EDA Geek » Wireless

Libelium Launches 3G Module for Arduino Platform

Ken Cheung — Tue, 08 May 2012 18:23:23 +0000

Libelium introduced a 3G module for the Arduino platform. The 3G shield for Arduino enables the connectivity to high speed WCDMA and HSPA cellular networks. It features transfers up to 7.2Mbps, which is 20 times faster than with GPRS technology. The module also includes an internal GPS that enables the location of any Arduino both outdoors and indoors, combining standard positioning data from satellites with mobile cell triangulation in the assisted mobile mode (A-GPS).

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2012 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

Radicom Research Launches RB1000 Embedded Bluetooth Modules

Ken Cheung — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:46:10 +0000

Radicom Research introduced the RB1000 family of embedded Bluetooth modules for OEM’s. There are two platforms available: RB1000 and RB1000HM. The RB1000 is a surface mount PCB module with on-board antenna. The RB1000HM is a DIP, through-hole module. The RB1000 and RB1000HM single-mode Bluetooth modules are now available. Prices start at $9 in quantity of 1,000 each for the RB1000. The Radicom embedded Bluetooth modules are ideal for watches, AMR, medical sensors, mice, TV remote controls and fitness trainers.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2012 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

Roving Networks Acquired by Microchip Technology

Ken Cheung — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:34:33 +0000

Microchip Technology has acquired Roving Networks. Their easy-to-use solutions are tailor made for embedded applications, and broaden the range of wireless connectivity options to help engineers enable their products. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive on a non-GAAP basis.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2012 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

Mentor Graphics, Stonestreet One Integrate Bluetopia Protocol Stack with Nucleus RTOS

Ken Cheung — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:24:53 +0000

Mentor Graphics and Stonestreet One teamed together to integrate the Nucleus Real Time Operating System (RTOS) with the Bluetopia protocol stack. Seamless integrating Stonestreet One’s Bluetopia with Mentor’s Nucleus RTOS will enable developers to create innovative products for low power and connectivity with ease and reliability.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2012 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

NI Unveils Data Dashboard for LabVIEW Apps for iPhone, iPad, Android

Ken Cheung — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:25:14 +0000

National Instruments introduced Data Dashboard for LabVIEW mobile apps. The apps for iPhone, iPad and Android devices help engineers integrate the latest mobile technology into their applications. The NI Data Dashboard for LabVIEW mobile apps help engineers access measurement data from data acquisition and embedded monitoring systems. The new apps combine the portability, ease of use, faster start-up time and longer battery longevity of mobile devices with the power of LabVIEW.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2012 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

Wireless Innovation Forum Issues Call for Contributions

Ken Cheung — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:39:09 +0000

The Wireless Innovation Forum (SDR Forum version 2.0) has issued a call for contributions for the Open Source Framework for Commercial Baseband Software. The project focuses on reducing cost and time to market in deploying 3G and 4G, 3G+ systems, including: Fixed WiMAX (802.16d), Mobile WiMAX (802.16e), WiMAX-Advanced (802.16m), LTE (3GPP Release 8) and LTE-Advanced (3GPP Release 10). The Wireless Innovation Forum is a non-profit organization dedicated to driving the future of radio communications and systems worldwide.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2012 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

Big Surprise: Smartphone Owners Want Bigger Screens

Ken Cheung — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:52:26 +0000

According to research by Strategy Analytics, smartphone owners in the US and UK prefer device screens in the 4″ to 4.5″ range, as long as the device is also thin. Almost 90% of existing smartphone owners surveyed chose a prototype smartphone with a display larger than their current device. This trend is driven by increased mobile web browsing capability, and engaging video and gaming experiences. However, in order for smartphone owners to adopt larger devices, it is important for handset manufacturers to ensure that mobile devices are not too heavy and that the devices remain thin enough for purses and pockets.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2012 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

Embedded Wi-Fi Chipsets to Eliminate Separate Wi-Fi Combo ICs

Ken Cheung — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 16:38:41 +0000

The Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 class processors will have integrated baseband processors for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 3G/4G cellular standards. According to NPD In-Stat, other processor manufacturers will soon follow suit. These companies have been acquiring both cellular and Wi-Fi intellectual property over the last two years. According to NPD In-Stat, new processors with embedded Wi-Fi baseband may eliminate the need for separate monolithic Wi-Fi combo chipsets. In-Stat expects the Wi-Fi combo chipset revenue loss could be as high as $590 million in 2015.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2012 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

