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        Ultrawideband technology supports Windows Mobile devices

        Staff | Date: May 15, 2007 | Comments: 1


        Two companies have collaborated on hardware and software for supporting wireless USB on Windows Mobile- and Windows CE-based PDAs and smartphones. Alereon's AL4000 Certified Wireless USB chipset and Stonestreet One's UltraSuite software and device drivers were paired in a demonstration of ultrawideband (UWB) technology at WinHEC today in Los Angeles.



        Wireless USB was recently listed among a handful of "Hot Tech Trends" for 2007, by market research firm In-Stat. The emerging technology aims to implement the same functionality as standard wired USB (universal serial bus) -- but with radios, instead of cabling.


        Wireless USB market projection
        (Source: Alereon)

        Alereon claims its AL4000 Certified Wireless USB chipset to be the only native device currently certified for Wireless USB by the USB-IF (USB Implementer's Forum). Windows Mobile- and CE-based devices that have CompactFlash (CF) and SDIO (Secure Digital I/O) interfaces can now utilize this technology to connect with both legacy wired USB and certified Wireless USB peripherals and equipment, the company said.

        According to Alereon CEO Eric Broockman, "Cellular phone and PDA makers now have the ability to provide untethered solutions to their customers that can transfer data at high USB speeds. In addition, with the first solutions now certified by the USB-IF, consumer electronics manufacturers can move forward rapidly and with confidence that their products will interoperate with current and future certified solutions."

        Key features and specifications of the Alereon AL4000 USB chipset, as listed by the company, include:
        • Chips -- AL4100 RF transceiver; AL4200 baseband processor
        • Standards supported -- WiMedia MAC/PHY Interface Version 1.0, WiMedia PHY Version 1.1
        • Data rates (megabits/sec) supported -- 53.3, 80, 106.7, 160, 200, 320, 400, 480
        • WiMedia channels supported -- TFC 1 - 7
        • Operating voltage -- 3.3V, 1.2V
        Stonestreet One describes its Ultra Suite software as a collection of drivers and applications based on Certified Wireless USB standards from the USB-IF and the WiMedia specifications. According to the company, UltraSuite comprises:
        • HWA and DWA drivers based on Certified Wireless USB and WiNet driver
        • WiCenter connectivity application
        • UltraView engineering tool
        The drivers included in Stonestreet One's Ultra Suite support Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows CE 5.0, and Windows Mobile.

        Availability

        Alereon's wireless USB chipset is immediately available, priced around $15 in high volumes.

        Pricing for Stonestreet One's Ultra Suite was not disclosed.


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