NXP launched a wireless networking module for 802.11n wireless local area network (WLAN) applications. The  solution, MRX2000, enables higher throughput, 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, Digital Media Adapters, Residential Gateways, TVs, Routers, Game Consoles, Media Center Applications, IP Set-Top Boxes, 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.

The IEEE 802.11n addresses and overcomes the substantial limitations of the existing 802.11a/b/g wireless networking standards, providing increased coverage area, higher throughput and better Quality of Service. Together with a superior 2x3 transceiver and a powerful MAC / baseband processor chip set, the NXP MRX2000 features best-in-class 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 outperforming 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 best-in-class 5 GHz Band support (in addition to legacy 2.4 GHz) 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.

"The 802.11n module heralds the beginning of a new era in connected living," said Thomas Fengel, International Marketing Manager for RF Solutions at NXP Semiconductors. "With this module, CE manufacturers can easily upgrade their stand alone products to fully networked devices, capable of reliably transferring HD video content from one device to another. Comprehensive customer feedback and the latest industry standards were regularly referenced during our design, testing and production processes and, as such, we have developed a solution that is backwards compatible. This, combined with the facts that it offers high throughput and comes embedded with a Quality of Service (QoS) guarantee, make it the perfect solution for Consumer Electronics applications."

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).

"A number of our customers have tested the solution and all of them have been impressed with its coverage range, throughput and overall robustness and reliability," added Thomas Fengel. "Our 30 years of experience in RF modules means we have created a solution that will notably improve our customers' offerings and, consequently, significantly enhance the connected living experience of consumers globally."