AR4100 Datasheet, PDF (5/29 Pages) Freescale Semiconductor, Inc – Low power modes consuming as little as 5 μA of current

1 Introduction
1.1
General Description
The AR4100 is a small form-factor, single stream, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi System-in-Package (SIP)
solution. The AR4100 has been developed to support applications hosted by low-resource
m _{microcontrollers that send infrequent data packets over the network. Typically, these 802.11}
applications will place a higher priority on system cost, power consumption, ease of use, and fast
o _{wake-up times as compared to high throughput. The AR4100 integrates all WiFi functionality into}
a low-profile, 8.3 mm x 9.2 mm LGA package that can be easily mounted via low-cost PCB
.c ^{manufacturing flows. The device requires only a few external bypass capacitors and a connection}
to an antenna for a board level design. As an added cost reduction and convenience, the SIP
module is pre-certified with the FCC and other major regulatory bodies.
le _{The AR4100 employs the world's lowest power consumption embedded architecture. It has been}
optimized for client applications in the home and enterprise that have lower data rates, and
a _{transmit or receive data on an infrequent basis. The AR4100 features standby current consumption}
as low as 5 μA. Additional optimizations, including a reduced host driver footprint, allow easy
c _{integration with low-cost microcontrollers.}
s _{The AR4100 also includes Qualcomm Atheros’ industry leading high-efficiency, high-output}
EPA™ power amplifier with zero calibration and integrated LNAs. RF matching circuits, a
e _{reference crystal, and a T/R switch are also integrated, eliminating the need for an external RF}
components and thus enabling direct antenna connection. The end result is a device that is the best-
e _{in-class for ease of system design.}
r _{At the heart of the AR4100 is an ultra low-power radio architecture and proprietary power save}
.f ^{technologies. An on-chip embedded CPU handles complete 802.11 b/g/n processing to minimize}
host processor loading.
The AR4100 also supports a modular certification capability with the FCC and other regulatory
w _{agencies. The modular approval requires that you follow the Qualcomm Atheros guidelines in a}
copy exactly methodology and that the design is reviewed to ensure it meets the design guidelines.
The review process is managed by a third party firm. More details can be found in the FCC
ww ^{Modular SiP Approval for AR4100(P) application note.}
MKG-16487 Ver. 5.0
5
Qualcomm Atheros, Inc.
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