Qualcomm Atheros Unveils Advanced Single-chip Solution to Drive High-performance HomePlug Powerline Communications into Mainstream Home Networking Products

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Qualcomm Atheros Inc., the networking and connectivity subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM), today announced the QCA6410, a new single-chip solution that delivers best-in-class performance for next-generation HomePlug® powerline communications (PLC) devices. The QCA6410 is designed to bring higher performance PLC capabilities into the home market at a much lower cost and smaller form factor than current solutions. The QCA6410 supports the IEEE 1901/HomePlug AV powerline networking protocol and delivers 200 Mbps networking performance. The QCA6410 enables a full array of PLC products, including standalone adapters and extenders, as well as embedded PLC in TVs and low-cost IP set-top boxes.

The QCA6410 offers the most integrated solution in the industry, featuring internal memory, 10/100 Ethernet PHY, analog front end/line driver and a power management unit in a single chip. With less than 1.8 watts for the entire adaptor, the QCA6410 chip enables customers to develop the industry's smallest form factor adaptor designs with ultra-low power consumption.

"The QCA6410 is an important step for Qualcomm Atheros in building on our broader vision of the digital connected home," said Tony Hsu, senior director of product management, networking business unit, Qualcomm Atheros. "The QCA6410 will enable our partners to develop a new generation of standalone and embedded HomePlug PLC connectivity solutions that combine superior performance and energy efficiency at a low cost to spur widespread adoption of powerline as a networking technology. Qualcomm Atheros is committed to expanding our market leadership in powerline communications through a portfolio of solutions that offers tremendous choice and value for our customers."

Samples of the QCA6410 chip are available now to customers with volume production scheduled for the second quarter of 2012.

About Qualcomm Atheros Inc.

Qualcomm Atheros Inc., the networking and connectivity subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, is a leading provider of wireless and wired technologies for the mobile, networking, computing and consumer electronics markets. The organization is focused on inventing technologies that connect and empower people in ways that are elegant and accessible to all. With its broad connectivity portfolio, Qualcomm Atheros provides its global customer base with high-performance, end-to-end solutions, featuring Wi-Fi®, GPS, Bluetooth®, Ethernet, HomePlug® powerline and PON technologies. Qualcomm Atheros leverages its substantial expertise in RF, signal processing, software and networking to deliver highly integrated, low-power, system-level solutions that enable customers to create high-performance, differentiated products. For more information, go to www.qca.qualcomm.com.

Qualcomm Atheros is a trademark of Qualcomm Atheros Inc. HomePlug is a registered trademark of the HomePlug Powerline Alliance. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. All other trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners.

Qualcomm Contacts:
Laurie Falconer, Qualcomm Atheros
Phone: 1-408-616-3036
Email: [email protected]  

Tina Asmar, Corporate Communications
Phone: 1-858-845-5959
Email: [email protected]

Warren Kneeshaw, Investor Relations
Phone: 1-858-658-4813
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Qualcomm Atheros Inc.