points than poorer performing and less integrated products from competitors.

"The RT3290 leverages the strengths of Ralink's first generation RT3090BC8 and second generation RT5390BC8 multi-chip Wi-Fi plus Bluetooth combo solutions that are currently shipping in laptops from "tier 1" PC OEMs. The RT3290 single-chip combo solution incorporates Ralink's sophisticated coexistence algorithm for improved harmony between co-located WLAN and Bluetooth radios. It dynamically adjusts WLAN and Bluetooth transmissions to reduce interference, and it responds automatically to the presence and operating characteristics of nearby Wi-Fi Access Points. This results in 80 percent faster WLAN throughput compared to competing WLAN plus Bluetooth combo devices for PCs.

The device's integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity offers the high data rates of 802.11n Wi-Fi, while maintaining the simplicity of Bluetooth device detection and setup. The RT3290 is suggested for applications such as stereo audio, video streaming, and rapid digital photo transfer for personal area network (PAN) applications.

"Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are being embedded in an increasingly diverse array of personal computer and consumer electronics devices, so Wi-Fi plus Bluetooth coexistence, cost, size, power consumption and ease of integration become ever more critical for our customers," said Dave Borison, Vice President of Marketing at Ralink Technology. "Ralink's continued focus on technology innovation is paying huge dividends as we deliver another industry first and enable our customers with unique competitive advantages."

Availability: Sampling now. Production quantities during Q4 2010.