One of the weather of constructing a whole end-to-end answer means having all of the parts underneath one model. The complexity of contemporary devices implies that having all the pieces made underneath one firm is near-on inconceivable – particularly with the wealth of IP and patents in each small phase of the trendy digital machine. To facilitate the looks of uniform branding, corporations will typically rebrand the parts underneath their very own identify. Introducing the AMD RZ608, a Wi-Fi 6E 2×2 wi-fi module!
As found by Laczarus, the brand new handheld machine referred to as the AYANEO makes use of a big selection of AMD parts, beginning with the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U cellular processor which is a six-core Zen 2 chip with Vega 6 graphics. It additionally has a 7-inch show, and it runs a full model of Windows in a handheld machine, one thing akin to an x86 competitor to the Nintendo Switch, albeit crowdfunded and presently delivery to preliminary backers.
On an replace posted to the crowdfunding web site on May 9th, the builders behind the challenge introduced that their second batch of 2000 items can be utilizing an unannounced AMD Wi-Fi 6E module. The put up states that the AYANEO would possibly very nicely be the primary machine with this module in manufacturing, and so they leverage their cooperation with AMD for the mixing with this half in addition to troubleshooting. It can be famous that the AMD answer is barely dearer than the usual Wi-Fi 6 that was initially a part of the design.
So right here comes the crux: AMD doesn’t make the Wi-Fi module. Through our sleuthing, that is truly a rebranded MediaTek MT7921Okay module with an AMD emblem on it. MediaTek sells the modules to AMD who manufacturers them, but additionally leverages the regulatory compliance that MediaTek has already accomplished for this product. AMD then takes over customized integration initiatives, gross sales, advertising and marketing, and assist for the module. The RZ608 bought by AMD is in an M.2 2230 kind issue and makes use of PCIe 2.1, though the AYANEO possible is utilizing a extra customized integration. There can be Bluetooth 5.2.
The use of the partnership with MediaTek will possible permit AMD to accomplice its cellular processors with its personal branded Wi-Fi 6E answer with OEM companions in relation to designing gadgets. Intel leverages the truth that it has Intel CPU, Intel Wi-Fi, Intel Thunderbolt, and Intel Ethernet as a mixed gross sales alternative for OEMs making gadgets round an Intel product, so it seems that AMD is leveraging the identical ecosystem good points, albeit with rebranded parts.
There was an unconfirmed rumor going across the web final 12 months a couple of collaboration between MediaTek and AMD co-creating some customized wi-fi designs, with some experiences suggesting that the collaboration will transcend Wi-Fi. We’re unsure to what extent AMD has had any enter within the design of the MT7921Okay / RZ608, or how a lot that can proceed going ahead. At this level I’m assured that this sits as a rebrand only for now, given the lifecycle of product improvement on this space, in addition to the Wi-Fi certification being in MediaTek’s identify.
Wi-Fi Alliance Certification of MT7921Okay/RZ608
