Atheros has created a new XSPAN AR9462 chip which combines high-performance 2-stream Dual-Band 802.11n, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.0 into a single chip. The world’s first chip to combine all three by Atheros has been showcased at the Mobile World Congress this week and has been designed for use with tablets, notebooks, and netbooks.
Dual-Band Wi-Fi Capabilities
The Dual-band Wi-Fi capabilities of the new chip allow it to use a mixture of Internet, data, media, and data offloading applications. The AR9462 provides robust wireless bandwidth in both the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, and uses Atheros’ Signal-Sustain Technology to boost signals across the entire Wi-Fi link. This technology ensures that users can enjoy a seamless and uninterrupted internet experience, whether they are streaming high-definition videos, engaging in video conferencing, or downloading large files.
This enables consumers to maintain reliable Internet connections on the 2.4 GHz band, while using wider (40 MHz) transmission channels in the 5 GHz band to create, consume, and share digital media content – which requires more reliable bandwidth and less interference. The dual-band functionality is particularly beneficial in environments with multiple devices, as it helps to reduce congestion and improve overall network performance.
Bluetooth 4.0 Integration
In addition to its advanced Wi-Fi capabilities, the AR9462 chip also integrates Bluetooth 4.0 technology. Bluetooth 4.0, also known as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), is designed to provide significantly lower power consumption compared to previous versions of Bluetooth. This makes it ideal for use in portable devices such as tablets, notebooks, and netbooks, where battery life is a critical factor.
The integration of Bluetooth 4.0 allows for seamless connectivity with a wide range of peripherals, including wireless keyboards, mice, headphones, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This enhances the overall user experience by providing greater flexibility and convenience in how devices are used and connected. For example, users can easily switch between typing on a wireless keyboard and listening to music on Bluetooth headphones without any noticeable lag or connectivity issues.
It also shouldn’t be long before these chips are used in gadgets as Atheros is hoping to start shipping samples in the first quarter of this year. The introduction of the AR9462 chip is expected to drive innovation in the consumer electronics market, enabling manufacturers to develop more versatile and feature-rich devices. As the demand for high-performance wireless connectivity continues to grow, the AR9462 chip is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of mobile computing.
Overall, the Atheros XSPAN AR9462 chip represents a significant advancement in wireless technology, combining the best of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth into a single, high-performance solution. Its dual-band capabilities and Bluetooth 4.0 integration make it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, from streaming media to connecting peripherals. As Atheros begins shipping samples, it will be exciting to see how this innovative chip is adopted and utilized in the next generation of tablets, notebooks, and netbooks.
Via Hot Hardware
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