Qualcomm Bows Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Combo Chip, 4K Platform at IFA

Qualcomm announced at IFA the QCA9379 combination chip with support for dual-stream Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.2. It also launched a 4K Ultra HD media box reference platform based on the Snapdragon 820 processor. Both solutions support interactive media experiences in upcoming streaming devices, set-top boxes and smart TVs, said a Qualcomm news release. The combo chip’s Bluetooth section has data length extensions to wirelessly connect with remote controls and gaming accessories, said Broadcom, and can overcome line-of-sight limitations of infrared remotes by enabling voice control. The QCA9379 includes technology to manage operation of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in the same radio band, helping to prioritize delay-sensitive transmissions such as voice commands from a speech-enabled remote, or the push of a fire-button in a gaming pad even in crowded network conditions, said Qualcomm. Deep-sleep modes with extreme low-power consumption, wake-on-wireless and wake-on-Bluetooth features in the QCA9379 provide power efficiency, said the company. Integrating Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and power and low-noise amplifiers in a single chip offers cost optimization, it said. The media box reference platform helps manufacturers accelerate development of set-tops and streaming devices in 4K and is designed to deliver the compute and graphics power required for console-level gaming, rich user interfaces and concurrent app use for next-generation TV experiences, said Qualcomm. The platform's design allows fan-less, small form factors and includes gigabit Ethernet and dual-stream Wi-Fi 802.11ac connectivity along with Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth Smart, supporting control with remotes, game controllers and voice, it said.