AR9285

Single-chip PCIe based on 802.11n

1stream specification

Technology Overview
The AR9285 single-chip PCI Express solution
features Atheros Align technology, which leverages
the 802.11n 1stream specification to provide the
optimal upgrade path from legacy 802.11 solutions.
The single-stream feature enables a new class of
Wi-Fi devices that deliver performance enhancements over the existing
802.11g technology, at comparable price points. Align solutions are
forward compatible to higher-performance, multi-stream, MIMObased
802.11n, and are available in reference designs to serve the networking,
computing and consumer electronics markets. The enhanced throughput
of Align 1stream solutions improves network efficiency by occupying the
wireless channel for shorter periods than slower 11g devices reducing
Solution Highlights congestion and increasing capacity for additional wireless devices.
Supports up to 150 Mbps Align employs all the mandatory and select optional features of the
Highly integrated single chip PCI Express CMOS solution with 11n specification, and Atheros advanced radio design techniques, to
MAC/baseband processor and 2.4 GHz radio effectively double the wireless coverage over legacy WLAN.
Backward-compatible to 802.11g; forwardcompatible to
multi-stream 802.11n
Supports all mandatory IEEE 802.11n features:
including several IEEE 802.11n optional features Product Overview
such as HT40, half-guard internal in HT40 and The Atheros AR9285, our 4th generation, highly integrated solution
Rx Space Time Block Coding targeting the value computing market. The AR9285 integrates a complete
Compliant with IEEE 802.11b, 802.11d, 802.11e, 802.11g standards WLAN solutionmedia access controller (MAC), baseband, and a high
and 802.11i specification performance 2.4 GHz radio in a lowcost digital CMOS design.

The Atheros AR9285 single-chip PCI Express (PCIe) solution is a highly

integrated MAC/Baseband/Radio solution that is backward compatible to
AR9285 Architecture 802.11g and forward compatible to multi-stream 11n. It enables PC OEMs
to cost-effectively migrate their 11g-based platforms to the enhanced,
future-proofed performance of Align. Targeting the growing value
2.4 GHz
computing products market segment with 150 Mbps PHY rate capability,
Align is the ideal technology for computing users seeking robust through-
put, enhanced range and extended battery life for data networking
applications such as web surfing, instant messaging and e-mail.
PA RF Switch LNA

Single-Chip 802.11n-Compatible PCI Express

Frequency Receiver ADC CMOS MAC/Baseband/Radio
Synthesizers Baseband
PHY and Host Highly compact, small footprint package
Wireless Interface
Transmitter Bias/Control DAC MAC Fourth-generation solution with integrated power amplifier
and low noise amplifier for best total solution cost
PCI Express Based Specification 1.1 compliant
Low power sleep modes supported
40 MHz 3.3v
Crystal Supply
AR9285
Single-chip PCIe based on 802.11n
1stream specification AR9285 Specifications

Frequency Band 2.4 GHz

30 mm
HB95 Network Standard 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n
26.8 mm

Modulation Modes OFDM with BPSK, QPSK,

16 QAM, 64 QAM;
DBPSK, DQPSK, CCK

FEC Coding Rate 1/2, 2/3, 34, 5/6

Hardware Security AES, TKIP, WEP

Quality of Service 802.11e

AR9285 Media Access Technique CSMA/CA

Reference Design Highlights Communication Interface PCI Express

Low RBOM component count and cost
Aggressive 2 layer, Half-Mini Card design for optimized PCB cost Peripheral Interface GPIOs, LEDs
PCI Express Half-Mini Card 1.1 specification compliant
Supported Data Rates
Worldwide regulatory compliant (country list available on request) IEEE 802.11b 1 to 11 Mbps
Single worldwide SKU IEEE 802.11g 6 to 54 Mbps
Driver support on Windows Vista and XP as well as Linux IEEE 1-stream 802.11n 6.5 to 150 Mbps

Operating Voltage 1.2V +/-5%

3.3V +/-10%

Package Dimensions 8 mm x 8 mm

Package 68-pin LPCC

Atheros Communications is a leading developer of semiconductor For more information on the AR9285 or other solutions from Atheros
system solutions for wireless and other network communications contact your local representative:
products. Atheros combines its wireless and networking systems Atheros Communications, Inc. Atheros Hong Kong Limited
expertise with high-performance radio frequency (RF), mixed signal t +1 408.773.5200 t +852 8206.1131
f +1 408.773.9940 f +852 8206.1301
and digital semiconductor design skills to provide highly integrated
chipsets that are manufactured on low-cost, standard complementary Atheros Communications KK-Japan Atheros (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) processes. Atheros technology t +81 3.5501.4100 t +86 21.5108.3626
f +81 3.5501.4129 f +86 21.5027.0100
is used by a broad base of leading customers, including networking
equipment, computing and consumer device manufacturers. Atheros Communications Intl, LLC-Taiwan Atheros Korea
t +886 2.8751.6385 t +82 31.786.0428
f +886 2.8751.6397

For more information on Atheros and Atheros wireless technology please visit www.atheros.com
Specification subject to change 2010 Atheros Communications, all rights reserved
Atheros, the Atheros logo, Align and the Align logo are registered trademarks of Atheros
Communications, Inc. There is Here is a trademark of Atheros Communications, Inc.
All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
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