Wi-Fi radio targets
power-sensitive mobile apps
802.11g chip delivers industry's smallest and lowest-power radio
Measuring only 7 x 12.5 mm, the CX3110X Wi-Fi radio is offered as the lowest-power and smallest 802.11g WLAN radio. The device consumes 0.5 mA in standby, 190 mA average in receive mode (54-Mbit OFDM), and 265 mA average in transmit mode (54-Mbit OFDM), suiting it for battery-powered mobile devices such as multimedia cell phones and other handhelds.
The part integrates a zero intermediate transceiver, RF synthesizer/voltage-controlled oscillator, high-speed data converters, ARM9-based MAC, OFDM/CCK digital baseband processor, and a complete power management unit (rated 3.3 to 4.2 V). Host control is provided by a flexible SPI supporting bit rates of 48 Mbits/s.
In addition, the device accepts system reference clock frequencies of 19.2, 26, 38.4, and 40 MHz. The part is housed in an LPBGA package. ($15 ea/10,000—available now.)
Conexant Systems
Newport Beach, CA
Gwen Carlson 949-483-7363
Fax 949-483-4078
literature@conexant.com
http://www.conexant.com
EEM FILE 3130
Reg Kit Watch Wi-Fi is not only freeing up notebook and PDA users to connect to the Internet from anywhere in the home, it's also making Internet radio work (almost) like the real thing.
British start-up Reciva is currently pitching its standalone Net radio receiver to a variety of consumer electronics companies, ISPs and network providers, while Cisco's WLAN subsidiary, Linksys, is preparing a new version of its Wireless B Media Adaptor that can pump your favourite online stations into your living room.
Unlike Linksys, Reciva isn't in the business of selling product itself, CEO Giles Hutchison told is recently. Instead, the company wants to license its technology. Big-name CE players, he reckons, are likely to want to design their own devices even though the internals follow Revica's specs.
Reciva also has a transistor radio-style reference design ready for use by companies who simply want to contract out manufacture and offer the kit under their own name.
Hutchison wouldn't say who he's been talking to, but he claimed to have received plenty of interest from ISPs looking to build products to sell on top of their broadband access offerings - particular those who want to target punters without a PC.
Reciva's reference platform contains a Wi-Fi radio that ties into the home WLAN and broadband connection to pull in Internet radio content without the need for a PC. The unit supports streamed Ogg Vorbis, MP3, Real Audio and Windows Media Audio formats. The sound is beefed up through a 4W amplifier, and there's a regular FM tuner in there for analog broadcasts. It looks and operates just like an ordinary radio.
Instead, this one can pick up many of the 10,000 or so stations broadcasting on the Net. There's a station selection mechanism along with six customisable station pre-set buttons.
The
Linksys Wireless-B Music System operates along similar lines, but like its
predecessor can also stream music and photos from a Windows XP PC to your
hi-fi and TV, respectively. Unlike the original Media Adaptor, the new version
contains its own stereo speakers and display unit, so it can operate as a
standalone device.
The device only supports MP3 and WMA. It can also tie into Real Networks' Rhapsody service, for which users will have to pay extra, though Linksys will bundle a free trial. It too can "tune into thousands of Internet radio stations from over 100 different countries around the world".
Linksys has yet to reveal pricing or availability for the device. Availability of Reciva-based kit will depend on individual licensees.
Get Bob Nagy to build these kits:
Barracuda Internet Radio Module
Barracuda
Internet Radio module is used to implement audio products that play Internet
radio using all major audio formats, to play live and on-demand Internet
streams for consumer electronics products. Barracuda Internet Radio module is
a compact, low power, highly integrated OEM Module.
Barracuda Internet Radio Module Features:
- Mono or Stereo digital audio out
- Keypad interfaces for
- Rotary encoder Interface
- LCD interface
- Unique Serial number
- Secure communications
- USB interface for Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet module
Software Audio Decoders
The Reciva Internet radio application has decoder support for the following software audio formats:
- MP3
- Windows Media Audio
- RealAudio
Reciva Internet Radio Software Application
Reciva Internet Radio modules are provided with our Internet Radio Application software pre-installed. The menu is however provided from Reciva Gateway Internet sites so can be updated via the network when required.
The Reciva Internet radio software application provides a flexible, clear and robust user interface for accessing Internet radio stations and on-demand streams.
Radio stations lists are provided from web based Internet radio station Gateways managed by Reciva. Stations are tested and updated daily. Standard stations lists are provided free of charge.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 60 x 45 x 6 (mm) |
| Network support (External module) |
|
The Reciva Internet radio software application supports the following streaming protocols:
- RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol)
- MMS (Microsoft Media Server protocol)
- HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol)
Download the data sheet for implementation details: