Broadcom on Monday announced the BCM2079x family of NFC chips which it hopes will spur the mass adoption of NFC. The 40nm-based chips are smaller and are reportedly the most power efficient solution currently available to device makers. Broadcom said the products use 40% fewer components on a 40% smaller surface area and consume 90% less power than competing models. The chips also support a new technology called “Maestro middleware” that allows developers to create NFC apps with support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. “Broadcom is committed to making NFC as ubiquitous as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are today,” Broadcom vice president and general manager Craig Ochikubo said. “These solutions provide the features and performance that enable disruptive innovation that will reshape consumer experience.” Read on for Broadcom’s full press release.

Broadcom Introduces First NFC Chips in 40 NM to Drive Next Generation of Mobile Payments and Consumer Electronic Connectivity

Industry’s Smallest and Most Power Efficient NFC Solution with Seamless Connectivity to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Opens Doors for Next Evolution of Wireless Innovation

News Highlights
New BCM2079x solutions are the industry’s first near field communications (NFC) chips manufactured in 40 nm CMOS process for smaller size and the industry’s lowest power consumption
Supports multiple embedded secure elements and/or SIM cards for contactless payment and secure applications.
Enables simplified connectivity with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for new innovations in device-to-device data/video transfer, pairing and connections

BEIJING, Sept. 26, 2011 – P&T Expo Comm – Broadcom Corporation (Nasdaq: BRCM), a global innovation leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, today unveiled a new family of NFC chips designed to drive the mass deployment of NFC in consumer electronics devices. With a powerful combination of power, size and functional requirements, the new chips provide the advanced capabilities required by OEMs to ignite NFC adoption in consumer electronics. Visit Broadcom.com for more news from the show.

Manufactured in 40 nm CMOS technology, the new Broadcom® BCM2079x family slashes power consumption by more than 90 percent, uses 40 percent fewer components and has a 40 percent smaller board area, making it the smallest and most power efficient NFC solution on the market. The NFC controllers are platform agnostic with support for multiple secure elements or SIM cards – or both at the same time. In addition, Broadcom’s advanced MaestroTM middleware allows new NFC applications to utilize Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities in the device to spur new innovations in user interface and media sharing.

An accelerated adoption of NFC could transform the use of smartphones, advancing beyond contactless mobile payments and ticketing to enable radically simplified connectivity between the handset and other devices like Bluetooth headsets and Wi-Fi-enabled digital televisions. The proliferation of NFC has the ability to expand the usefulness of smartphones and inspire a range of new applications built on the ability to create simple, secure connections between devices and enable services with a touch of the phone.

Technology Advantages:

Reduces power consumption:

o Low power target detection mode, which leverages Broadcom’s innovative low-power techniques, reduces polling power consumption by more than 90 percent for longer battery life
o Support for field power harvesting allows the chip to draw energy from the environment so it can support transactions even if the phone battery has expired

Reduces board space requirements and design complexity:
o Industry’s smallest size chip integrates more external components, reducing total solution bill of materials (BOM) costs
o Easily pairs with Broadcom’s InConcert® BCM4330 Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and FM combo chip for comprehensive connectivity solution
o Complete Broadcom software stack including MaestroTM middleware rounds out end-to-end solution for reduced design complexity, creative connectivity options and faster time to market

Provides support and flexibility for all business models and future wireless innovation:
o Only NFC controller to integrate transaction-based Application ID (AID) routing for simultaneous support of multiple secure elements (both SIM and non-SIM) within a single device
o Multiple SWP (single wire protocol) interfaces allow for standards-based SIM and embedded secure element integration
o Broadcom is also working closely with the NFC Forum to define and drive standards to ensure interoperability with other NFC devices

Craig Ochikubo, VP and GM, Wireless Personal Area Networks, Broadcom Corporation
“Broadcom is committed to making NFC as ubiquitous as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are today. These solutions provide the features and performance that enable disruptive innovation that will reshape the mobile consumer experience. Our leadership and proficiency in wireless connectivity influenced the architecture of these new chips to meet the performance required by OEMs, allowing them to more easily add NFC to their designs.”

