Silex Technology Launches Streamlined 802.11ac SDIO Module for Mass-Market Wireless and Internet of Things (IoT) Applications

The Next-Generation SX-SDMAC Plus Delivers Smaller Size, Lower Cost, and Higher Performance

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Dec 12, 2017, 10:00 ET

SANTA ANA, Calif., Dec. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Silex Technology America, Inc., a global leader in wired and wireless networking solutions, today announced the newest member of the SX-SDMAC family, the SX-SDMAC Plus wireless module. Based on QCA9377-3 System-on-Chip (SoC) from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., this dual-band IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac WLAN plus Bluetooth 4.2 SDIO module has a new streamlined design that delivers enterprise-grade Wi-Fi connectivity with link rates as high as 433 Mbps.

The SX-SDMAC Plus fulfills a strategic role in Silex Technology's embedded wireless product portfolio, opening new opportunities and markets. The current SX-SDPAC System-in-Package (SiP) solution offers the smallest form factor for IEEE 802.11ac plus Bluetooth connectivity. However, it requires additional engineering development of RF front-end circuitry and certification. On the other hand, the SX-SDMAC module series provides support for industrial temperature range, long product life cycle, and software antenna diversity.

The newly announced SX-SDMAC Plus takes the best of both product categories – smallest form factor in the SX-SDMAC module family, extended temperature range, and product longevity. The new design also has higher transmit output power than the SX-SDMAC, thus increasing the Wi-Fi network range for increased coverage and performance.

Creating a Mass Market Wave 2 MU-MIMO Wireless Solution

"We are excited to launch our flagship IEEE 802.11ac and Bluetooth SDIO module, the SX-SDMAC Plus," said Babar Hashim, Senior Product Manager of Embedded Wireless Products at Silex Technology America. "Our customers were looking for a mass-market solution for adding cost-effective Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity in their next-generation embedded wireless products, so we redesigned our SX-SDMAC to reduce size, cost, and performance to meet market demands. With all the features and benefits of the SX-SDMAC Plus, Silex Technology has secured multiple design wins with key partners and customers worldwide."

"The SX-SDMAC Plus is well-positioned for providing low-cost, low-power SDIO Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity in IoT products such as single board computer and System-on-Module (SoM) reference designs," adds Babar Hashim. "To address the priorities of embedded developers, we made the module easy to integrate, optimized the bill-of-materials (BOM), and enabled multiple software driver options including Linux mainline support for the ath10k open source driver."

SX-SDMAC Plus Features:

Smallest form factor in the SX-SDMAC module family
Based on the QCA9377-3 SoC
IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wave 2 MU-MIMO Client
SDIO 3.0 WLAN host interface
Bluetooth 4.2 BR/EDR/LE Smart Ready
Enhanced transmit output power for increased Wi-Fi range and performance
Link rate of up to 433 Mbps
Support for enterprise security, seamless roaming, and CCX
Fine-tuned calibration per module
FCC/IC/CE/MIC modular certification
Extended temperature range of -20 to +85°C
Available in surface mount and SDIO card form factors
Driver support for Silex AMC driver, Code Aurora, ath10k mainline, Windows, Android, and RTOS

To expedite the product development process, Silex also provides additional world-class engineering services including custom driver development, certification services, and hardware schematic design reviews.

Pricing and Availability

The product is in full production and is now available for purchase. Contact [email protected] to learn how Silex can enable your evaluation.

About Silex Technology America, Inc.

Silex Technology builds on more than 40 years of hardware and software connectivity know-how and IP, custom design development experience, and in-house manufacturing capabilities, bringing value to customers with a foundation of technical expertise. With relentless attention to quality, exclusive access to Qualcomm Atheros expertise, and strategic partnerships with leading semiconductor providers, Silex Technology is the global leader in reliable Wi-Fi connectivity for products ranging from a medical device to a document imaging product to a video or digital display. With Silex Technology, customers get a single vendor that provides hardware and software support from design through manufacturing for successful product after successful product. For more information, please visit www.silexamerica.com.

SOURCE Silex Technology America, Inc.