Panasonic, Red Bend Software Protect Personal Data on Android Smartphones

Ken Cheung — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 19:50:14 +0000

Panasonic teamed with Red Bend Software to develop a new solution to protect personal data such as photos, videos, documents and emails stored on Android smartphones. The new solution will be integrated into its future smartphone models. The solution prevent leakage of personal data from lost smartphones and unintended behavior of downloaded applications.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2012 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

Smartphones with Quad-core Processors Coming Soon

Ken Cheung — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 18:32:34 +0000

According to Berg Insight, smartphones with dual-core application processors had sales of 60 million units worldwide in 2011. At the start of last year, the first smartphones with dual-core processors were launched. Now, about a year later, several handset vendors are expected to announce their first smartphones with quad-core processors. Quad-core processors will eventually accelerate adoption of dual-core processors for the mid-range smartphone segment.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2012 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

Microchip Unveils SST12LF03 RF Front-End Module for WLAN IEEE 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth

Ken Cheung — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:29:29 +0000

Microchip Technology introduced their SST12LF03 RF front-end module for WLAN IEEE 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth systems. The SST12LF03 includes a transmitter power amplifier, a receiver low-noise amplifier (LNA) and a low-loss antenna switch — in one integrated, compact package. The high level of integration simplifies board design and extends the range of wireless systems. It is ideal for WLAN/BT embedded applications where small size and high performance are required. The new Microchip device is available in a 20-pin, 3mm x 3mm UQFN package for $0.61 each (10,000-unit quantities). Samples and volume-production quantities are available now.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2012 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

Low-Cost Android Smartphones to Account for 80% of Market in Some Areas

Ken Cheung — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:40:11 +0000

According to a NPD In-Stat research report, Less is More: The Worldwide Emergence of Low-Cost Android Smartphones, low-cost Android handsets will reach a penetration rate of 80% of total smartphones in Africa, India, and China by 2015. Low-cost Android will flourish in these emerging areas. However, it will face heavy competition in some regions. Samsung has bada, and Nokia is developing Meltemi. In addition, Microsoft has stated that it wants to sell Windows Phone in developing regions as well and could aggressively lower prices to gain market share.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2012 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

Texas Instruments Introduces WiLink 8.0 Five-in-One Radio Chip

Ken Cheung — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:54:23 +0000

Texas Instruments launched their WiLink 8.0 product family. WiLink is a collection of 45-nanometer single-chip solutions that integrate up to five different radios. The WiLink 8.0 architecture supports various combinations of mobile Wi-Fi, GNSS, NFC, Bluetooth and FM transmit/receive. TI’s five-in-one radio chip enables customized solutions to address the unique needs and price points of all mobile markets. WiLink 8.0 solutions are sampling now to top-tier mobile OEMs. Products with WiLink 8.0 solutions inside are expected to ship in the second half of 2012.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2012 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

Connected Device Market to Grow to 1.34 Billion Units in 2016

Ken Cheung — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:49:05 +0000

Connected consumer electronics devices, which have the ability to connect directly to the Internet or to a home network and can deliver IP-based video content, will continue to grow rapidly. According to a research report by NPD In-Stat (The Global Market for Connected and Smart CE Devices), the connected device installed base will grow from 256.8 million units in 2011 to 1.34 billion units in 2016.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2012 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

Texas Instruments TRPGR30TGC and TRPGP40TGC RFID Mini-Transponders

Ken Cheung — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:11:14 +0000

Texas Instruments introduced the TRPGR30TGC and TRPGP40TGC glass encapsulated mini-transponders. The TI devices are the industry’s smallest half-duplex radio frequency identification mini-transponders. The Texas Instruments RFID mini-transponders enable engineers to embed tags into smaller objects across a broader range of applications. The mini-transponders are durable enough for use in applications including tool, medical instrument, package and inventory tracking and safe enough for use in fish and livestock tracking and pet identification. The chips can work for up to 30 years. The TRPGR30TGC and TRPGP40TGC mini-transponders are can be ordered now. The devices are priced at USD $2.90 for 1k units.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2012 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

iPhone Ranked First in Q4, but Samsung Smartphones Finished First in 2011

Ken Cheung — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:35:06 +0000

Global smartphone shipments grew to a record 155 million units in the fourth quarter of 2011. According to Strategy Analytics, Apple reclaimed the top position as the world’s number one smartphone vendor with a 24% marketshare during the fourth quarter. Apple’s global smartphone shipments surged 128% annually to 37.0 million units. However, Samsung became the market leader in annual terms with a 29.9% global share in 2011. Apple was a close second with 19.0%. Nokia finished third and saw its share dropped in half to 16% in 2011 from 33% in 2010.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2012 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

