Atmel Announces Bluetooth Solution; Reference Design Includes Bluetooth Multi-Chip Module and Software Through HCI.SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 8, 1999-- Atmel Corporation (Nasdaq:ATML ATML Automatic Test Markup Language ATML Automated Test Markup Language ) announced today that it will be offering a complete Bluetooth short range wireless solution, including hardware, software and certified reference design. Atmel's Bluetooth solution will consist of a pre-certified Bluetooth reference design based on a multi-chip module that includes the radio, baseband and flash memory in a BGA (Ball Grid Array) A popular surface mount chip package that uses a grid of solder balls as its connectors. Available in plastic and ceramic varieties, BGA is noted for its compact size, high lead count and low inductance, which allows lower voltages to be used. package, external discrete components and an integrated antenna, all assembled on a small PCB PCB: see polychlorinated biphenyl. PCB in full polychlorinated biphenyl Any of a class of highly stable organic compounds prepared by the reaction of chlorine with biphenyl, a two-ring compound. . Atmel will also provide all Bluetooth software through the Host Controller Interface A host controller interface is a register level interface which allows a host controller for USB or FireWire to communicate with the operating system of a personal computer. (HCI (Human Computer Interaction) Refers to the design and implementation of computer systems that people interact with. It includes desktop systems as well as embedded systems in all kinds of devices. ) and develop software through the Logical Link Control Adapter Protocol (L2CAP L2CAP - Logical Link Control and Adaptation Protocol ) level for qualified customers. Atmel will demonstrate Bluetooth capability in Booth L4924 at COMDEX The former, premier computer trade show in the U.S. Although it grew into an end user event, it was originally created for dealers and distributors (it was the COMputer Dealers EXposition). in Las Vegas, Nov. 15 to 19. Bluetooth is a global, open standard, operating in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz frequency ISM band, that allows users to make instant, effortless connections between a wide range of devices without cables, anywhere in the world. According to Richard Bisset, Atmel's Bluetooth marketing director, "Atmel can provide instant time-to-market for companies that want to sell Bluetooth products. Our reforld's only Bluetooth vendors that already owns all the technology and intellectual property in RF, communicsolution into an end-product. As a result we haluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). Atmel's first Bluetooth solution will provide Bluetooth-certified RF, Link Control, Link Management, and Software. A multi-chip module, in a BGA package will integrate Atmel's existing T2901 Bluetooth transceiver, AT76C551 Bluetooth baseband, flash memory and other components Bluetooth Radio -- Atmel's T2901 transceiver chip, 0 dBm radio, developed by Atmel's TEMIC TEMIC Telecommunications Executive Management Institute of Canada Semiconductor subsidiary, supports Bluetooth's 10 meter range. TEMIC is also developing a SiGe front end T7024 transceiver, which will include a power amplifier and low noise amplifier, as well as the drivers of a PIN diode switch. This part in conjunction with T2901 provides a 20 dBm solution that will boost the range of Atmel's Bluetooth system beyond the specified higher range of 100 meters. TEMIC has developed an advanced closed loop modulation scheme that eliminates the need for I/Q I/Q Inphase and Quadrature modulation and attendant off-chip filters that are required for competing RF solutions. Power drain is reduced by a proprietary on-chip image rejection mixer that converts the frequency down to 111 MHz. The image rejection mixer offers up to 35 dB image rejection. Udo Tillmann, Marketing manager for the Bluetooth RF solution at Atmel's TEMIC Semiconductor subsidiary said, "Unlike most other Bluetooth radio solutions, the T2901 is a highly integrated radio that is virtually plug-and-play, with minimal RF design expertise required. By including image rejection in the mixer and by developing advanced closed loop modulation of the VCO (1) (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) An oscillator that can be tuned over a wide range of frequencies by applying a voltage (tuning voltage) to it. Used in many applications such as radio tuners, VCOs are less costly than crystal oscillators, but not as stable. , we have achieved an exceptionallyC551 Bluetooth Controller performs the Bluetoothgh the HCI layer, including Bluetooth Link Manainterfaces. Availability -- Atmel's certifp module in a BGA package or as individual ICs.eveloping a Silicon Germanium-BiCMOS (SiGe-BiCMsing the company's Bluetooth evaluation board. Interested OEMs should contact their Atmel sales representative. Founded in 1984, Atmel Corporation is headquartered in San Jose with manufacturing facilities in Colorado Springs, Colo., Nantes and Rousset, France and Heilbronn, Germany. Atmel designs, manufactures and markets on a worldwide basis advanced logic, mixed-signal, non-volatile memory, and RF semiconductors. Atmel is also a leading provider of system level integration semiconductor solutions using advanced CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) Pronounced "c-moss." The most widely used integrated circuit design. It is found in almost every electronic product from handheld devices to mainframes. , BiCMOS, BiPolar and SiGe process technologies. Atmel product and financial information are available from its Fax-on-Demand service. In North America call 800/292-8635 or Internationally, call 408/441-0732. Requests may be made via e-mail to literature@atmel.com or by visiting Atmel's web site at www.atmel.com. Atmel Corporation -- 2325 Orchard Parkway -- San Jose CA 95131 -- Phone 408/441-0311 -- Fax 408/487-2600 Note to Editors: Atmel, the Atmel logo and combinations thereof and others contained herein, are trademarks of Atmel Corporation. Terms and product names in this document may be the trademarks of others. |
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