The new AL5350 BaseBand Processor (BBP) plus Media Access Controller (MAC) that pairs with the previously announced AL5100 RF transceiver. The new chipset, based on Alereon's previously certified AL5000 family design, features both a USB and PCI Express interface designed for high performance PC embedded Half-MiniCard Wireless USB applications, docking stations, wireless monitors, and wireless connections from laptops to HDTVs.  The AL5350/AL5100 chipset was designed to meet the new Windows Premium Logo Program Windows Host Controller Interface (WLP WHCI) requirements.

"The ability to provide a single high performance solution that customers can use worldwide is essential to large OEMs who are beginning to make significant shipments," said Brian O'Rourke, principal analyst, In-Stat in a press release issued by Alereon Monday. "The fact that Alereon's chipset is not only worldwide, but can also provide greater than 200 Mbps throughput will allow vendors to introduce end products that finally meet the promise of Wireless USB."

According to Alereon, its AL5000 family chipsets are currently the only worldwide solutions that support WiMedia band groups 1, 3, 4, and 6. They offer Wireless USB connectivity over the full WiMedia spectrum by providing more than ten channels in every region of the world. The AL5350 BBP/MAC also adds a high performance PCIe interface that is well-suited to host applications, such as video, where true performance is required.

Naomi Graychase is Managing Editor at Wi-FiPlanet.