Broadcom announced on Monday that it will acquire NetLogic Microsystems for $3.7 billion and current NetLogic shareholders will receive $50 per share owned. “This transaction delivers on all fronts for Broadcom’s shareholders — strategic fit, leading-edge technology and significant financial update,” Broadcom president and CEO Scott McGregor, said. “With NetLogic Microsystems, Broadcom is acquiring a leading multi-core embedded processor solution, market leading knowledge-based processors, and unique digital front-end technology for wireless base stations that are key enablers for the next generation infrastructure build-out. Broadcom is now better positioned to meet growing customer demand for integrated, end-to-end communications and processing platforms for network infrastructure.” The proposed acquisition still needs approval from domestic and foreign regulators but is expected to close during the first half of 2012. Read on for the full press release.

Broadcom to Acquire NetLogic Microsystems, Inc., a Leader in Network Communications Processors

Combination to Deliver Seamless End-to-End Network Infrastructure Platforms

IRVINE and SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Broadcom Corporation (Nasdaq: BRCM), a global innovation leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, and NetLogic Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: NETL), a leader in high performance intelligent semiconductor solutions for next generation networks, today announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement.  Under the agreement, NetLogic Microsystems shareholders will receive $50 per share in a transaction of approximately $3.7 billion, net of cash assumed.

The acquisition meaningfully extends Broadcom’s infrastructure portfolio with a number of critical new product lines and technologies, including knowledge-based processors, multi-core embedded processors, and digital front-end processors, each of which offers industry-leading performance and capabilities.  The combination enables Broadcom to deliver best-in-class, seamlessly-integrated network infrastructure platforms to its customers, reducing both their time-to-market and their development costs.

The transaction has been approved by the Broadcom and NetLogic Microsystems boards of directors and is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of domestic and foreign regulatory clearances and the approval of NetLogic Microsystems’ stockholders.  The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2012.  Broadcom currently expects the acquisition to be accretive to earnings per share by approximately $0.10 on a non-GAAP basis in 2012.

“This transaction delivers on all fronts for Broadcom’s shareholders — strategic fit, leading-edge technology and significant financial upside,” said Scott McGregor, Broadcom’s President and CEO.  ”With NetLogic Microsystems, Broadcom is acquiring a leading multi-core embedded processor solution, market leading knowledge-based processors, and unique digital front-end technology for wireless base stations that are key enablers for the next generation infrastructure build-out. Broadcom is now better positioned to meet growing customer demand for integrated, end-to-end communications and processing platforms for network infrastructure.”

Mr. McGregor added, “Today’s transaction is consistent with Broadcom’s strategic portfolio review process and with our focus on value creation through disciplined capital allocation while delivering best-in-class platforms for customers in the fastest growing segments of the communications industry.”

“This is a strong win for customers, for shareholders and for NetLogic Microsystems employees,” said Ron Jankov, NetLogic Microsystems President and CEO. “Our industry-leading product portfolio will benefit from access to Broadcom’s broad set of leading-edge technologies, tools, resources and eco-system, which will enable the combined company to offer a complete and integrated platform for our customers’ next generation designs.  Our employees will benefit from the strong cultural alignment with Broadcom, and from joining forces with an equally aggressive and energetic organization with the same relentless focus on engineering excellence and innovation.”

Broadcom today also reiterated its business outlook for the third quarter of 2011.  Broadcom expects revenue around the middle of the previously-guided range of $1.9 billion and $2.0 billion, GAAP product gross margins of flat to up slightly and GAAP research & development and selling, general and administrative expenses of flat to down $10 million in the third quarter of 2011.  By the end of the third quarter, Broadcom also expects to have approximately $4.2 billion in cash and cash equivalents on hand, up from approximately $3.8 billion at the end of the second quarter.

Broadcom and NetLogic Microsystems will conduct a conference call with analysts and investors to discuss Broadcom’s proposed acquisition of NetLogic Microsystems today at 5:00am Pacific Time (8:00am Eastern Time).  Both companies will broadcast the conference call via webcast over the Internet.  To listen to the webcast, please visit the Investors section of either the Broadcom or NetLogic Microsystems websites at www.broadcom.com/investors and investors.netlogicmicro.com. The webcast will be recorded and available for replay, within 48 hours after the event, until 10:00 p.m. Pacific Time on October 12 2011.

