Broadcom Corporation, a provider of semiconductor solutions, has unveiled new line of wireless chips designed for automotive infotainment applications.
These chips feature the latest in 5G WiFi and Bluetooth Smart Ready technology and allow drivers and passengers to easily sync and stream content from mobile devices to the car’s infotainment system and rear-seat displays.
The new chips also enable high-speed connectivity beyond the vehicle, serving Internet and cloud content via LTE telematics or directly from a Hot Spot connection.
“Car connectivity is the new battleground for product differentiation and the next frontier for Broadcom,” said Rahul Patel, Broadcom vice president of Wireless Connectivity. “Broadcom is delivering our proven expertise and leadership in wireless connectivity to the automotive market,” Patel added.
The integrated 5G WiFi technology provides the bandwidth required for multiple in-car displays and resolution of up to 1080p. It allows uncongested 5GHz video to coexist concurrently with 2.4GHz Bluetooth hands-free operation.
The chips also feature Bluetooth Smart Ready technology, which allows products to sip power at an incremental rate. The service will enable connectivity between the car and wearable tech and body sensors such as the ability to monitor biometric indicators including driver fatigue, blood alcohol content and glucose levels.
Analysts predict the use of in-car Wi-Fi-enabled applications to grow eightfold by 2019 as car makers leverage the latest technologies to differentiate in an increasingly competitive market.
One of the most immediate applications enabled by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Smart is the smart remote, allowing drivers to use their smartphone to remotely adjust seat, temperature and infotainment settings while providing vital data on automotive performance and diagnostics.
Broadcom’s wireless automotive portfolio consists of two devices. Both the BCM89335 5G WiFi/ Bluetooth Smart Ready combo chip and the BCM89071 Bluetooth + Bluetooth Smart Ready chip are now sampling, the company said.
