Video Imaging DesignLine

The Broadcom device was manufactured using a 65-nm process technology. This enables a die size of 6.5 mm x 5.8 mm = 37.7 mm¾ in a Wafer Level Chip Scale Package (WLCSP). Compared with the two components from Marvell, measuring 4.7 mm x 4.1 mm = 19.3 mm¾, and CSR, measuring 3.5 mm x 3.2 mm = 11.2 mm¾, this is an increase of about 7 mm¾, but it does not take into consideration the fact that more board real-estate is taken up with traces to connect the two devices.

Usage of advanced design techniques allows the BCM4325 to deliver the functionality in a power-efficient manner to extend the battery life in consumer products. An integrated power-management unit simplifies the power topology of the system. The flexible power amplifier scheme (allowing both internal and external power amplifiers) makes this solution suitable for a wide range of mobile applications.

The BCM4325 is designed to address the needs of mobile devices that require minimal power consumption and reliable operation. Broadcom's integrated solution offers advanced co-existence algorithms to maximize the performance of multiple wireless connectivity options within a single device. Even as FM radio continues to gain momentum in mobile systems, Broadcom' s implementation offers the advanced features required for entertainment and live news broadcast reception in today's handsets.

Die marking of Broadcom's BCM4325 Bluetooth & wireless receiver

Interestingly, Apple has not indicated that the iPod touch even had Bluetooth functionality. And though the Broadcom device has the capability, there are not, as yet, any applications to take advantage of this feature.

So has Apple tipped its hand about new features for the iPod touch? There are many applications that could easily be added to the player with only a slight change to the firmware code. Considering the ability to connect wirelessly to the Internet, Apple could introduce VoIP capabilities with a Bluetooth headset, or even just add Bluetooth wireless stereo headphones for listening to music.

Of course, it could just be a cost-cutting measure--Apple may have been able to get a volume-purchase price that made it a cost-effective solution for the iPhone and the iPod touch, even if all the functionality might not be enabled in the latter. Further analysis of an iPhone 3G is needed to determine if Broadcom is being designed into that system as well.