Broadcom promises better Bluetooth

Broadcom has integrated Bluetooth and FM onto a single chip

Communications chip maker Broadcom has unveiled a new combination host controller interface that integrates Bluetooth and FM onto a single chip.

The single piece of silicon is built on 65nm technology and integrates full Bluetooth Version 2.1 and enhanced data rate baseband, radio and software, along with a high performance FM stereo radio transceiver.

Aimed at the growing music phone market, Broadcom claimed that the new chip not only saves space and power, but adds FM transmit capabilities, embedded software functionality and enhanced voice and stereo audio processing.

"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," said Craig Ochikubo, vice president and general manager of Broadcom's Wireless Personal Area Networking division.

The BCM2049 chip features SmartAudio voice processing and Bluetooth radio enhancements that improve voice quality and the range of mono-headset connections.

Furthermore, the support for stereo Bluetooth audio of either FM radio or digital music files offers the ability simultaneously to distribute streams to multiple stereo headphones, creating a wireless networked music environment.

The inclusion of FM transmission on the chip also means that sound can be transmitted to a car or home stereo without the need for an external adaptor.

According to Broadcom, the FM radio part of the chip can scan worldwide frequency bands from 65MHz to 108MHz, and has a 3dB higher receiver sensitivity then previous Broadcom products. It also supports Radio Data Service and Radio Broadcast Data Service processing.

The BCM2049 chip is sampling to early access customers with a full rollout expected soon.