To allow coexistence and compatibility in a small form-factor, ultra-wideband technology developer Staccato has released a reference design that enables Bluetooth and certified wireless USB technologies to work simultaneously on a single mini card. The SC3224R design kit combines both Bluetooth technology and certified wireless USB onto a single PCI Express mini card form factor design to provide a fully integrated wireless PAN solution for notebook PC and wireless desktop applications. Marking the first-phase completion of Staccato's Bluetooth convergence roadmap, the SC3224R design is proof that Bluetooth and certified wireless USB can simultaneously function in close proximity on a single mini card design, simplifying integration in notebook PCs by sharing the same antenna and mini card interface.

The initial version of the SC3224R reference design kit will support current-generation Bluetooth and certified wireless USB for dual-mode wireless PAN applications. Future generations of the reference design, when allowed by the Bluetooth 3.0 specification, will support trimode functionality by adding Bluetooth 3.0 capabilities. Staccato's multiprotocol MAC architecture and protocol independent kernel (PIK) uniquely enable the simultaneous support of multiple protocols on a single chip.

"With Staccato's design, notebook PCs can now add certified wireless USB without the need for an additional slot or antenna placement," said Ray Lin senior product marketing manager, Cameo Communications, Inc.

The SC3224R design enables the use of a single antenna shared simultaneously by both radios through a diplexer without any significant degradation in performance to either radio. Antenna placement is an increasing problem in notebook PCs because of the increasing number of radios that are included. Sharing a single antenna and a single mini card slot, this reference design eliminates the need for additional antennas or mini card slots to the system.