Android Accounts for 39% of Tablets Sold

Ken Cheung — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:32:21 +0000

Global tablet shipments grew to 26.8 million units in the fourth quarter of 2011. This is an all time-high and a 150% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2010 (10.7 million units). According to Strategy Analytics, Apple iOS remains strong at 58% (15.4 million iPads). However, Android now accounts for 39% of tablets sold (29% a year earlier). Strategy Analytics expects demand for tablets among consumer, business and education users to remain strong.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2012 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

Mindspeed Acquires Picochip for $51.8 Million Plus $25 Million Potential Earnout Payment

Ken Cheung — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:28:42 +0000

Mindspeed Technologies will acquire Picochip Limited for about $51.8 million. In addition, there is a potential earnout payment of up to $25 million payable in the first calendar quarter of 2013. The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of Mindspeed and Picochip. The acquisition is subject to certain closing conditions, and is expected to close in the first calendar quarter of 2012. Picochip is a supplier of integrated system-on-chip (SoC) solutions for small cell base stations.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2012 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

Q3 2011 Smartphone Applications Processor Revenues Grew to $2.24 Billion

Ken Cheung — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:28:27 +0000

According to Strategy Analytics, the global smartphone applications processor market grew to $2.24 billion in the third quarter of this year (Q3 2011). This is a 59% year-on-year growth. Qualcomm ranked first in the smartphone applications processor market with 49% of revenue share in the last quarter. Thanks to the ramp up of its Android business, Broadcom finally broke into the top-five vendor list for smartphone applications processors in the third quarter.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2011 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

Laird Receives Patent for Multiple Antenna Multiplexers, Demultiplexers and Antenna Assemblies

Ken Cheung — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:23:44 +0000

Laird Technologies was awarded a patent by the U.S. Patent Office. A patent was issued for work with multiple antenna multiplexers, demultiplexers and antenna assemblies. The technology reduces the number of cables required in a long cable harness (mostly in the OEM automotive market). The technology can also be used in tandem with a demultiplexer of the same nature to separate the combined signals into multiple receivers. It reduces cost by reducing the number of cables required.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2011 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

In-Stat Research: The Worldwide Emergence of Low-Cost Android Smartphones

Ken Cheung — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:50:06 +0000

In-Stat expects unit shipments for low-cost Android smartphones to reach almost 340 million worldwide in 2015. According to In-Stat, low-cost Android handset segment will cause some fragmentation in the Android platform. Low-cost Android smartphones will most likely be released with Android 2.2 or 2.3 because these versions offer a good blend of features with modest memory and processor usage. The Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) release requires more memory and processor demands, which makes the new version less attractive for low-cost Android devices.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2011 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

Imec and Holst Centre Develop Ultralow Power IR-UWB Solution

Ken Cheung — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:04:37 +0000

Imec and Holst Centre developed a fully chip-integrated ultralow-power impulse-radio ultra-wideband (IR-UWB) solution for the 6-10GHz band, which is available worldwide. The radio features fade-resilient and interference-free operation. Imec and Holst Centre’s solution for the 6-10GHz band makes UWB communication available for battery-operated applications in the area of personal area networks and positioning sensors worldwide. Examples include short-range video streaming or around-the-body audio streaming (e.g. between a headset and a smartphone).

