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Technology Overview

The AR9285 single-chip PCI Express� solution features Atheros Align technology which leverages the 802.11n 1–stream specification to provide the optimal upgrade path from legacy 802.11 solutions. The single-stream feature enables a new class of Wi-Fi devices that deliver performance enhancements over the existing 802.11g technology, at comparable price points. Align™ solutions are forward compatible to higher-performance, multi-stream, MIMO–based 802.11n, and are available in reference designs to serve the networking, PC and consumer electronics markets. The enhanced throughput of Align 1–stream solutions improves network efficiency by occupying the wireless channel for shorter periods than slower 11g devices – reducing congestion and increasing capacity for additional wireless devices. Align employs all the mandatory and select optional features of the 11n specification, and Atheros’ advanced radio design techniques, to effectively double the wireless coverage over legacy WLAN.

Product Overview

The Atheros AR9285, our 4th generation, highly integrated solution targeting the value PC market. The AR9285 integrates a complete WLAN solution–media access controller (MAC), baseband, and a high–performance 2.4 GHz radio in a low–cost digital CMOS design.

The Atheros AR9285 single-chip PCI Express (PCIe) solution is a highly integrated MAC/Baseband/Radio solution that is backward compatible to 802.11g and forward compatible to 11n. It enables PC OEMs to cost-effectively migrate their 11g-based notebooks to the enhanced, future-proofed performance of Align. Targeting the growing value PC market segment with 150 Mbps PHY rate capability, Align is the ideal technology for PC users seeking robust throughput, enhanced range and extended battery life for data networking applications such as Web surfing, instant messaging and e-mail.

Single-Chip 802.11n-Compatible PCI Express CMOS MAC/Baseband/Radio

• Highly compact, small footprint package
• Fourth generation solution with integrated power amplifier
  and low noise amplifier for best total solution cost
• PCI Express Based Specification 1.1 compliant
• Low power sleep modes supported

Solution Highlights

• Supports up to 150 Mbps
• Highly integrated single chip PCI Express CMOS solution with
  MAC/baseband processor and 2.4 GHz radio
• Backward-compatible to 802.11g; forward–compatible to 802.11n
• Supports all mandatory IEEE 802.11n draft 7.0 features:
  – including several IEEE 802.11n draft 7.0 optional features
  such as HT40, half-guard internal in HT40 and
  Rx Space Time Block Coding
• Compliant with IEEE 802.11b, 802.11d, 802.11e, 802.11g standards
  and 802.11i draft specification

Specification subject to change � 2008 Atheros Communications, all rights reserved Atheros, the Atheros logo and Wireless Future Unleashed Now are registered trademarks of Atheros Communications, Inc. Align is a trademark of Atheros Communications, Inc. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.

AR9285-10-28-08