Network operating platform simplifies ZigBee applications

The Tendril network operating platform has been improved and expanded to dramatically simplify and speed the development and deployment process for ZigBee applications. As a result, it better addresses key operational challenges related to building, deploying and managing networks that use the open ZigBee low-power wireless protocol. An application module — Tendril Monitor — has also been released, which leverages the innovative capabilities of the Tendril network operating platform. The module automates the process of diagnostics and monitoring of the quality, reliability and day-to-day operations of ZigBee networks, as well as the applications built on those networks.

Software enhances traffic generation capability

A software release is available, free of charge, for the industry's first UWB byte-level frame generator. The Ellisys UWB generator software release, Version 2.0, enhances the UWB generator 320 frame generator's scripting abilities by adding advanced programming instructions to support conditional branching, looping, counters, and external device triggering. New programming language improvements comprise constant declarations, macro functions and the ability to use INCLUDE files.

Wireless platform enables 20-year battery life

Freescale Semiconductor's MC1322x single-chip platform solution, based on the ZigBee specification, is designed to deliver the lowest power consumption and highest performance. Engineered to support battery life of up to 20 years, it is available in a platform-in-package (PiP) solution that integrates the essential components of a ZigBee application within a single package, reducing component count and system cost. The MC1322x platform contains a 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) capable of running up to 26 MHz, a fully compliant IEEE 802.15.4 transceiver, balun, and RF matching components — all integrated into a small-footprint land-grid array (LGA) package that virtually eliminates the need for external RF components. It also features a TurboLink technology mode, engineered to increase data rates by up to 2 Mbps between nodes.

Highly integrated 802.11g solution eyes carrier gateways

The compact AR2417 single-chip solution from Atheros Communications is a highly integrated, cost-effective 802.11g solution for home gateways. As a highly integrated, low-cost digital CMOS solution for mini-PCI and card bus designs, it significantly reduces the rest of bill-of-materials (RBOM) by 30% to 45% compared to competitive solutions. It features an integrated MAC, baseband processor and 2.4 GHz radio, as well as a low-noise amplifier and power amplifier. Additionally, the AR2417 flaunts an innovative two-layer mini-PCI design that provides the smallest form factor at half the height of existing solutions.

802.11n wireless library speeds next-generation WLAN development

A new 802.11n wireless library from Agilent Technologies is available for use with the company's Advanced Design System (ADS) EDA platform. The library is based on the Enhanced Wireless Consortium (EWC) proposal, and is expected to speed development of next-generation, high-speed WLAN products. It works within the ADS environment and with the Agilent Ptolemy simulator to streamline design and verification of MIMO circuitry used in OFDM designs. The library contains preconfigured simulation setups, signal sources and fully coded bit-error-rate (BER) analysis, and allows simulation of up to four-by-four MIMO WLAN systems, yielding data rates that are up to twice as high as conventional two-by-two MIMO WLAN systems.

ZigBee launches mesh-enabled module

The 2.4 GHz XBee series 2 ZigBee module has been added to MaxStream's product line. It features full self-discovery/self-healing mesh networking and supports coordinators, routers and end devices, as well as low-power sleep modes. Based on the Ember EM250 SoC, the FCC-pending XBee series 2 features a 16-bit microprocessor, 128 kb flash memory, and four different antenna options (chip antenna, wire whip, UFL connector, or RPSMA connector).

USB link lowers ZigBee development cost

A USB-based programming tool from Ember, the plug-and-play InSight USB link, lowers the cost of developing ZigBee wireless applications. It includes an inexpensive USB adapter and flash programming software. Using a USB-enabled PC, customers can now more easily program Ember ZigBee radio modules. It is the ideal solution for customers seeking a low-cost ZigBee development platform and can even be easily integrated onto a manufacturing floor for low-volume production.

Single-chip UWB portfolio adds Certified Wireless USB solution

Staccato's 7.5 mm × 7.5 mm wafer chip-scale package (WCSP) based on its SC3500 Ripcord single-chip, all-CMOS solution boasts the smallest form factor of any Certified Wireless USB-based solution available on the market. It reduces the space required to implement UWB in mobile products by 70% and can be used for commercial applications of high-speed UWB at 480 Mbps based on Certified Wireless USB. Because packaging occurs at the wafer level, the WCSP also allows for a low-cost and efficient manufacturing flow. And, because of its low-cost, low-power and small-form-factor advantages, the WCSP will serve as the ideal solution enabling the most efficient supply chain for RF module vendors.

