Broadcom BCM4330KUBG: A Comprehensive Technical Overview
The Broadcom BCM4330KUBG stands as a highly integrated, single-chip solution that combines dual-band IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 + HS, and an FM radio receiver. This level of integration made it a cornerstone component for a wide array of mobile and embedded devices during its product cycle, including smartphones, tablets, and other portable electronics. Its design philosophy centered on delivering robust wireless connectivity while minimizing power consumption and physical footprint.
At the heart of the BCM4330 is its advanced 802.11n MAC/Baseband/Radio. It supports a single-stream spatial multiplexing configuration, enabling data rates of up to 72.2 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band and 150 Mbps in the 5 GHz band. This is achieved through support for 20 MHz and 40 MHz channel bandwidths. A key feature of its Wi-Fi stack is Enhanced Wireless Consortium (EWC) support for optimized interoperability and performance within 802.11n networks. The integrated power amplifier (PA), low-noise amplifier (LNA), and switch simplify RF design for manufacturers, reducing both the bill of materials and board space requirements.
The Bluetooth core is compliant with the Bluetooth 4.0 specification, which introduced the hallmark Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. This was a significant advancement, enabling new classes of low-power peripheral devices like heart rate monitors, proximity tags, and sensors. The "+HS" designation indicates its capability for high-speed data transfer over an alternative MAC/PHY (AMP), specifically using the 802.11 radio for significantly faster data throughput compared to traditional Bluetooth connections.
The integration of an FM radio receiver (Rx) and transmitter (Tx) further consolidated functionality. This allowed end-users to listen to local FM radio stations and, on supported devices, transmit audio to their car stereos or other FM receivers, providing a versatile multimedia experience from a single chip.
Fabricated using a low-power 40nm CMOS process, the BCM4330KUBG was designed for energy-sensitive applications. It incorporates sophisticated power management techniques, including advanced sleep modes that dynamically power down sections of the chip not in use. This ensures minimal impact on battery life, a critical parameter for smartphones and tablets. The chip is typically offered in a compact and thin 0.4mm pitch WLBGA package, making it ideal for the slim form factors of modern mobile devices.
ICGOODFIND: The Broadcom BCM4330KUBG was a seminal connectivity combo chip that successfully integrated high-performance Wi-Fi, modern Bluetooth with Low Energy, and an FM transceiver into a single, power-efficient die. Its widespread adoption helped drive the standard for ubiquitous, multi-functional wireless connectivity in the mobile era.
Keywords: IEEE 802.11n, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Single-Chip Solution, Power Management, 40nm CMOS Process
