eNewsletter

July 2009

WILL RF4CE BE THE KILLER APPLICATION FOR ZIGBEE?
By Cees Links, Founder & CEO of GreenPeak

Over the last decade, the ZigBee Alliance has been battling a myriad of other short range wireless standards to emerge as a popular technology. With this year’s adoption by RF4CE Alliance in order to embrace the consumer electronics market, ZigBee may have found its killer application. This joining of two complementary technologies is a synergistic win-win situation for both the consumer electronics industry as well as for ZigBee developers and vendors.

Read full article here.

2009 Antenna Systems Conference Program Finalized!
The 2009 Antenna Systems Conference will take place September 1-2 at the Hyatt Regency in Philadelphia, PA. It is a two-day international conference focused on the latest and most important advancements in antenna systems and technology.

Why You Should Attend:

MORE than 20 sessions focused on the latest technical advancements and market opportunities.

DISCOVER how recent technical advancements can be applied to improve your product and system performance.

EXCITING new tracks
• Navigating the Road to 4G
• Business/Entrepreneurial Sessions

INFORMATIVE pre-conference workshop opportunities.

NETWORK with technology and market experts from leading wireless OEMs, operators and carriers, and rf innovators.

GAIN knowledge from industry experts that will increase your technical skill set, improve employee worth & enhance your marketability.

View the complete program with more than 25 industry-leading speakers here.

REGISTER NOW!
Register today and save up to $700! Click here for pricing information including team discounts.

Orbit Signs Service Agreement with Furuno: Expands its Advanced Service Centers to Sweden and Denmark
Orbit Technology Group has signed an agreement with Furuno Sweden and Furuno Denmark to provide on-location customer service and technical support for Orbit's Advanced Service Center (ASC) system in these countries. 

Joining the growing network of service centers which Orbit operates worldwide, the new service center will ensure a high level of service and customer technical support to Orbit's clients in Sweden, Denmark and in Scandinavia overall.  Orbit’s ASC system, draws on strong connections that Orbit maintains with partner companies and dealers, located strategically in places including the US, UK, Italy, Singapore, and now Sweden and Denmark.

“This agreement grew out of our close working ties with Furuno,” said Orbit's president and CEO Avi Cohen. “To date, we've shipped scores of OrSat systems to Furuno.  Furuno’s resulting vote of confidence is a proof of Orbit's continued success in its efforts to expand the ASC globally.  This means that we can ensure, this time in Scandinavia, rapid on-location service and customer support to match the performance excellence for which our products are known.”
 
Orbit's on going efforts to always fine tune its global service quality and to minimize response time to client needs, will be facilitated on-location by Furuno's large technical support staff trained at Orbit's main training facility in Israel.  Furuno will thus become the service center for Orbit's entire marine SatCom line with OrSat as its centerpiece.

AT4 Wireless Becomes the First Worldwide Bluetooth Qualification Test Facility to Provide Bluetooth 3.0 Qualification Services
AT4 wireless, continuing its innovative concept for wireless and mobile certification, has announced the qualification of the first Bluetooth 3.0 (with EDR) controller design tested in a Bluetooth Qualification Test Facility (BQTF). It is also the first design qualified using a Bluetooth Qualification Expert (BQE).

Manufacturers can come now to AT4 wireless facilities for Bluetooth 3.0 testing and qualification based on the latest Bluetooth 3.0 test specification, launched in April 2009. With this new service, AT4 wireless expands its coverage by adding this new Bluetooth 3.0 CORE version to its already wide and full scope testing and qualification services for Bluetooth 1.2/2.0/2.0+EDR/2.1/2.1+EDR/3.0 technologies.

This first Bluetooth 3.0 enabled product qualified using AT4 facilities is the NaviLink 6.0 (NL5500) solution from Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI). TI’s NL5500 solution is the industry’s first single-chip that combines assisted global positioning satellite (A-GPS), Bluetooth, as well as FM receive/transmit capabilities. TI used AT4 wireless services to quickly certify its solution to allow handset manufacturers to begin designing NaviLink-based products using the Bluetooth 3.0 standard.

