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博通公司的BCM4342是单片802.11n方案,是完整的片上系统(SOC),采用独特的Intensi-fi架构,为企业802.11n接入点降低了开发成本,加快了产品面市时间. BCM4342集成了802.11媒体接入控制器(MAC),基带处理器, 2.4 GHz 和5 GHz无线电收发器以及其它的WLAN元件.而Intensi-fi架构可提供高达300 Mbps的数据速率,可在更大范围内提供主流的无线连接.本文介绍了BCM4342的主要性能,系统优势,系统方框图和主要的性能指标.

BCM4342 Intensi-fi™ Single-Chip 802.11n Enterprise Solution
The BCM4342 is a complete system-on-a-chip (SoC) that accelerates time-to-market and reduces development costs for enterprise 802.11n access points. The 65-nm BCM4342 combines an 802.11 medium access controller (MAC), a baseband processor, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios and other WLAN components onto a single silicon die. This high level of integration not only reduces the footprint and BOM cost, but also cuts power consumption in half. As a result, enterprise access points can now operate simultaneously on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands while being powered by a companys existing Power over Ethernet (802.3af) infrastructure.

Broadcoms unique Intensi-fi architecture delivers data rates of up to 300 Mbps, maintains wireless connections over a larger coverage area, and offers the greatest channel capacity of any 802.11n solution. When the BCM4342 is paired with FASTPATH Unified Access Point Software, the turnkey solution enables wireless APs that extend the business-critical features of a companys wired network, while bringing the benefits of 802.11n to mobile workers.

主要特性:
Single-chip, all-in-one die baseband/MAC/radio for 802.11n applications
Advanced 65-nm CMOS process for lowest power consumption and highest level of integration
802.11n Draft 2.0-compliant Wi-Fi® solution. Fully compatible with IEEE 802.11n Draft 1.0 and 802.11a/b/g legacy devices.
Two transmitters and two receivers with optional 802.11n. Draft 2.0 modes allow data rates supporting 300 Mbps.
Flexible two- and three-antenna configurations for improved range and performance
Support for optional 802.11n features for improved rate, range, and performance
Greenfield preamble
Space time block code (STBC)
Short guard interval
Multiple host interfaces supported: PCIe™, PCI, mPCI
High-performance 802.11a/b/g/n features standard across the Intensi-fi and AirForce product lines
FASTPATH unified AP software for a complete turnkey software solution for enterprise and SBM access points
OneDriver
Single driver across platforms simplifies driver update process and improves customer satisfaction
BroadRange
Afterburner high-speed modes
WPA/WPA2
Full-rate AES engine in hardware
WMM for quality of service

系统优势:
Single-chip 65-nm solution and high system integration drive down the power and cost of 802.11n solutions to enable a new generation of enterprise wireless products.

CMOS integration and low power modes result in a 50% power reduction compared to previous generation solutions, enabling the lowest power dual concurrent enterprise APs on the market.

Upgradable architecture reduces manufacturing test time and addresses the 802.11n standardization process.
Increased rate/range provides user satisfaction and reduces product support call volume.

Self-calibrating architecture allows high-yield board manufacturing.
Designs meet Pb-free/RoHS worldwide requirements.



图1.BCM4342 PCI应用板外形图



图2.BCM94342系统方框图
下表为BCM4342主要性能指标: