[Broadcom's new combination chip integrates Bluetooth® Version 2.1 + enhanced data rate (EDR) baseband, radio and software, along with a high performance FM stereo radio transceiver, on a single piece of silicon.]

Irvine, CA -- Broadcom Corporation announced a new combination chip that integrates a complete Bluetooth® Version 2.1 + enhanced data rate (EDR) baseband, radio and software, along with a high performance FM stereo radio transceiver, on a single piece of silicon. Extending Broadcom's successful line of wireless combo chips, this next generation host controller interface (HCI) solution targeted for mobile devices adds FM transmit capabilities, enhanced voice and stereo audio processing, and industry-leading embedded software functionality. All of these advanced capabilities are delivered on a 65 nanometer (65 nm) chip that saves power and space.

"Handset makers are looking for solutions that deliver audio and multimedia experiences on cellular handsets comparable to advanced MP3 player-type devices without impacting battery life," said Craig Ochikubo, Vice President & General Manager of Broadcom's Wireless Personal Area Networking line of business. "Our new combo chip enables these applications with added processing capacity, enhanced radio transceiver performance, and unique, embedded software functionality to deliver a better, more flexible Bluetooth plus FM connectivity solution."

The new Broadcom® BCM2049 combo chip enables leading mobile handset makers to continue driving the rapid growth of the "music phone" category by expanding upon the basic features of their lower tier products, while delivering a compelling music experience to their customers. The BCM2049 features SmartAudio(TM) voice processing and Bluetooth radio enhancements that improve voice quality and the range of mono-headset connections. The integration of the FM transmit function in the BCM2049 eliminates the need for external adapters and allows audio streaming to automobile and home stereo FM receivers. The embedded audio processing Bluetooth stack software enables the BCM2049 to support capabilities on lower tier handsets that otherwise would not have the required processing power to execute them effectively.

The BCM2049 also supports stereo Bluetooth audio streaming (either FM radio or digital music files), and the ability to simultaneously distribute streams to multiple stereo headphones, creating a wireless networked music environment. The integration of these elements and the ability to off-load functions that were previously performed on power-hungry basebands or applications processors provides additional functionality that could not previously have been offered on this class of handsets.

"Our new Bluetooth + FM solution demonstrates Broadcom's commitment to developing unique combo chip products that offer multiple, high quality radio components on integrated, single-chip solutions," said Robert A. Rango, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Broadcom's Wireless Connectivity Group. "In the coming months, we'll continue to introduce new combo chip products that will extend our advantage as the supplier of the key industry-leading wireless technologies shaping next generation mobile devices."

Technical Information

The BCM2049 is based on multiple generations of Broadcom's field proven Bluetooth technology and features a new RF architecture that provides key improvements in receive sensitivity and transmit output power to ensure better connectivity between mobile phone and headset products. The BCM2049 supports all of the features of the Bluetooth Version 2.1 + EDR specification and integrates a high performance 2.4 GHz Class 1 Bluetooth radio for higher output power, improving both range and audio quality.

To further enhance the audio experience, the BCM2049 integrates the company's SmartAudio voice enhancement technology that significantly improves the audio quality of Bluetooth links. The BCM2049 includes Broadcom's unique packet loss concealment (PLC) technology that compensates for lost data packets and delivers clearer digital voice communications. Also included is support for upcoming wide-band speech technology.

The BCM2049 includes all of the FM receiver features required for an advanced FM radio product including high receiver sensitivity with a 3 dB improvement over previous Broadcom products, station information enhancements through intelligent Radio Data Service (RDS) and Radio Broadcast Data Service (RBDS) processing, and superior tuning and station search functions for worldwide frequency bands from 65 to 108MHz. The chip's feature-rich FM transmitter supports programmable output power and features a sophisticated algorithm that recommends the best transmit frequency for the user to broadcast to his or her car radio or home FM receiver. The FM transceiver portion of the BCM2049 supports both small form-factor FM antennas that can be integrated within the handset or traditional external headset wires.

Green by Design

Broadcom and its foundry partners are leveraging today's most advanced lithographic node for manufacturing semiconductors. By designing solutions in 65 nm process technology, Broadcom is able to provide significant environmental benefits over competitive solutions in 90 nm and 130 nm processes by enabling lower power consumption, smaller size and higher yields while providing higher levels of integration that result in fewer components. Additionally, Broadcom supports the current industry initiatives to remove lead (Pb) and other hazardous materials, such as halogens like bromide and chlorine, from all products. With the depth and breadth of Broadcom's advanced portfolio of market-proven IP, the company is able to drive innovative new products to market while reducing the impact on human health and the environment.

Broadcom's Bluetooth Product Family

Having shipped over a billion Bluetooth products, Broadcom offers the most complete family of Bluetooth silicon and software solutions for mobile phones, PCs, wireless headphones and headsets, peripherals, gaming and other applications. Broadcom's Bluetooth solutions are widely recognized in the industry as the most broadly deployed and feature-rich solutions. The world's largest manufacturers of consumer electronics, mobile phones and personal computer products rely on Broadcom Bluetooth technology to provide their customers with a unique, intuitive and rich user experience, increasingly free of wires and cables.

Availability and Pricing

The BCM2049 single-chip Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR and integrated FM transceiver is sampling to early access customers. Pricing is available upon request.

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