“We are very proud of such success, as we continue leading Bluetooth qualification activities being able to test and qualify the first Bluetooth 3.0 controller design in our facilities less than two months after the new core version was released. It is a clear example of our flexible capability to quickly and efficiently adapt our services to the Bluetooth technology evolution. We are very happy to work together with key Bluetooth players like TI to help them achieve their Bluetooth goals,” said Jose de la Plaza, AT4 wireless Telecommunications Laboratory Manager. “We expect to announce very soon our service extension to also cover high speed wireless LAN (802.11).”

SkyCross Expands Its Global Reach by Acquiring Shanghai Universe
Skycross has acquired Shanghai Universe Communication Electronics Co. Ltd., an antenna manufacturer. This acquisition enables SkyCross to provide expanded global support including high-quality antenna technology, widespread local offices, and high-volume manufacturing to wireless consumer electronics companies.

The combined company serves a range of market segments including handsets, data cards, USB dongles, laptops, access points, mobile personal entertainment devices and more. Existing SkyCross and Shanghai Universe customers will benefit from the expanded resources immediately, and channels are also in place to support the growing demand from new customers.

All facets of the company including sales, engineering, and production have expanded as a result of the acquisition. Customers can now access SkyCross antenna technology, which bundles high performance, small size, competitive pricing, and iMAT design techniques from a broader network of local offices. OEMs will also enjoy the faster time-to-market enabled by Shanghai Universe manufacturing facilities, which are already trusted by Tier 1 customers and certified for high quality and environmental standards (ISO9001:2000, ISO14001:2004, RoHS, WEEE Green).

“Innovation, excellence, and customer service are the cultural pillars on which Shanghai Universe built its high-growth technology company,” said Jason Yang, general manager at Shanghai Universe. “We are very pleased to be a part of SkyCross, a highly respected and acknowledged leader in our industry. Our companies have complementary capabilities, which enable us to offer unparalleled products and services.”

“This acquisition enhances SkyCross value via further acceleration of our remarkable record of sustained growth achieved through support of industry-leading customers,” said Dr. Chris Morton, CEO of SkyCross. “The expanded SkyCross will also attract additional Tier 1 customers, who will be assured a roadmap of innovative solutions and certified manufacturing, all supported by a talented team.”  

This announcement comes on the heels of more than 50 percent annual SkyCross revenue growth in each of the last four years.

Dielectric Receives Grant to Develop New Design for Universal Rural Wireless Broadband Access
Dielectric Communications, a division of SPX, has been awarded a grant in the amount of $2.2 million from the Maine Technology Institute's Maine Technology Asset Fund (MTAF) to develop a wireless communication laboratory at the University of Maine. In collaboration with the University, Dielectric will work to expand its cutting-edge wireless technology platform to new applications — including a more cost-effective method of delivering wireless broadband services to fixed and mobile users in rural Maine that can then be applied in other rural areas worldwide.

"Not only will the MTAF grant provide the foundation for global growth opportunities for our company, which has been doing business in Maine for 67 years, but it's a win-win for the state and the University as well," said Garrett VanAtta, president of Dielectric Communications. "We expect the laboratory to evolve into a global center for wireless innovation, which will attract new federal and industry grant funds to the University and better prepare engineering students for high-tech positions. And, since other Maine businesses will have access to the technology, the promise of wireless broadband access for all Maine citizens may soon become a reality." 

Within the Maine Wireless Communication Laboratory, Dielectric and the University of Maine will work to create new capabilities in environmental testing, high-power RF and microwave circuit design, and wireless networking and communication system design. "The establishment of a new state-of-the-art laboratory at the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department will allow University researchers and Dielectric engineers to work toward the creation of the next generation of wireless communications devices and networks," said Dr. Mohamad T. Musavi, chair and professor of the ECE Department. The novelty of this collaborative project is in the development of enhanced design, testing, and fabrication of complex wireless systems with 10 times the coverage provided by existing technology. This improvement in coverage allows a substantial reduction in the number of cell towers needed. In alignment with a desire by Dielectric and the University to develop "green" solutions, the implementation of this technology also results in significant energy savings. 

