Intelligent power management, which includes the IEEE802.11 power-save mode, enables rapid mode switching from deep sleep to high-speed packet transmission, and delivers the lowest power consumption in the market. Other embedded functions include an ARM9-based MAC (Media Access Controller), digital baseband, and ZIF (Zero IF) transceiver. The application component count is extremely low as a result of the high level of integration and the device is housed in an advanced, space-efficient, package.

The STLC4550 shares the features and performance of the dual-band STLC4420, but without the 5GHz IEEE802.11a capability. Its package is a remarkably small 8.5x8x1.4mm, enabling manufacturers to provide cost-effective Wi-Fi connectivity in even more compact mobile products. The device integrates passive components making the overall footprint extremely small. Both products offer best-in-class integrated WLAN/Bluetooth™ coexistence, using a PTA (Packet Traffic Arbitration) algorithm, to allow the simultaneous exchange of audio and video or data.

ST offers manufacturers a complete WLAN hardware and software solution, with source code in house. Both new devices are supported by key software drivers, firmware, and test suites, optimized for mobile platforms and for operating systems including Symbian, WinMobile, and Linux. Supported reference code is available to customers for evaluation in new designs.

The interface between both devices and their host processor is through a mode selectable SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or SDIO (Secure Digital I/O) interface. For maximum flexibility and to minimize cost, system reference clock frequencies of 19.2, 26, 38.4 and 40MHz are accepted. Either device is easily integrated with all leading processor platforms, including ST’s Nomadik family of mobile multimedia application processors.

“These new Wi-Fi devices open up more and more possibilities in multi-function portable products and handsets, and they’re especially attractive as battery-life expectations increase and product size shrinks,” said Matthew Hatch, General Manager of ST’s Wireless LAN Business Unit. “This family of WLAN products has already been designed in into several phones by one of the world’s leading mobile phone manufacturers.”

Engineering samples of both the STLC4420 and STLC4550 WLAN ICs have already been shipped to key customers, and volume production is planned for Q4 2006. Pricing is $9.00 and $8.50, respectively, for quantities of 100k units.

About ST’s Home, Personal, Communication Group (HPC)
STMicroelectronics is a world-leading supplier of comprehensive solutions for the converging segments of home entertainment, communication, and connectivity. ST’s HPC product offering encompasses a whole range of applications in the digital consumer market, including set-top box, DVD, TV, and audio; a wide array of solutions for personal multimedia, from application processors to energy management, mobile imaging, and wireless connectivity; and a full spectrum of display ICs and devices for wireless and wireline network infrastructures.