Bridge chip enables 3G+ mobile datacards

The VMB5000 bridge chip is the only commercially available custom-built solution for translating the USB or UART signals from HSDPA modem chips or modules into PCMCIA or CF format in a single chip.

Elan's new VMB5000 bridge chip provides the only commercially available custom-built solution for translating the USB or UART signals from HSDPA modem chips or modules into PCMCIA or CF format in a single chip.

As HSDPA becomes the de facto solution for high speed wireless communications, Elan is addressing the needs of 3G+ developers looking for a simple way to interface HSDPA radio modules or chips to PCMCIA or CompactFlash.

Especially designed for 3G+ mobile data cards, the VMB5000 device boasts a 20Mbit/s data transfer rate.

The chip is compatible with all PCMCIA compliant systems and its tiny 9 x 9 x 0.9mm footprint means that it is perfect for CompactFlash card designs.

Despite its small size the device contains an onboard EEPROM which holds PnP data and is in-circuit programmable.

In addition, this chip has very low power consumption and operates at 3.3 or 5V.

Everything is in place to assist the card designer, including a full design development kit with utilities plus 10 chips to test out designs.

Elan backs up the development kit by making available their extensive experience in developing PCMCIA solutions in the form of high quality design support and approvals of customer designs.

The VMB5000 is the only commercially available bridge device designed to meet the demands of 3G+ mobile datacards, delivering an easy to implement, highly robust, flexible and reliable interface.

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