This technology development is expected to provide many high-tech jobs to the Maine economy in the near term, in addition to creating future employment and internship opportunities within the state for graduating students.

The Maine Wireless Communication Laboratory is expected to begin operations by the end of 2009.

Yageo Announces 1044 SMD LP Patch Antenna Targeting
Yageo Corp., a passive components supplier, has released the 1044 SMD LP Patch Antenna catering to GPS applications for smart phones, personal navigation devices and notebook computers. Yageo's 1044 SMD LP Patch Antenna is capable of delivering up to 80 percent more efficiency than traditional chip antennas while taking up 50 percent less space. Yageo expects to double GPS product shipments with the release of the 1044 SMD LP Patch Antenna.

Measuring 10 mm by 4 mm by 4mm in dimension, Yageo’s 1044 SMD LP Patch Antenna supports bandwidth of 15 MHz around central frequency of 1,575 MHz and working temperatures from -25°C to 85°C. Featuring both superior performance of pin antenna and miniaturization of patch antenna, Yageo’s 1044 SMD LP Patch Antenna is designed with 20 percent to 30 percent enhanced performance versus conventional chip antenna, empowering smart phones to integrate personal navigation and positioning functions.

Mr. Vincent Hu, president of Yageo Global Sales Business Group, said "Driven by increasing demand for portable devices with versatile functions, smart phones constrained by limited space are often compelled to trade performance for size or vice versa in the selection of antenna. To address market needs for premium performance at miniaturized profile, Yageo, in addition to metal, chip and ceramic bulk antenna, is pleased to get a head start on offering 1044 SMD LP Patch Antenna using high-k dielectric material in its proprietary multi-layered ceramic manufacturing process."

According to the Swedish Berg Insight forecast, global GPS shipments will expand at an annual compound rate of 26.2 percent to 560 million units in 2012 from 175 million in 2007. The steady growth will be underpinned by increasingly dynamic GPS applications which extend beyond Portable Navigation Devices (PND) to smart phones, personal navigation devices and notebook computers.

High Power PD Controllers with Built-In Switchers Address IEEE 802.3at PoE+ Standard
Linear Technology Corp. has introduced the LTC4269-1, LTC4269-2 and LTC4278, IEEE 802.3at compliant Power over Ethernet (PoE+) interface controllers with integrated switching regulators for high-power Powered Device (PD) applications up to 25.5W and beyond.  The new IEEE 802.3at definition, also known as the PoE+ standard, simultaneously expands the power budget and improves the classification mechanism used by Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) and PDs to identify each other.  The LTC4269 and LTC4278 support 2-event classification, are backward compatible with IEEE 802.3af devices, and open up the next level of PoE applications.  These devices integrate both the PD controller and either a synchronous flyback controller (LTC4269-1 and LTC4278) or synchronous forward controller (LTC4269-2) for a complete IEEE 802.3at PD control solution. 

The LTC4269 and LTC4278 cater to a new breed of applications utilizing the new PoE+ standard, including video conferencing stations, RFID readers, pan-tilt-zoom security cameras and long range wireless access points.  The LTC4269 and LTC4278 distinguish PSEs and PDs as either Type 1 hardware, complying with IEEE 802.3af power levels, or Type 2 hardware, complying with IEEE 802.3at power levels, allocating power accordingly.  Two-event hardware classification allows a Type 2 PSE to identify connection to a Type 2 PD and signals the PD that it can source the higher power levels associated with 802.3at power.  This new classification mechanism ensures interoperability between Type 1 and Type 2 devices. 

The LTC4269 and LTC4278 offer enhancements to the conventional PoE features.  For efficient power allocation, users can configure a classification load current that represents the PD power classification.  A shutdown pin with signature corrupt provides flexible auxiliary power supply support.  A 100 V Hot Swap MOSFET isolates the PoE interface  controller and DC/DC converter during detection and classification, while providing 100 mA of inrush current for smooth power-up transitions with any PSE. The LTC4269 and LTC4278 also include complementary power good outputs, an onboard signature resistor, undervoltage lockout, soft-start ramping and comprehensive thermal protection.

