5G WiFi 2x2 MIMO combo chip for smartphones
Broadcom introduce what they believe to be the industry's first 5G WiFi (802.11ac) 2x2 Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) SoC for smartphones. The Broadcom BCM4354 SoC will enable manufacturers to deliver twice the WiFi performance of 1x1 MIMO devices used in smartphones today while improving system power efficiency up to 25% when using wireless applications.
Consumers expect a fast, always-on smartphone experience. Performance however can be degraded by many factors including how a phone is held or positioned. In the past, MIMO systems have solved these problems on tablets and larger devices by using multiple antennas. With Broadcom's advanced antenna and PHY design, the BCM4354 can now deliver the benefits of 5G WiFi 2x2 MIMO to smaller platform designs like smartphones while reducing implementation complexity for designers. This achievement enables the industry's first practical implementation of 2x2 MIMO on a smartphone, opening the door for a new market segment.
In addition, Broadcom's Transmit Beamforming technology further improves rate over range performance in congested environments for data-intense applications. Photo and video uploads to social networking sites, for example, will be twice as fast in crowded sporting events or concert venues. A version of Broadcom's BCM4354 SoC supports Rezence wireless power technology, developed by the Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP) which delivers additional wireless freedom. All versions feature a full software platform including support for Android, Windows and Chrome-based operating systems.
"Smartphones have become the epicenter of today's digital life and consumers are demanding ever increasing levels of performance and sophistication," said Dino Bekis, Broadcom Vice President, Marketing, Wireless Connectivity Combos. "As a leader in wireless connectivity solutions, Broadcom continues to deliver unprecedented features and capabilities to this demanding and rapidly growing market."
The BCM4354 is now in production.