Pair plans multiprotocol WLAN chip set

Pair plans multiprotocol WLAN chip set
By Semiconductor Business News
February 26, 2002 (12:41 p.m. EST)
URL: http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20020226S0021

NORCROSS, Ga. -- RF Solutions Inc. and Ellipsis Digital Systems Inc. today announced a partnership to develop a chip set for dual-band, multiprotocol wireless local area networks (WLANs) supporting 2.4- and 5-GHz standards.

The new chip set will employ radio-frequency IC technology from Norcross-based RF Solutions and digital communications expertise from Ellipsis of Carlsbad, Calif., to support IEEE 802.11a and 802.11b networks as well as the recently drafted 802.11g protocols, the two companies said. The collaboration agreement covers design and development of multi-standard WLAN solutions to ensure compatibility between the products of the two companies.

"Combining RF Solutions' WiFLEX and power amplifier expertise with Ellipsis' embedded baseband and MAC [media access control] solutions will enable our companies to provide innovative and first-to-market WLAN product offerings," said Mike Hooper, chief executive officer of RF Solutions.

E llipsis is offering its E-1100 ISiS (integrated silicon and software) platform for 802.11a and E-2000 for a multi-standard 802.11a/b/g solution. Both products feature an integrated MAC, physical-layer (PHY) and digital conversion and compensation system for lower cost and power savings over extended operating ranges. RF Solutions is offering its RFS W5100 WiFLEX dual-band transceiver and RFS P5910 dual-band power amplifier.

The alliance will develop a demonstration platform and reference design. Ellipsis' E-1100 will be available this summer, with the E-2000 following in the fall. RF Solutions' WiFLEX dual-band multi-mode RF transceiver will be available in sample quantities in the spring.