The LTC4269-1 and LTC4278 integrate a synchronous flyback controller that features Linear’s patented No-Opto feedback topology to provide full IEEE 802.3 isolation.  In addition, the LTC4278 accommodates 10 V to 57 V auxiliary power to provide the ultimate in power sourcing options.  The LTC4269-2 integrates a synchronous forward controller that boasts greater than 94 percent efficiency.  All versions are offered in commercial and industrial grades, supporting operating temperature ranges from 0°C to 70°C and -40°C to 85°C, respectively, and are available in a compact, RoHS-compliant, 7 mm by 4 mm 32-pin DFN package. 
The LTC4269-1 is priced starting at $2.40 each, and the LTC4269-2 and LTC4278 are priced starting at $2.60 each in 1,000 piece quantities.  The LTC4269 and LTC4278 provide an upgrade path from Linear’s existing PD products, including the IEEE 802.3af pin-compatible LTC4268-1 and are supported by Linear’s deep technical expertise in PoE circuit design, ensuring a smooth transition to the new PoE+ standard. 

New Wi-Spy 900x Wireless Spectrum Analyzer Now Available for Shipping
MetaGeek, a provider of USB-based Wi-Fi spectrum analyzers, has announced the general availability of Wi-Spy 900x, the latest addition to the company's line of Wi-Spy tools and the world's first USB-based 900 MHz spectrum analyzer. Priced at just $199, Wi-Spy 900x allows users to achieve professional wireless environment troubleshooting without the professional price.

As with other tools in the Wi-Spy family, 900x users can view, troubleshoot and optimize their wireless environments. Wi-Spy 900x tracks all radio activity from devices operating in the 900 MHz ISM band including Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, cordless phones, sensor networks and automation devices. Integrating with Wi-Spy 900x, MetaGeek's Chanalyzer 3.3 software can graphically display which channels to use and which ones to avoid by obtaining real-time radio data, recording for future analysis and by identifying interfering devices.

"Over the years we've fielded many, many requests to bring the ease-of-use and power of Wi-Spy to the heavily overcrowded 900 MHz band," said MetaGeek's Chief Geek, Ryan Woodings. "I.T. professionals across various fields ranging from logistics to manufacturing to warehousing to procurement need a tool that can help them optimize their 900 MHz networks in order to save time and money. And that's exactly what Wi-Spy 900x will help them achieve."

Featuring an external RP-SMA antenna, Wi-Spy 900x scans from 862 MHz to 928 MHz with a resolution range of 24 to 750 KHz and a bandwidth resolution range of 54 to 600 KHz. The tool can detect signals in the amplitude range of -105 dBm to -6.5 dBm, with an amplitude resolution of 0.5 dBm.

Raytheon Demonstrates Breakthrough Antenna Technology During Air Force Flight
During a recent flight test, Raytheon Company successfully demonstrated breakthrough antenna technology that dramatically improves and delivers on the next generation of airborne communications for wide-body aircraft.

The Advanced Multiband Communication Antenna System (AMCAS), developed for the US Air Force, is an extremely low-profile antenna that significantly reduces drag on an aircraft. Attaching to the aircraft skin, the antenna extends 8 1/2 inches. This solution, which simplifies installation and minimizes time out of service, is an affordable alternative to today's antennas, which require more extensive and complex installations and extend considerably farther from the aircraft's fuselage.

During the test, the AMCAS antenna, which is being evaluated for use with the Family of Advanced line-of-sight Terminals, communicated with the Milstar satellite's medium data rate waveform. FAB-T is the Air Force's next-generation communications system.

"This test highlights Raytheon's leadership in satellite communications and shows a clear path forward to delivering even higher data rates when the Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite comes online," said Jerry Powlen, vice president, Network Centric Systems Integrated Communications Systems. "This technology is a promising alternative for troops on the ground, sailors at sea, and both international and commercial markets."

