The device also uses circuit design techniques and system architectures to reduce power consumption. One particularly interesting aspect is the separate oscillator for the standby power mode. According to Atheros, this functional element uses a dedicated oscillator circuit that can operate from either a 32 kHz crystal, or an external 32 kHz clock signal to enable the standby mode’s low power consumption.

Additional features of the device include an integrated baseband processor, MAC, PA, LNA, and RF switch (see the Figure). These features reduce the challenges facing mobile designers when determining whether to include Wi-Fi connectivity in their mobile devices.

Another benefit for wireless-device designers is that the AR6002 has been specifically optimized and validated for coexistence withany certified Bluetooth device. In addition to implementing industry-standard two-, three-, and four-wire protocols for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth coexistence in mobile devices, advanced algorithms in the device adjust the WLAN communication behavior when in the presence of external Bluetooth devices. The device also supports the Wi-Fi Allinace’s standardized Wi-Fi Protected Set-Up.

The AR6002 is sampling to lead customers now, and will be available in volume in the first quarter of 2008 in single- and dual-band designs (the 802.11g 2.4 GHz band, and the 802.11a/g 5 GHz/2.4 GHz dual-band configurations, respectively). Designed specifically for portable devices, each configuration can be housed in either a CSP or a BGA package. As such, the AR6002 may soon have RF designers thinking about the old adage as they develop big applications.

The AR6002 is a fully integrated Wi-Fi solution optimized for portable devices. (Click for full-size)

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