Broadcom Intros Bluetooth and FM Features on New HCI Chip

Broadcom (News - Alert) has introduced a new chip that integrates Bluetooth 2.1 with enhanced data rate (EDR) baseband and an FM stereo radio transceiver on a single piece of silicon.

 

This host controller interface (HCI) solution adds FM transmit capabilities, enhanced voice and stereo audio processing, and embedded software functionality on a 65 nanometer (65 nm) chip that saves power and space.

 

According to Craig Ochikubo, vice president and general manager of Broadcom's wireless personal area networking division, 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.

 

"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," Ochikubo said.

 

The BCM2049 chip combines SmartAudio voice processing and Bluetooth radio enhancements to improve voice quality. The integration of an FM transmitter 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.

 

The BCM2049 also supports stereo Bluetooth audio streaming (either FM radio or digital music files), and can simultaneously distribute streams to multiple stereo headphones.

 

"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 Rango, senior vice president and general manager of Broadcom's wireless connectivity group, in a statement. "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."

 

Based on Bluetooth technology, the BCM2049 has new RF architecture that ensures better connectivity between mobile phone and headset products. It supports features of the Bluetooth Version 2.1 + EDR specification and integrates 2.4 GHz Class 1 Bluetooth radio for higher output power, improving both range and audio quality.

 

It integrates the company's SmartAudio voice enhancement technology that improves the audio quality of Bluetooth links. The BCM2049 includes packet loss concealment (PLC) technology that compensates for lost data packets and delivers clearer digital voice communications.

 

Other features include: high receiver sensitivity (about 3 dB improvement over previous Broadcom products,) station information enhancements through intelligent radio data service (RDS), radio broadcast data service (RBDS) processing, superior tuning and station search functions for worldwide frequency bands from 65 to 108MHz.