Motorola's WiMAX 3.5 GHz Access Point Earns WiMAX Forum Certification
Motorola, Inc. has announced that another of its WiMAX access points, the WAP 400 for 3.5 GHz, has been certified by the WiMAX Forum. The WAP 400 is the latest addition to Motorola's portfolio of WiMAX Forum Certified gear that includes four 2.5 GHz products. The previously certified Motorola products include two 2.5 GHz customer premises equipment (CPE) -- the CPEi 150 (data only) and the award-winning CPEi 750 (data and Voice over IP) -- and two 2.5 GHz WiMAX Access Points, the WAP 600 and WAP 400.

WiMAX Forum certification is granted after compliant products pass required interoperability and conformance tests as outlined by the WiMAX Forum. Through its certification program the WiMAX Forum provides operators with the assurance that the products completing the rigorous test requirements will have the ability to interoperate with any other WiMAX Forum Certified access points or devices. Interoperability is critical to enhancing the WiMAX ecosystem and advancing the widespread adoption of the WiMAX 802.16e standard around the world.

"Motorola continues its support of the WiMAX Forum and leadership in WiMAX, not only in network deployments and our device portfolio, but also by our growing number of WiMAX Forum Certified products that further enhance the WiMAX ecosystem," said Darren McQueen, vice president, Wireless Broadband Access Technologies, Motorola Home & Networks Mobility. "Motorola is a global market leader in delivering and deploying 802.16e WiMAX networks and devices having shipped nearly 7,500 3-sector and 4-sector access points and more than 475,000 CPEs and USB broadband modems to date. Our end-to-end WiMAX solution extends beyond just the infrastructure to the IP core, operations and maintenance, a global services portfolio, and a variety of CPEs and dongles."

Motorola's WAP 400 access point series is part of Motorola's WiMAX Flexible Access Point infrastructure portfolio and is widely deployed in 3.5 GHz, 2.5 GHz and 2.3 GHz bands with customers around the world.
The WAP 400 access point series features a flexible light infrastructure design using diversity antenna techniques. It is based on the IEEE 802.16e-2005 technology standard using spectrally efficient S-OFDMA, low latency performance, and IP based architecture. Enhanced system gain supported by diversity MIMO antenna capabilities allows strong indoor penetration as well as support for cellular-like mobility applications. Additionally, QoS capabilities, security features and redundancy options make the WAP 400 platform a true carrier-class solution.

The WAP 400 access point series provides non-line-of-sight (NLOS), fixed and mobile wireless broadband connections. Paired with Motorola's ASN architecture and common IP core, the system will support full mobility delivering a seamless mobile experience. The IP end-to-end design of the WAP 400 with the Motorola WiMAX distributed network architecture eliminates high-cost centralized boxes, simplifies system and network management, and greatly reduces core network transport cost. Connectivity to standard IP equipment allows operators to realize significant core and transport cost advantages.

Be a Part of the World's Premier Conference Focusing on the Latest Advancements in Antenna Systems & Technology!

This two-day conference will serve OEM developers of products that utilize antennas and antenna systems; system operators; design engineers; integrators; antenna manufacturers; and component and material suppliers interested in learning the latest capabilities and best practices in this rapidly changing field. Don't miss this opportunity to present to peers, leading technical experts and potential business partners involved in technology solutions serving a variety of applications and systems.

For more information on the 2009 Antenna Systems Conference visit the conference Web site or contact Heather Krier at 720-528-3770 ext.129 or by email.

Download the Finalized Conference Brochure

Download the July/August 2009 Issue

2009 Antenna Conference Show Issue

Feature Article:
Will RF4CE be the Killer Application for ZigBee?

