Wireless USB IC saves power with CMOS

Single-die CMOS device combines high performance and low power consumption to offer a cost-effective solution for a wide range of Wireless USB applications.

New from Wisair, the WSR601 is a single-die CMOS chip for both host and device Wireless USB applications.

The production-ready chip, based on WiMedia and Certified Wireless USB standards, integrates UWB PHY (including RF), MAC and Wireless USB subsystems.

The WSR601 combines high performance and low power consumption to offer a cost-effective solution for a wide range of Wireless USB applications, including battery-powered, portable devices.

Implemented in a digital CMOS process, the WSR601 supports HWA, DWA and native device protocols, and features SDIO and USB interfaces, isochronous data transfer and cable and numeric association models.

With unique PHY capabilities, the single chip delivers full-room coverage with connectivity ranges of 8m at 480Mbit/s and over 20m at 200Mbit/s.

For mobile devices where battery life is key, the WSR601 provides power-save modes and an average power consumption of 385mW at 100Mbit/s throughput.

A two-wire coexistence scheme allows the WSR601 to coexist in close proximity to other radios such as Bluetooth and 802.11.

The chip's low out-of-band emission, below -70dBm/MHz, provides the flexibility to support Japan regulatory requirements without the need for a dedicated external filter.

Additionally, integrated detect and avoid technology enables the WSR601 to coexist with other wireless technologies sharing the same spectrum, such as WiMAX.

"With the WSR601, we are responding to the market's demand to lower the cost of both host and device Wireless USB solutions, yet without compromising performance", says David Yaish, CEO at Wisair.

"We are very enthusiastic about the results of our new chip as its performance is even better than our previous-generation industry-leading chipsets".

"The WSR601 will allow ODMs to dramatically reduce module costs through a lower bill of materials (BOM), as well as reduced PCB and assembly costs".

"For the wireless USB market to realise its full potential, BOM prices must drop in order to lower end-user prices, and, small form factor, low power and battery operated mobile applications must be supported", says Brian O'Rourke, Principal Analyst In-Stat.

"One way to tackle these market requirements is for the industry to deliver single-chip solutions that provide optimal performance and lower costs".

"Next, PC and device developers need to begin integrating wireless USB chips into end products, rather than requiring the use of dongles and hubs".

"Wisair has made another big step in helping to further the proliferation and desirability of wireless USB technology, for consumer applications, as its new chip meets a broad spectrum of size, performance and cost criteria".

The WSR601 is available and has been shipped to several customers in sample quantities.

Production volumes will be available in Q4 2007.

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