Why WIFI consume significantly more power than normal 2.4GHz Wireless IC

[tonyctsiu]

Dear Sir,

I have searched thru the web about some WIFI chips and some ordinaly 2.4G RF Transceiver like CC2530.
Most WIFI chips consumes 150mA during transmitting or receiving while CC2530 consumes only 30mA.

What causes such significant difference?

Regards,

Tony

 

[robismyname]

Its specific to application. The cc2530 is for zigbee application, i.e. personal area networks, close proximity short range, battery powered, applications. With Zigbee devices you can turn off transmitter and reduce duty cycle thus limiting power usage and conserving battery. Also the cc2530 doesnt have the best lna performance. Typically better performing LNA have higher IP3 which increase power budget.

Wi-fi chip application is for wireless lans' that have far greater range than zigbee. Amongst other factors involved with receiver and the MAC layer you will need a better power budget for better performance when it comes to wi-fi.