Broadcom Corporation, a global innovation leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, has introduced the BCM4335, the industry's first complete 5G WiFi combo chip for smartphones, tablets, ultrabooks and other mobile devices.

The new solution furthers Broadcom's wireless connectivity leadership and establishes it as the first chip vendor to sample solutions based on the 802.11ac standard for every major Wi-Fi product segment.

5G WiFi, the 5th generation of Wi-Fi based on the IEEE 802.11ac standard, is a major evolutionary step from the existing 802.11a/b/g/n networks. 5G WiFi dramatically improves the wireless range in the home, allowing consumers to watch HD-quality video from more devices, in more places, simultaneously. With 3X faster speeds, consumers can download web content from a mobile device, and synch large files such as videos, in a fraction of the time it would take on a similar 802.11n device. Since 5G WiFi transfers the same volume of data at a much faster rate, devices enter low-power mode quickly and, as a result, are up to six times more power efficient than equivalent 802.11n solutions.

Broadcom introduced its family of 5G WiFi chips for access points and PCs at CES in January 2012.  The world's first 5G WiFi routers and notebooks powered by Broadcom's 5G WiFi chips were introduced to the market in Q2 2012. Smartphones and tablets powered by the new BCM4335, which are expected to hit shelves in Q1 2013, will allow consumers to reap the full speed, range and power saving benefits of 5G WiFi on both ends of the wireless connection.

The BCM4335 is now sampling to Broadcom's early access customers, with full production expected in Q1 2013.

"By adding next generation Wi-Fi technology to its latest combo chip, the company continues that tradition and will help accelerate the adoption of high speed 802.11ac connectivity in mobile devices worldwide", said Michael Hurlston, Broadcom Senior Vice President & General Manager, Wireless Connectivity Combo.

"Broadcom introduced the industry's first 5G WiFi chips earlier this year and has continued to deliver on an aggressive rollout of solutions to power the entire ecosystem of wireless products. Today, we're the only chip vendor powering the next generation of routers, access points and client devices currently on shelves.  The BCM4335 is the perfect mobile complement to these 5G WiFi products, allowing smartphones and tablets to get the full benefit of the technology at both ends of the wireless connection."