Marvell Announces Support for UMPC Platform

(Product News, 20 Apr 2007)

Marvell has announced that its WLAN products fully support the Intel Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC) initiative (codenamed McCaslin). The Marvell 88W8686 WLAN processor is an excellent solution for the UMPC platform with incredibly low total system power—drawing less than 400mW—and the smallest total WLAN footprint available—less than 50mm⊃2. The 88W8686 WLAN processor also supports a variety of operating systems including Linux, Microsoft Windows Vista and Windows XP.

The UMPC platform was designed to offer full PC capabilities and "always on" connectivity in a small, thin and light platform. The small footprint, ultra-low power of the 88W8686 WLAN processor will enable UMPC users to have the ultimate mobile experience with instant access to content and information in a perfectly portable formfactor.

"We see a growing opportunity for the UMPC platform, bridging the gap between notebooks and high end smart phones," said Iain Gillott, principal analyst, iGR. "Since good battery life is critical to the success of any mobile device, UMPC devices will require low-power solutions such as WLAN chips from Marvell Semiconductor."

"Marvell is thrilled to offer continued support for the Intel UMPC initiative," said Dr. Paramesh Gopi, Vice President and General Manager of the Embedded and Emerging Business Unit, Communications and Consumer Business Group at Marvell. "The UMPC platform represents a radical change in the level of productivity road warriors can expect. The Marvell 88W8686 WLAN gives our customers the ability to dramatically enhance battery life over traditional notebook designs."

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