Broadcom Enables Pinpoint Indoor Location Technology with 5G Wi-Fi SoC

Broadcom Corporation has announced the industry’s first 5G Wi-Fi (802.11ac) system-on-chip (SoC) to deliver pinpoint indoor positioning technology. The BCM43462 SoC, featuring Broadcom’s new AccuLocate technology, provides sub-meter accuracy on physical locations enabling retailers and public venue operators to deliver more personalized experiences to consumers.

Broadcom will demonstrate its AccuLocate technology at Interop, Las Vegas, April 1 – 3, 2014, booth #1239.

Analysts predict the indoor location market to reach $4 billion in 2018^, fueled by increasing demand for location-based services in public venues such as shopping malls, department stores, airports and stadiums. By leveraging location-based services, retailers and venue operators can offer discounts, promotions and personalized services to consumers based on exact locations while enterprise network IT staff can use the technology to track and manage assets, Broadcom said.

Broadcom’s latest 5G Wi-Fi SoC with on-chip AccuLocate technology operates using fine timing measurement (FTM) technology, resulting in highly accurate positioning regardless of environmental factors, Broadcom said. Previous versions of indoor positioning relied on received signal strength indicator (RSSI) technology, where signal strength and performance can vary depending on environmental factors such as crowd density or temperature.

“Broadcom’s latest 5G Wi-Fi innovation with integrated AccuLocate technology delivers highly accurate sub-meter pinpoint technology that rivals the capabilities of outdoor location based technology,” said Ed Redmond, Broadcom vice president and general manager, Compute and Connectivity. “In addition to providing a more customized user experience, this technology has the added benefit of allowing venue operators to monetize their investment in existing Wi-Fi infrastructure.”

“Location-based technology installations will break the 25,000 mark in 2014, while mobile devices capable of supporting indoor location will reach hundreds of millions within two years,” said Patrick Connolly, ABI Research senior analyst. “Rising demand for these services by the world’s leading venue operators and retailers is generating an immense opportunity for leading component suppliers, such as Broadcom, who are early to market with innovative solutions.”

About 5G Wi-Fi

Increased reliance on wireless networks, the explosion of video consumption and growing number of wireless devices are all putting tremendous stress on legacy 802.11a/b/g/n networks. With new innovations that allow for more reliable coverage, 5G Wi-Fi technology addresses these challenges, allowing mobile device users to stream digital content between devices faster, and simultaneously connect more wireless devices to home and enterprise networks, while conserving battery power.

Key Features of the Broadcom BCM43462 SoC

• Dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) complete 5G WiFi (11ac) SoC with integrated MAC, PHY and radio
• Three-stream spatial multiplexing up to 1.3 Gbps
• State-of-the-art security provided by industry standardized system support
• Embedded hardware acceleration enables increased system performance
• Full IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n legacy compatibility with enhanced performance
• Support for FASTPATH® UAP, Broadcom’s enterprise class access point software

Availability

Broadcom’s BCM43462 SoC with integrated AccuLocate technology is now sampling. AccuLocate technology is also available on Broadcom’s BCM43520 5G Wi-Fi 2X2 SoC, BCM43460 5G Wi-Fi 3X3 SoC and BCM4354 5G Wi-Fi 2×2 MIMO Combo Chip.