Today, most wireless modules are based on a radio vendor’s recommended reference design. However, the functionality and quality of the modules using a standard reference design is often limited. At Silex Technology, we understand that while typical consumer-oriented Wi-Fi technologies are driven by low-cost product development, short time-to-market, and rapid product improvements, this is not the case for mission-critical Wi-Fi applications. Silex Technology customers need Wi-Fi products that are designed for, and can function reliably, for long periods of time.

To ensure we bring the most reliable and durable Wi-Fi products to market, we invest heavily in making the best off-the-shelf chips available even better. With relentless attention to quality, exclusive access to Qualcomm Atheros silicon, and our expertise, Silex Technology is the trusted leader in reliable Wi-Fi connectivity.

Transforming the Qualcomm Atheros WB44 Reference Design into the SX-SDMAN

Throughout the past decade, Silex Technology has developed a close working relationship with Qualcomm Atheros, one of the leading Wi-Fi silicon providers in the world. As a result of this long-term relationship, we have the expertise necessary to take the Qualcomm Atheros technology used in consumer mobile applications and make enhancements to ensure it can be used in critical, always-on enterprise-wide applications.

By investing more than 2,100 man hours over the course of nearly a year, we made the following improvements to the Qualcomm Atheros WB44 reference design before introducing the SX-SDMAN radio module:

1. Optimized form factor—The WB44 reference design was too large and not the appropriate shape, so we re-engineered it to a module that is approximately 5 percent of the size of the original reference design.
2. IEEE Standards Conformity Through Design Validation—This ensures the radio module’s performance such as throughput, range, stability, connectivity, and interoperability.
3. Modular Certification—Through the modular approval process, the wireless radio is tested once by Silex Technology and the device manufacturer then receives all the benefits of the cost and time savings of not having to test it again.
4. Feature Enhancements and OEM Customization—We added automated antenna selection to optimize signal strength and we can customize the design of our hardware for OEM customers with a specific need.

A Comparison between the Qualcomm Atheros WB44 reference design and the Silex Technology SX-SDMAN.

Reliability When it Counts
With our profound understanding of Qualcomm Atheros radios and our own RF design know-how, we develop our wireless modules to conform to IEEE industry standards while maximizing performance within the legally allowed regulatory guidelines. The end result is our value-added hardware that provides reliable connectivity and optimized performance for applications where a “good enough” wireless connection is not an option.

To learn more about how Silex makes the best off-the-shelf chips available even better, download the white paper: Reliability When it Counts, Going Beyond the Limitations of a Standard Vendor Reference Design