Ultra-Wideband WirelessUltra-Wideband Wireless

“UWB Wireless Peripherals by Year’s End?”“UWB Wireless Peripherals by Year’s End?”

By: Brian Johnson By: Brian Johnson Steve MellemaSteve MellemaWilliam SpeirsWilliam Speirs

What is Ultra-Wideband (UWB)?What is Ultra-Wideband (UWB)?

Extremely short bursts of radio frequency.Extremely short bursts of radio frequency. One bursts last from few tens of One bursts last from few tens of

picoseconds to few nanoseconds picoseconds to few nanoseconds The bursts are spread across a very, very The bursts are spread across a very, very

broadband of frequencies.broadband of frequencies. Frequency range of 3.1GHz to 10.6GHzFrequency range of 3.1GHz to 10.6GHz This is sometimes called “carrier-free”This is sometimes called “carrier-free” Very low interference with existing RF Very low interference with existing RF

communicationscommunications

UWB vs. Current TechnologyUWB vs. Current Technology

UWB: 110Mbps, 220Mbps by year’s endUWB: 110Mbps, 220Mbps by year’s end 802.11g: 54Mbps802.11g: 54Mbps

UWB: Has no IEEE standardUWB: Has no IEEE standard 802.11: An IEEE standard802.11: An IEEE standard

UWB: ~ 10 meter rangeUWB: ~ 10 meter range 802.11b: 100+ meter range802.11b: 100+ meter range

Article ReviewArticle Review WeaknessesWeaknesses

• Nothing about specific cost of technologyNothing about specific cost of technology Does the cost justify replacing USB? DVI cables?Does the cost justify replacing USB? DVI cables?

• Limited technical explanation of UWB and its Limited technical explanation of UWB and its drawbacksdrawbacks

StrengthsStrengths• Discusses application of technologyDiscusses application of technology

Replacement for USB, FirewireReplacement for USB, Firewire Replacement of cables!Replacement of cables! Transmitting video from set-top boxTransmitting video from set-top box

• Demonstrates the backing of this technology in Demonstrates the backing of this technology in the marketplacethe marketplace

Questions???Questions???