Option Introduces PCI Mini-card for Built-in 3G and HSDPA in Laptops

Option N.V. is releasing the GTM351E embedded wireless module, a PCI Express Mini Card module designed primarily for the laptop computer market. The product supports 3G HSDPA 1.8Mbps/UMTS WCDMA in the 2100 MHz band and Quad band EDGE/GPRS WWAN (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) technologies in a single miniaturised plug-in module package.

The company has been awarded a design win for the product from a major IT manufacturer. Initial shipments of the GTM351E wireless module have already been made for platform integration, whilst commercial shipments are expected in the 1st half of 2006.

PCI Express Mini Card is a standard for embedded modules being adopted by IT manufacturers that is replacing the former mini-PCI connector on system boards. The PCI Express Mini Card standard now includes connector pin-outs to take account of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) interfaces as used in 3G UMTS/HSDPA and GSM wireless implementations.

Manufacturers can count on a Microsoft approved set of WHQL drivers, and future-proof platform through Flash Memory technology.