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2011 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

Sensor Fusion to Power iPhone, iPad, and Android Devices

Ken Cheung — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 17:26:35 +0000

According to a IHS iSuppli report, sensor fusion will eventually power the next generation of iPhone and iPad devices. A fused signal combines the outputs of three types of Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) motion sensors (gyroscopes, accelerometers and compasses) to improve the motion-based interface. Sensor fusion could enhance interfaces of any tablet or smartphone that uses a combination of a 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis compass and 3-axis gyroscope to provide 9-axis sensor fusion.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2011 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

u-blox Enters Embedded CDMA Wireless Market by Acquiring Fusion Wireless

Ken Cheung — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:55:53 +0000

u-blox has acquired Fusion Wireless for $900,000 in cash, plus existing debt of $2.1 million. Fusion Wireless is a provider of CDMA wireless modules for consumer and M2M applications in North America. In addition to gaining Fusion Wireless’ wireless module products, the acquisition will give u-blox access to the embedded CDMA market in North America for both consumer and M2M applications.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2011 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

octoScope octoBox Wireless Testing System

Ken Cheung — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:11:02 +0000

octoScope introduced their octoBox wireless testing system. octoBox is a tool for the OTA testing of conventional and MIMO wireless devices. It features a customizable refrigerator sized anechoic (non-echoing) enclosure that replaces expensive walk-in anechoic chambers and facilitates test setup. octoBox can be used to design, test and verify multi-radio devices such as smartphones and USB dongles. octoBox is available now.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2011 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

Digi XBee Wi-Fi Embedded RF Module

Ken Cheung — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 18:09:35 +0000

Digi International announced their XBee Wi-Fi embedded RF module. The XBee Wi-Fi delivers serial to IEEE 802.11 connectivity. With the new Digi module, engineers can create a single board design for wireless products that supports 802.15.4, ZigBee, ZigBee Smart Energy, 2.4 GHz, 900 and 868 MHz, Wi-Fi and proprietary DigiMesh protocols. It is ideal for energy management, process and factory automation, wireless sensor networks, and intelligent asset management. XBee Wi-Fi development kits are available now for $149.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2011 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

Connect One Nano WiReach SMT WiFi Module

Ken Cheung — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:23:56 +0000

Connect One rolled out their Nano WiReach SMT, which is a secure embedded Wireless LAN module that easily connects embedded devices to 802.11b/g Wireless LAN, 10/100BaseT wired LAN and cellular WAN. The WiFi module features iChip CO2144 IP Communication Controller chip, Marvell 88W8686 WiFi chipset, multiple hardware interfaces, extensive firmware functionality, 3G routing, WiFi client and access-point capabilities. It supports secure Internet protocols for up to eight WiFi users in its router or access point mode. Nano WiReach SMT is now available at $26 for high-volume projects.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2011 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

White Paper: Moving Beyond Zigbee for Star Networks

Ken Cheung — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:09:26 +0000

Laird Technologies published a new white paper, Moving Beyond Zigbee for Star Networks. The technical paper addresses the requirements of star networks, and the need of finding the correct wireless solution beyond traditional means. The white paper details the data flow through a network, and how most networks that are point-to-multipoint (or multipoint-to-point, depending on the perspective) form a star topology. The technical paper also presents possible solutions and features a model comparison of some of the key attributes of a Laird Technologies LT2510 100 mW transceiver versus a typical Zigbee 10 mW transceiver.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2011 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

NVIDIA Acquires Icera, 3G and 4G Baseband Processors

Ken Cheung — Tue, 10 May 2011 04:08:01 +0000

NVIDIA will acquire Icera for $367 million in cash. Icera is one of the few remaining independent baseband processor providers for both 3G and 4G cellular phones, data modems, and tablets. The remaining independent suppliers are specialized in either 3G or 4G (but not both 3G and 4G). The acquisition has been approved by both companies’ boards of directors and is expected to be completed, subject to customary closing conditions, in about 30 days.

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2011 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd

Texas Instruments bq51013 Wireless Power Receiver

Ken Cheung — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 23:01:41 +0000

Texas Instruments announced the bq51013 receiver integrated circuit (IC) for wireless charging. The TI chip combines voltage conditioning and full wireless power control in a small 1.9-mm x 3-mm WCSP package. The bq51013 wireless power receiver supports up to 5 W of output power, provides up to 93% efficient AC/DC power conversion and is the only IC required between the receiver coil and system. The Qi compliant IC is available now in a 1.9mm x 3mm WCSP package. It is priced at $3.50 (quantities of 1,000).

Twitter @edageek : : Free Journals : : Find a Job : : EDA Geek : : FPGA Blog : : EDA Blog : : Embedded Star : : Dad Blog
© 2011 Online Destiny Ltd : : EDA Geek is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd