TI's WiLink 8Q automotive connectivity family now available in production quantities

DETROIT, June 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Telematics Detroit -- Today, Texas Instruments (TI) (NASDAQ: TXN) announced the mass production of the world's most advanced automotive-grade wireless connectivity devices, the WiLink™ 8Q family. With integrated Wi-Fi^®, Bluetooth^®, Bluetooth low energy and GPS/GNSS technologies, customers receive an all in one AEC-Q100 qualified chip. WiLink 8Q delivers a complete wireless connectivity experience for automotive infotainment systems. 

As Wi-Fi is gaining momentum in the automotive industry, WiLink 8Q is already designed in with automotive Tier1s and OEMs that are launching products starting this year. WiLink 8Q offers advanced features and software support in addition to a scalable portfolio for wireless automotive infotainment including:

• Advanced multimedia use cases including four concurrent HD video streams over Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Miracast™ operation, in-car multimedia streaming video in-parallel with hands-free calling over Bluetooth (HFP) or stereo music playback (A2DP) over Bluetooth
• Concurrent support for GPS, GLONASS and other satellite constellations
• Full range scalability from Bluetooth only (BL6450Q) and Wi-Fi + Bluetooth to Wi-Fi + Bluetooth + GNSS, with complete software reuse amongst all options
• Bluetooth low energy (Bluetooth 4.1) support for iBeacon™ technology, vehicle personalization and cable replacement.

Watch this video on how WiLink 8Q solutions are revolutionizing automotive infotainment.

WiLink 8Q family: The ideal solution for infotainment
TI's second generation automotive combo connectivity offering, the WiLink 8Q family works with a range of infotainment processors and is the perfect companion device for TI's automotive processors, the DRA65x "Jacinto 5" and DRA74x "Jacinto 6". Together, WiLink 8Q and the newly announced "Jacinto 6 Eco" family create an out-of-the box ready automotive infotainment offering. TI has a robust software offering for WiLink 8Q connectivity solutions including support for popular automotive operating systems such as Android, Linux and QNX. Additionally, TI has key eco-system partnerships with software providers such as Cybercom, OpenSynergy and XSe to enable fast and reliable ramp to production for customers.

Kristian Palm, business director, Cybercom:
"Together, WiLink 8Q and our blueGO Bluetooth application framework form the perfect match and create the most advanced Bluetooth solution for IVI systems. With TI's fast, professional and direct engineering support we can offer our customers a high-quality delivery and short time to market."

Stefaan Sonck Thiebaut, general manager, OpenSynergy GmbH:
"TI's advanced controller technology enables greater flexibility within the telematics environment, facilitating our Bluetooth software development kit stack applications including high-bandwidth in-car infotainment operations. With WiLink 8Q and our Blue SDK stack combination, drivers are able to appreciate improvements in the car through enhanced and more powerful connectivity solutions."

Peter McCarthy, director of global partnerships, QNX Software Systems:
"With its full range of scalability, the WiLink 8Q family enables TI and QNX Software Systems to collaborate on automotive connectivity solutions that are both flexible and leading edge. The advanced features of the WiLink 8Q family help our automotive customers quickly see the power of Bluetooth, GPS and Wi-Fi technologies, and the proven performance of the QNX platform on TI's Jacinto processor family makes a winning combination."

Rainer Oder, managing director of XSe:
"Our relationship with TI has allowed us to utilize the WiLink 8Q capabilities in the design and development for our automotive-ready reference board (AXSB). Thanks to TI, our AXSB has the ability to drive rapid prototyping and accelerate time-to-market for automotive software developments."

Visit TI @ Telematics Detroit
While at Telematics Detroit, visit the TI booth to learn more about the latest in automotive infotainment.

Pricing and availability
WiLink 8Q is available now for mass production. For further inquiries on automotive connectivity, please contact your local TI sales representative or email [email protected].

Texas Instruments drives automotive innovation
TI's state-of-the-art semiconductor products allow manufacturers and system suppliers to deliver world-class features to the automotive market. Our extensive automotive portfolio includes analog power management, interface and signal chain solutions, along with DLP^® displays, ADAS and infotainment processors, Hercules™ TMS570 safety microcontrollers and wireless connectivity solutions. TI offers SafeTI™ parts designed to facilitate OEMs' compliance with the requirements of ISO 26262, as well as parts specifically designated as compliant with the AEC-Q100 and TS16949 standards, all with excellent product documentation. Visit TI's Automotive page or TI's E2E™ Behind the Wheel Blog to learn more about our commitment to automotive innovation.

About Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) is a global semiconductor design and manufacturing company that develops analog ICs and embedded processors. By employing the world's brightest minds, TI creates innovations that shape the future of technology. TI is helping more than 100,000 customers transform the future, today. Learn more at www.ti.com.

Trademarks
WiLink and TI E2E are trademarks of Texas Instruments. All other trademarks and registered trademarks belong to their respective owners.

SOURCE Texas Instruments