Broadcom Enables Wireless SYNC Connectivity in New Ford Automobiles
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LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2010; 2010 International CES -- Broadcom Corporation , a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, today announced that Ford Motor Company is using its BCM4325 Bluetooth® + Wi-Fi® combination (or 'combo') chip solution, featuring InConcert® technology, to provide wireless connectivity in some of Ford's new vehicles. The Ford SYNC(TM) system, which is based on the Microsoft Embedded Auto software platform, enables cellular handsets, portable media players and other devices to connect directly to the car's entertainment system for hands-free operation and for sharing media between them. The next-generation of Ford's SYNC communications system is being unveiled at this week's 2010 International CES, and features the Broadcom® BCM4325 solution that adds advanced Wi-Fi functionality for a more enjoyable, convenient, and safer user experience.
Highlights/Key Facts:
-- Advanced media and communications technologies are gaining increased
adoption in a broad range of consumer products. One example is the
Ford SYNC system, which includes capabilities that can greatly enhance
the user experience in next generation, innovative autos from Ford. By
adding this wireless communications system to its popular vehicles,
Ford is driving in-car connectivity to the mass market.
-- The SYNC in-car communication system enables safer hands-free
operation of many cellular phone handsets and popular digital
auto/video players while in the car. Using voice commands, the driver
can use integrated Bluetooth to make musical selections, initiate
phone conversations and manage other car functions as well. The new
SYNC version integrates Broadcom Wi-Fi technology enabling consumer
electronics devices to connect wirelessly to the system without the
need for a USB cable.
-- The wireless capabilities enabled by Broadcom wireless technology in
the SYNC system transforms the passenger cabin experience, providing
convenience for the driver and enjoyable new features for passengers:
-- High performance Wi-Fi capability built into the vehicle, allowing
the system to connect to Internet "hot spots" or the driver's own
home wireless access point when parked, enabling use of the car's
built-in web browser;
-- The SYNC system also includes Broadcom's "soft access point"
technology that allows the Broadcom enabled Wi-Fi component to
serve as an access point so that any device, such as a laptop
computer inside the vehicle, can gain wireless Internet access.
-- The SYNC system is based on the Microsoft Embedded Auto software
platform that provides a powerful base operating system for its
advanced capabilities. As a leading supplier of Bluetooth solutions
for Microsoft-based devices, Broadcom provides mature, proven
connectivity software for the SYNC system.
-- Broadcom is a leader in 'combo' chip solutions that integrate multiple
communications technologies onto single die solutions, making it cost
effective and technically feasible to add Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other
functions to consumer electronics products. The Broadcom BCM4325 combo
chip delivers the following key features:
-- Ultra-low power consumption utilizing advanced design techniques
that deliver the lowest active and idle power (up to 40% lower
consumption than competitive solutions) combined with a software
architecture that offloads the host processor to dramatically
extend handheld device battery life and reduce memory
requirements.
-- Unique InConcert technology that enables collaborative
co-existence between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, since both operate in
the 2.4 GHz radio frequency range. InConcert enables more
intelligent operations of both technologies allowing the option
for a shared antenna system that further reduces board area
requirements and provides the capability to co-exist with
additional external radio technologies.
-- A flexible software architecture that simplifies the migration
from a single radio connectivity technology (WLAN or Bluetooth) to
a multi-radio technology solution, minimizing the software design
changes while maximizing reuse of the vast array of mature
software available for Broadcom's WLAN and Bluetooth-based
products.
-- The BCM4325 has enabled Broadcom to deliver wireless functionality
into a wealth of high volume segments such as PCs, smartphones and
consumer electronics. Ford's adoption of the BCM4325 for SYNC
communications systems marks a new segment for this innovative 'combo'
chip solution.
Supporting Quotes
Edgar Figueroa, Executive Director, Wi-Fi Alliance
"The addition of Wi-Fi into the automobile environment will spark creative new uses for the technology and help drive its adoption in an even broader array of devices. With the ability to offer in-cabin Wi-Fi connectivity for laptops, netbooks, gaming devices, and smartphones, the new SYNC system from Ford is a good example of the future of 'connected transportation'."
Chris Bergey, Senior Director, Wireless LAN Mobility Group, Broadcom
"As a leader in driving wireless connectivity into new categories of products, we have enabled consumer electronics devices to connect, share data, and enhance the user experience by eliminating wires and cords in varied devices. Our collaboration with Ford marks a new area of expansion for wireless connectivity, making our highly competitive wireless LAN and Bluetooth combinational technologies available for Ford's future automotive passenger cabins."
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Broadcom Corporation is a major technology innovator and global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications. Broadcom products enable the delivery of voice, video, data and multimedia to and throughout the home, the office and the mobile environment. We provide the industry's broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art system-on-a-chip and software solutions to manufacturers of computing and networking equipment, digital entertainment and broadband access products, and mobile devices. These solutions support our core mission: Connecting everything®.
Broadcom is one of the world's largest fabless semiconductor companies, with 2008 revenue of $4.66 billion, and holds over 3,650 U.S. and over 1,450 foreign patents, more than 7,750 additional pending patent applications, and one of the broadest intellectual property portfolios addressing both wired and wireless transmission of voice, video, data and multimedia.
A FORTUNE 500® company, Broadcom is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and has offices and research facilities in North America, Asia and Europe. Broadcom may be contacted at +1.949.926.5000 or at www.broadcom.com.
Broadcom, the pulse logo, Connecting everything, the Connecting everything logo and InConcert® are among the trademarks of Broadcom Corporation and/or its affiliates in the United States, certain other countries and/or the EU. Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.