Broadcom to Unveil Chip Bundle

Broadcom Corp. of Irvine today will unveil a new computer chip bundle designed to make wireless connectivity possible for smaller hand-held computers, cameras and other pocket-sized electronic gadgets.

Broadcom said the package -- which includes a chip, a radio transmitter, an encryption device and other components -- consumes up to 85% less energy than the wireless networking cards commonly used in laptops.

About the size of a postage stamp, the AirForce OneChip will be used first in personal digital assistants, extending their battery life over current models, said Jeff Abramowitz, Broadcom’s director of wireless marketing.

The OneChip also is likely to make its way into digital cameras, cell phones and digital music players so they can connect to the Internet and communicate with one another, he said.

Adoption of the new chip product may not be quick, but it may offer some “incremental” help as Broadcom strives to return to profitability, said James Ragan, an analyst with Crowell Weedon & Co. in Los Angeles.

-- Terril Yue Jones