Product category:
Wireless Communications
News Release from: Microtune | Subject: CableFree USB MT0760-CF30 and MT0760-CF100
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 05 March 2003
Package is complete USB/Bluetooth kit
for OEMs
The patent-pending CableFree USB product line is the latest addition to the Bluetooth portfolio from Microtune.
The patent-pending CableFree USB product line is the latest addition to the Bluetooth portfolio from Microtune Aimed at the installed base of hundreds of millions of legacy PCs and peripherals, CableFree USB offers a wireless replacement that extends Universal Serial Bus (USB) ubiquity and operation with extended functionality and long-range cordless convenience
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 25 Sep 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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The first product in the family, CableFree USB MT0760-CF, is optimised for printers and supports the print modes and operations of Hewlett Packard (HP), Lexmark, Epson, and Canon devices.
Two versions of the product are available, one with wireless print capability to 10m and one to 30m.
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"The key to unleashing the potential of Bluetooth is finding the right application and making it available in the traditional retail channels, offering a practical product with a low price tag that is extremely simple to install and use, and packaging it in an appealing bundle", explained Joyce Putscher, Director, Converging Markets and Technologies, In-Stat/MRD.
"Our research shows consumers are very interested in simple wireless printing.
Microtune has previously concentrated its Bluetooth efforts on voice and audio applications, where its technology offers distinct advantages.
With its new CableFree USB product line, Microtune is attacking the potentially huge installed base of legacy PCs and peripherals to enable wireless functionality and is doing so with a complete solutions approach".
Unlike Bluetooth dongles or Bluetooth-embedded products, CableFree USB offers a complete, fully interoperable, self-contained solution, with built-in software, that provides wireless point-to-point communications across rooms, labs, workspaces or offices.
Complying with conventional USB 1.1 standard protocols and deploying a 2.4GHz communications link, CableFree USB creates a 'virtual cable', allowing peripherals, PCs, notebooks or USB hubs with a USB port to be Bluetooth capable.
Its operation is completely transparent to users they perform functions just as if they are using the cable; the application executes automatically without user intervention.
As an added advantage CableFree USB is secure.
Both ends of the connection are paired together for PC and peripheral compatibility, while, at the same time, providing users increased privacy in their communications.
CableFree USB MT0760-CF, the version of the product designed for wireless printing, supports a standard datarate of up to 140Kbit/s, which is comparable to the full-speed operation of a home printer using an RS232 cable.
When the technology is packaged by manufacturers for retail, the CableFree USB consumer kit is expected to include two adapters (with built-in software), power supply and optional connector adapter everything the consumer needs to get started.
Additionally, the retail price tag is expected to be less than $79, beating the cost of alternative Wi-Fi (802.11) options.
Critical for achieving mass-market volumes, CableFree USB offers consumers painless installation and straightforward operation for USB wireless connections.
The consumer plugs the MT0760-CF slave adapter into the PC's USB port (Type A receptacle) and plugs the master adapter into the HP, Canon, Epson or Lexmark printer (Type B receptacle).
Once the power line is connected, the system is ready for wireless printing.
There is no software to load, no card to add, no Bluetooth knowledge required.
Hardware requirements are minimal an available USB port, a popular and current Windows operating system and a loaded USB printer driver.
"CableFree USB technology was engineered to leverage the compelling advantages of USB familiarity and its huge installed base with a complete, practical solution that can kick-start Bluetooth into the consumer mainstream", said Douglas J Bartek, Chairman and CEO of Microtune.
"It demonstrates our continuing commitment to RF technology innovation, while marking a significant advancement in wireless PC and peripheral communications".
Based on Microtune's highly integrated Bluetooth system-on-chip technology and comprehensive suite of software, the CableFree USB architecture is protected by two pending patents containing 68 individual claims, keys to delivering its transparent wireless flexibility, mobility and security.
Microtune plans to extend the capabilities for networked printing (a three-pack adapter set) and for peer-to-peer (non-PC) communications this year.
Future additional extensions to the CableFree USB product family will extend the range of peripherals supported (scanners, digital cameras, cable modems and PDAs), will provide for enhanced speeds/throughput, and will offer support for USB 2.0 and Bluetooth 1.2 protocols.
Consistent with its complete solutions strategy, Microtune provides flexible options to OEMs in bringing CableFree USB products to market.
Microtune offers its Bluetooth silicon and software solution as a stand-alone option.
It also offers the USB slave and master adapters in precertified reference designs, available with and without plastics, for accelerated time-to-market.
The reference designs include all the hardware and software required for the application, as well as comprehensive developer documentation, schematics, bill of materials (BoM) and Gerber files.
If suppliers wish to develop their own plastics or build their own boards to differentiate their products, Microtune can provide support.
Unique to this product, Microtune also offers turnkey CableFree USB bundles, ie complete manufacturing-ready solutions that include the A and B adapters with software and plastics.
Manufacturers can move directly into production with the bundle, supplying only the packaging, branding and peripheral hardware, such as the power adapter (required) and A/B connector convertor (recommended).
The CableFree USB chips, reference designs and bundles are available now.
The MT0760-CF30 bundle (wireless print capability to 10m) and the MT0760-CF100 bundle (wireless print capability to 30m), which include the two adapters with software and plastics, are OEM priced at $30 and $35, respectively, in volumes of 100,000.
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