Marvell’s Avastar 88W8897 incorporates 802.11ac 2x2 MIMO and beamforming to produce upwards of 867-Mbit/s data streaming for video. It includes additional Wi-Fi features in addition to Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC radios.

With its high-speed 5-GHz operation, the 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard quickly gaining acceptance in the consumer multimedia streaming space as well as in more mobile applications like tablets and laptops. Marvell Technology’s 88W8897 Avastar offers up a 2x2 multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) version of 802.11ac as well as Bluetooth 4.0 and near-field communications (NFC) radios. It targets tablets, laptops, ultrabook portables, gaming consoles, and smart TV sets.

The 2x2 MIMO capability helps deliver up to 867-Mbit/s data streaming that works great with video in a tablet, laptop, or HDTV set enabled with Wi-Fi. It also greatly extends the Wi-Fi link’s range and connection reliability. The 88W8897’s beamforming capability ensures high speed over longer links. Another Wi-Fi feature, its tunneled direct link setup (TDLS) and high-speed wireless backup and sync, suits mobile devices. The transceivers are backwards compatible with 802.11a/g/n.

The chip also features Miracast, the Wi-Fi Alliance’s certified display connection technology. Implemented with Marvell’s dynamic rapid channel switching (DRCS) technology, it permits consumers to stream video from an ultrabook or tablet to a larger display on a 5-GHz band without losing an Internet connection in the 2.4-GHz band. Meanwhile, a location engine enables accurate indoor positioning by implementing the 802.11v time of flight protocol. It is used with GPS and sensor data to provide indoor location data for a variety of potential new apps.

The 88W8897 relies on a 13.56-MHz transceiver for NFC, the official radio for digital wallet or e-payment systems in development. The NFC feature also can be used for pairing two wireless devices and automatically implementing authentication for other radios like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The Bluetooth handles any related peripherals to other wireless devices like remote controls, 3D glasses, game controllers, sensors, audio headsets, or keyboard and mouse devices.

This tiny 40-nm low-power chip will be sampling shortly. Production is planned for mid-2013.

Marvell Technology