Broadcom launches 802.11n chip for mobile devices

Broadcom has released the latest of its so-called combo wireless chips for mobile phones and other portable media devices, combining for the first time 802.11n Wi-Fi connectivity enhanced data rate Bluetooth and FM radio into its BCM4329. According to the company, the chip supports up to 50Mbps speeds in both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands but actually uses less power than earlier parts limited to the older 802.11g standard.

The chip also provides a Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR transceiver to support wireless headphones and other peripherals, and carries both an FM tuner and a receiver to either pick up local radio or else to broadcast a device's sound to a car stereo. The company is already providing sample chips to manufacturers and plans to ship the BCM4329 in volume sometime in 2009.