Freescale and Marvell Create Enhanced Cellular Functionality Through WLAN Connectivity

March 11, 2005

Whether in an airport or on campus, many consumers want to tap into wireless local area networks (WLAN) without carrying a heavy laptop. Taking another step toward true converged platforms, Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. and Marvell announced plans to offer WLAN solutions for mobile devices through Freescale's wireless platforms and applications processors.

Users want to quickly download large music files, pictures, presentations or emails while they are on-the-go and without sacrificing battery life. A cellular handset or portable device enabled by WLAN lets the user experience the expanding benefits of IEEE® 802.11 standard-based networks in global hot spots where they can download large amounts of data at faster speeds, saving precious time.

Together, Marvell and Freescale plan to provide WLAN capability into mobile handsets, smartphones and entertainment devices. Freescale customers will receive Marvell's IEEE 802.11 reference designs, ICs, software and tools to simplify customer development and time-to-market. Complementing Freescale's market-leading 3G Innovative Convergence™ and EDGE Mobile Extreme Convergence platforms, as well as i.MX applications processor family, Marvell has a complete multi-mode, lower power IEEE 802.11 product line enabling connectivity using 802.11b, 802.11g or 802.11a/b/g.

Low power features include:

-- Power save modes
-- Ultra-low standby current
-- Non-pre-emptive host O/S support
-- Field upgradeable security and quality of service (QoS)

"Marvell leadership in embedded consumer WLAN, coupled with our aggressive integration strategy, allows Freescale customers to add WiFi connectivity to mobile terminals with minimal system software impact and gain significant time-to-market advantages," said Dr. Paramesh Gopi, Marvell General Manager, Embedded and Emerging Business Unit, Communications Business Group. "Our relationship with Freescale represents our joint commitment to accelerating the adoption of WLAN in high volume cellular products and enhances the consumer's cellular experience."

"Our customers ask us to help them find new methods of improving connectivity and enhancing the value of their products and services for their customers," said Klaus Buehring, Freescale's Vice President and General Manager of the Radio Products Division. "Through our partnership with Marvell, we enable our customers to take one more step toward complete seamless mobility."