by songdok
from the Hardware Zone

Taipei - Silicon Integrated Systems (SiS), a leading supplier of core logic and graphics chipsets, announced the first chip in a new line of wireless LAN (WLAN) products. The SiS160 is a cost-effective media access controller (MAC) that conforms to the IEEE 802.11b WLAN standard and supports data transfer rates of 1, 2, 5.5 and 11 Mbits/sec.

SiS has made several innovative design breakthroughs with this new WLAN chip. The launch of the SiS160 should not be seen as just a tentative step into this rapidly emerging market. It is a confident leap forward and demonstrates the priority that SiS places on developments for the WLAN market and 802.11b as the solution of the moment, said SiS President Michael Chen. The SiS160 chip has already been certified to conform with FCC regulations and, with support for the different channel requirements in North America, Japan and Europe built into the driver, the SiS160 is a solution ready for wireless operation anywhere in the world.

SiS worked closely throughout the development of the SiS160 with global testing technology leader, Agilent Technologies, to develop a testing platform for mass production that would ensure high yields while meeting the highest possible quality and reliability standards. With a successful pilot run in December and several key partners already at the design-in stage, volume shipments of the SiS160 are ready to start immediately.

Designed using advanced ASIC technology, the SiS160 is manufactured on a 0.18-micron CMOS process and is available in a 128-pin LQFP (low-profile quad flat pack) package. Apart from the inherent power saving aspects of the LQFP package and the chip?s design, a choice of power-saving modes is provided and this enables battery-powered systems to support extended periods of operation. With a host interface offering PCI, MiniPCI and Cardbus support, the SiS160 is easily integrated into both built-in and add-on WLAN solutions for both desktop and notebook computers.

In addition to support for both 64-bit and 128-bit data encryption using the WEP (wired equivalent privacy) algorithm, which is part of the original IEEE 802.11 standard, the SiS160 driver will also offer support for the latest 802.1x security standards, including TKIP (temporal key integrity protocol) and WPA (Wi-Fi protected access). Although important for the protection of all wireless networks whether in the home or workplace enhanced security is essential for corporate networks as WLAN penetration increases. The SiS160 provides the hardware support and driver flexibility to meet these requirements head on and provide both individuals and corporations with a robust, secure WLAN solution.