Short range wireless communications

Short range wireless communications has exploded as a new product segment, with Bluetooth and WiFi products seemingly everywhere and proprietary low cost ISM band solutions gaining popularity for a wide range of applications.

Many people are familiar with WiFi and the freedom and flexibility it offers laptop users to connect to the internet and peripheral devices. On a smaller scale, Bluetooth makes possible the sending of information from mobile phones to other phones, to a PC, and to hands-free communication devices.

Wireless audio streaming already enables portable MP3 players to play out through a car audio system, and with the development of cordless headphones, audio products can be listened to and controlled over-the-air.
The coming phase of short range wireless communication is the development of miniature, low power devices such as a watch that doubles as a display for your mobile, enabling you to identify a caller, and if desired send them straight to voicemail, without reaching for your phone.

A new generation of short range radio communications devices is about to emerge.
New communications standards such as Ultra Wide Band (UWB), operating at speeds of up to 480Mb per second will allow devices to transfer video images and large data files wirelessly in seconds.

Another development in short range wireless is the mesh network, where a group of short range wireless devices pass commands or data from one to another in a self configuring network. If one device fails or is absent, a mesh network re-routes information so that it still reaches its destination. Zigbee is one standard used in this application.

Plextek has long experience in studying and developing short range wireless solutions. We have developed numerous Bluetooth products for clients incorporating streaming audio capability, remote control of functions and file management. By working closely with the key silicon chip suppliers we have accumulated a range of knowledge and experience that enables us to implement the latest in short range technology solutions. We are also experts in successfully integrating multiple short range wireless technologies within one complex device, together with GSM and other cellular functions.

For further information on Short Range Wireless Communications design at Plextek please contact us.