First wireless USB chip enters the market

Startup Artimi has unveiled a WiMedia-compliant dual-mode wireless USB and Bluetooth chip. Including both a media-access controller (MAC) and programmable applications processor, Artimi's A-150 chip is intended to help OEMs add WiMedia-based wireless USB and Bluetooth 3.0 communications capabilities to devices.

The dual-mode chip provides up to 480-Mbit/s wireless communications to peripherals, adding 60 milliwatts of power consumption to handheld devices. For older peripherals, thumb-sized USB devices with a A-150 inside can be plugged into the existing USB port to turn it into a wireless peripheral. The A-150 is available now in sample quantities and will enter volume production by the end of 2007. Initial unit cost is $15, but the company predicts the price could drop to $5 by 2009.

Tags: bluetooth usb

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