Modules drop in for longer-range interfacing

Cypress Semiconductor Corporation and Unigen Corp have jointly developed a family of 2.4GHz wireless modules based on Cypress's WirelessUSB technology.

Cypress Semiconductor Corporation and Unigen Corp have jointly developed a family of 2.4GHz wireless modules based on Cypress's WirelessUSB technology.

Unigen's Juno module solutions, targeting designers of wireless PC keyboards and mice, video game controllers, remote controls and longer-range industrial and commercial devices, will be "drop-in" compatible with a variety of device designs, and feature an FCC- and ETSI-precertified radio, enabling designers to avoid the often costly and time-consuming step of certification.

Measuring approximately 1in2, the new module solutions combine Cypress's WirelessUSB (CYWUSB693X) radio-system-on-a-chip devices with a crystal, a minimal number of passive devices and antenna connectors, and a variety of device interconnect and mounting orientation options.

The modules will be produced primarily at Unigen's high volume manufacturing facilities throughout Asia, enabling them to be offered at competitive prices.

Unigen will offer technical support, including a reference list of approved components, and a host of application notes and documentation.

Unigen has begun sampling the first module, which will be available in production later this month.

The product, named Juno-LPA, features Cypress's WirelessUSB LR radio SoC device, dual antenna support for optimal transceiver communications, and a power amplifier that extends the solution's range up to 1km.

Juno-LPA targets longer-range commercial and industrial applications, including industrial and commercial sensors, remote controls, restaurant pagers and home automation applications.

The module is available in three configurations: normal, mirrored and bare-board.

"The fact that WirelessUSB operates robustly at long ranges and in close proximity to other radio networks and uses USB drivers native to multiple operating systems, is a huge plus for our customers".

"The per-device connection cost compared to similarly positioned wireless solutions and the straightforward device integration features are significant factors for ensuring rapid adoption", said David J Rodgers, Director of Strategic Marketing at Unigen.

"The initial customer response has been extremely positive".

"This strategic relationship offers a rich blend of Cypress's unique WirelessUSB technology and Unigen's ability to design and manufacture sophisticated modules in volume", said Norm Taffe, Managing Director of the Wireless Business Unit in Cypress's Personal Communications Division.

"Working with Unigen will help accelerate adoption of WirelessUSB in new markets and applications".

WirelessUSB, introduced in October 2002, was designed by Cypress Semiconductor Corp to target point-to-point human interface device (HID) applications, including PC mice, keyboards and video gamepads.

Since then, the WirelessUSB family of radio system-on-a-chip solutions has expanded to also target longer-range commercial and temperature sensitive industrial applications.

WirelessUSB devices employ a unique patent-pending approach to direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) technology that avoids signal interference from other technologies in the 2.4GHz band such as 802.11b, Bluetooth, and wireless emissions from both cordless phones and microwave ovens.

They also feature a -95dBm receive sensitivity rating, ensuring a strong signal at up to 50m and beyond.

Featuring a highly integrated radio transceiver plus digital baseband, WirelessUSB enables designers to significantly decrease development time, component count and system costs.

The devices feature a data transmission rate of up to 62.5Kbit/s with an average latency of below 10ms.

They are also noted for their very low standby current of approximately 0.25uA and up to 0dBm output power, which translates into years of battery life for a typical, low-datarate device.

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