NXP Semiconductors today launched a consumer electronics grade module for 802.11n wireless local area network (WLAN) applications. The new solution, MRX2000, enables higher throughput of rich content for quality critical applications, allowing for faster, more powerful wireless connectivity between everyday multimedia devices.
Optimized for HD video streaming in both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, the module can be integrated into a number of applications including set-top boxes (STBs), digital media adapters, TVs, residential gateways, routers, game consoles, media center applications, IP STBs, digital video recorders and home cinema systems. As a result, consumers can enjoy their multimedia content when and where they want to in the home.
Together with a 2x3 transceiver and a MAC/baseband processor chip set, the NXP MRX2000 features RF front-end technology which enables customers and end-users to maximize the benefits afforded by the emerging IEEE 802.11n standard.
Unlike its predecessors, the data throughput, spectrum availability, immunity to multipath interference, and picture quality required by HD video can be achieved in properly implemented 802.11n Wi-Fi networks using this module.
The NXP MRX2000 features a convolution code and an advance code (LDPC), uses maximum likelihood, and includes a 2x3 MIMO detector - all of which boost performance. The 2x3 MIMO detector makes the solution more attractive and cost effective than 3x3 MIMO solutions, while the 5GHz band support (in addition to legacy 2.4GHz) ensures the network does not interfere with other household applications like microwave ovens, baby monitors, cordless phones and Bluetooth devices.
The 802.11n feature set also includes advanced aggregation, which enhances MAC efficiency; fast link adaptation (FLA), which optimizes real home performance; and, the embedded quality of service (QoS) provided through EDCA plus admission control ensures that users can enjoy hours of picture perfect video without interruption.
As well as the consumer, the new 802.11n module offers numerous benefits to NXP customers. The solution can be easily integrated through various electrical and mechanical interface choices (mPCI, NXP Semiconductors proprietary interface, ST Microelectronics proprietary interface, USB2.0, PCI Express) and supports drivers for all of the mainstream operating systems (Linux 2.4, Linux 2.6, Kernel Series, Windows CE 5.0-6.0, Windows XP and Windows Vista).