Also listed on the battery is a capacity of 6930 mAh. Since mAh = Watt-hours / volts * 1000, converting using the above numbers yields 25 / 3.8 * 1000 = 6,579. It looks like there might be some rounding going on here, or the battery voltage might actually be more like 3.6 volts.

The iPad 2 Smart Cover tear-down revealed 21 magnets (in addition to the 10 magnets in the iPad 2 itself), a large metal plate encased in plastic, and two structural plates. Hit the jump for images of a heaping serving of hardware porn.

Read [iFixit iPad 2] Read [iFixit iPad 2 Smart Cover]

Today, Broadcom announced that it has gained Bluetooth 4.0 certification for its BTE Bluetooth stack and system-on-a-chip solutions. The new Bluetooth 4.0 standard has lower overhead than previous iterations of the technology, using less power and having a lower cost, while providing better range. Expect to see Bluetooth 4.0 hitting mobile devices in early 2012. We’ve got the official press release ready for you after the bounce.

Broadcom Supports Bluetooth® Version 4.0 Across Its Leading Bluetooth Portfolio

Broad Availability of the New Standard will Drive the Adoption of Bluetooth Low Energy Technology for New Applications in Health Care, Fitness, Security and Home Entertainment

IRVINE, Calif., July 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Broadcom Corporation (Nasdaq: BRCM), a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, today announced that it has gained certification and added support for the recently adopted Bluetooth® Version 4.0 specification across its core BTE Bluetooth stack and industry leading Bluetooth system-on-a-chip (SoC) solutions. Broadcom’s full qualification makes it one of the first to achieve Bluetooth v4.0 controller and host stack certification, solidifying its continued leadership in Bluetooth technology and dedication to the growth of this technology as it evolves beyond what are perceived to be the traditional Bluetooth use cases of today.

Highlights/Key Facts:

• The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) recently announced the formal adoption of Bluetooth Core Specification Version 4.0, with the hallmark feature low energy technology. This final step in the specification development process signals to Bluetooth SIG members that the Bluetooth SIG Qualification Program is now open for qualification of all Bluetooth product types to the Version 4.0 Specification.
• Bluetooth low energy technology opens up new segments for this wireless technology including fitness, sports, medical devices, security, and home entertainment based on Bluetooth products and sensors that are powered from a single small coin-cell battery.

Key features of the Bluetooth low energy specification in the new Bluetooth v4.0 standard include:

• Ultra-low peak, average and idle mode power consumption
• Ability to run for years on standard coin-cell batteries
• Low cost
• Multi-vendor interoperability
• Enhanced range

As a leading supplier of both Bluetooth technology, and a leader in combination (‘combo’) chip products that combine multiple radios in a single chip design, Broadcom is in a unique position to drive Bluetooth v4.0 technology, further expanding the utility of Bluetooth low power devices.

With the latest qualifications, Broadcom enables full-featured Bluetooth devices which include the latest low energy technology in addition to Bluetooth High Speed, Classic Bluetooth and Enhanced Data Rate Bluetooth technology.

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In an ongoing royalty dispute, it would appear as though Qualcomm and Nokia have reached a settlement agreement. The CDMA chipset maker is going to receive $2.3 billion from Nokia as part of the deal and while that is a ton of cash not to be scoffed at, the current recession and bailouts make it seem like worthless Monopoly money. This is definitely not the time for any company to be paying stiff settlement fees! On top of Nokia’s poor Q3 figures , the settlement is one thing they could have done without. The battle between Qualcomm and Nokia had gone on for quite some time and if you didn’t know or hadn’t heard about it, Nokia was using Qualcomm’s chipsets in their 3G devices without proper licensing from Qualcomm. However, over the summer Nokia and Qualcomm did enter into a 15-year agreement for Nokia to license and use Qualcomm’s chips in future devices. Still, the payment for the prior dispute is hefty and it’s not going to be in installments, either: Qualcomm wants the sum paid in full as one lump sum. Desperate times call for desperate measures… this should help them out a bit in the other fight the chip-maker has going -  Qualcomm vs. Broadcom!

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