First tri-band WLAN module in SDIO card form factor

Silex Technology unveiled the SX-SDWAG, a wireless module that provides 802.11a/b/g capabilities in an SDIO card form factor. Designed for wireless local area network (WLAN) applications that require low power consumption, the SX-SDWAG is ideal for battery-operated portable devices in the medical, weights and measures, transportation and other industries.

Unlike WLAN SDIO cards that are intended for use in PDAs, the SX-SDWAG is specifically aimed at OEM applications. It includes diversity antenna connectors for improved radio reception and flexibility in antenna selection, and it supports an extended temperature range of -40 to +70 degrees C. The SX-SDWAG’s 802.11a 5GHz capabilities allow it to be used in enterprise environments such as hospitals, where interference from 2.4GHz devices like microwave ovens must be minimized. Silex also offers driver porting and consulting services for Linux, Windows CE, and other operating systems, as well as custom hardware design capabilities.

Measuring just 0.94 x 1.68 x 0.08 inches (24 x 42.7 x 2.1mm), the SX-SDWAG is slightly longer than a standard SD memory card. Because it has a standard SDIO form factor, OEMs can use off-the-shelf SDIO mounting hardware and test equipment to expedite the development process.

The SX-560 is available immediately for $69.95.