Transceiver family doubles mobile-data access speed

A complete WiMAX 2×2 MIMO-powered family of transceivers for mobile and handheld applications from NXP Semiconductors — the UXA234XX — boasts the industry's lowest power and a small footprint (6 mm × 6 mm × 0.85 mm). Offering a fully integrated direct-up transmitter and ZIF architecture, with support for channel bandwidths from 3.5 MHz to 20 MHz and various flexible calibration techniques, it allows for twice the data throughput and double the maximum speed of the company's existing WiMAX transceiver solutions. As a result, the transceivers improve reach and drive greater bandwidth and spectral efficiency. Because 2 × 2 MIMO allows for dual input and output channels, it addresses the requirements of bandwidth-intensive mobile applications, such as streaming data, voice and video data, without compromising network load and at a much lower cost to carriers.

WiMAX protocol conformance test solution announced

The Agilent IEEE 802.16e 2005 protocol conformance test (PCT) solution, based on the new Agilent E6651A Mobile WiMAX test set, is designed to enable WiMAX designers to verify protocol implementations and quickly get products to market. When equipped with the PCT capability, Agilent's E6651A Mobile WiMAX test set allows equipment developers and test houses to run validated protocol test cases to verify that their implementations conform to WiMAX standards. Developers can also create custom TTCN-3 test cases to fully stress the limits of their designs.

Enhancements add to BlueCore5 functionality

BlueCore5-multimedia silicon from Cambridge Silicon Radio (CSR) has been significantly enhanced via the addition of QSound Labs' QXpander technology and third-party software. QXpander technology uses purpose-specific audio algorithms for maximum spatial impact on headphones and speakers. As a result, music transmitted over Bluetooth via CSR's BlueCore technology is richer and more natural, providing the user with an immersive enhanced audio experience.

BlueCore5-multimedia software enhancements come from Phitek and Aurisound. Phitek's V3D and LFX software technologies allow wireless headset manufacturers to combine industry-leading Bluetooth technology with high-quality virtual surround sound and psychoacoustic bass enhancement. Aurisound's adaptive focus-beam technology improves clarity for better voice quality, as well as improved intelligibility for voice recognition.

Integrated single-chip offers affordable connectivity

Two new 65 nm devices from Texas Instruments, built on DRP single-chip technology, are designed to drive affordable WLAN, Bluetooth and FM technologies into headphones. The first product, WiLink 6.0, is the industry's first device to integrate a complete offering of mobile WLAN, Bluetooth and FM, with support for IEEE draft 802.11n for better coverage and reception. It works with the OMAP-Vox family of solutions to provide an optimized modem, applications processor and mWLAN/Bluetooth/FM solution for mid-tier handsets. The second product, BlueLink 7.0, integrates Bluetooth and FM. Coupled with TI's “LoCosto” single-chip platform, the solution is a cost-efficient answer to increasing Bluetooth penetration in handsets.

5.8 GHz WiMAX SoC ships

The 5.8 GHz WiMAX baseband SoC from Fujitsu Microelectronics America is shipping to ODM partners and customers worldwide. Based on the WiMAX Forum worldwide system profile, the chip has the performance characteristics and cost-effectiveness to support full base-station designs as well as subscriber unit implementations. It supports frequencies ranging from 2 GHz to 11 GHz in licensed and unlicensed bands and is now being used in the industry's first commercially available fixed WiMAX CPE supporting the 5.8 GHz band.

NFC-enabled handset offers a range of functionality

The Nokia 6131 NFC phone is the first fully integrated, commercial near-field communications (NFC) handset to enable information sharing, service initiation and payment, and ticketing capability with one tap of the device. Used in much the same way as existing contactless cards and keytags to allow access and make small payments, the addition of NFC technology to a full-featured mobile device adds an entirely new level of capability by leveraging the phone's computing power, wireless Internet access and user interface.