Atmel Corporation has announced the first of its MAX-Link series of transceivers designed specifically for WiMAX applications. The AT86RF535A is a single-chip radio operating at 3.5 GHz with multiple bandwidth options. Additional members of the MAX-Link family are being developed to cover other WiMAX frequency bands and will interface with multiple baseband vendors.

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These devices combine a low-noise amplifier, power amplifier driver, receive/transmit mixer, receive/transmit filters, voltage-controlled oscillator, synthesizer, receive gain control, and transmit power control, all completely digitally governed. All of the transceivers will provide RF performance with low current consumption and a small die size.

WiMAX is a standards-based technology based on IEEE 802.16. One of the primary applications of this technology is to enable the delivery of last-mile wireless broadband access as an alternative to cable and DSL. WiMAX will provide fixed, nomadic, portable and, eventually, mobile wireless broadband connectivity without the need for direct line-of-sight with a base station.

The AT86RF535A is available now to select customers. Production volumes will be available early in the second quarter of 2006. Pricing is $18 in quantities of 10,000. Modules incorporating the AT86RF535A transceiver, baseband, and MAC are being added to the roadmap.