Feature Article:
Resolving the Antenna Misalignment Dilemma

Feature Article:
Reliability Simulation of an Antenna Array using MATLAB

July 2009

8-10 - Japanese CIO Summit, Yokohama, Japan

27-29 - Australian CIO Summit, Queensland, Australia

August 2009

17-21 - IEEE EMC, Austin, Texas

4G World 2009 Conference and Expo
September 15-18, 2009
Chicago, IL

4G World is the largest conference and expo covering the entire ecosystem for next generation networks supporting high speed broadband and full mobility, anywhere Internet access, mobile content, applications and transactions. Network with over 8,000 attendees, 250+ sponsors and exhibitors and 150+ speakers. 4G World’s unique conference program and special events include: Mobile Internet World 2009,WiMAX World 2009, WCA Symposium, 4G Backhaul Summit, 4G Femtocell and Picocell Summit, 4G Technology Solutions Theater, Network Infrastructure, Investment and Economic, Stimulus Workshop, Conference Power Breakfasts, Mobile Application & Device Showcase. Register for 4G World™ today and SAVE $100 www.4GWorld.com Priority Code: 4GWMS4

2009 Wireless Infrastructure Show
9/21 - 9/24, 2009
Nashville, TN

The Wireless Infrastructure Show is an annual opportunity for industry leaders to showcase their products and services, network, collaborate and exchange information. The 2009 event will be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, TN. from September 21-24.  It is expected to draw more than 1500 executives from the wireless industry and policymakers from all levels of government. The Wireless Infrastructure Show offers you networking with industry decision-makers; educational sessions on a variety of topics including: 4G/LTE, Distributed Antenna Systems, Wireless Investment Opportunities, ARRA/Broadband Stimulus, Federal, State, and Local Regulatory Issues; lively interactive sessions moderated by top professionals; participation in special events; keynote speeches featuring industry leaders. 

For more information, please visit http://www.wirelessinfrastructureshow.com.

INTERNATIONAL CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & ENTERTAINMENT 2009
October 7-9, 2009
San Diego Convention Center San Diego, Calif.

No matter what your business is - healthcare, entertainment, fleet management or financial planning - wireless can transform how you do business. International CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment brings this possibility to life.

With a focus on applications, network architecture and technologies such as LBS, machine-to-machine and WiMAX (just to name a few), this international event brings a community of users, carriers, developers and manufacturers together to generate dialogue, share ideas and debate the economics of MOBILE BUSINESS.

Register now at www.CTIAShow.com!

IMAPS 2009
11/1 - 11/5, 2009
San Jose, CA

IMAPS 2009 will be largest symposium in the world related to the microelectronics packaging. IMAPS 2009 will feature a powerful technical program, known for years as one of the best in the industry, a state-of-the-art exposition, progressive professional development courses, another informative Global Business Council Marketing Forum, and many other events and activities to share the latest developments in microelectronics. The 42nd Annual International Symposium on Microelectronics attracts over 3,000 attendees who represent all facets of the microelectronics and electronic packaging industries. These include: engineers, technicians, R&D, purchasing, manufacturing, management, and many more. They represent the automotive, communications, medical, aerospace, computer, defense, homeland security and consumer industries.

SatCom LatAm 2009
11/11 - 11/13, 2009
Rio de Janeiro

SatCom LatAm 2009 brings together operators, regulators, financiers, developers and end-users to help enable profitable satellite communications in Latin America.

At SatCom LatAm 2009, you will:

• Gain insight into satellite financing and investment – helping you identify opportunities for investment and growth
• Enable alignment of regulation and investment by bringing you the key regulatory players in Latin America
• Give you insight into market trends and hot spots for expanding your reach and increasing revenue
• Assist you to evaluate the current up-take of services and assess how you can increase penetration in emerging markets

2009 Loughborough Antennas & Propagation Conference
Nov. 16-17, 2009
Loughborough United Kingdom

Following the success of previous events, the 5th Loughborough Antennas & Propagation Conference is taking place on the 16-17th November 2009 at the excellent Four Star Conference Centre on Loughborough University campus, UK.

LAPC 2009 will feature invited talks from world experts, research posters, a technical exhibition, University Research Activity, free computer simulation workshops and excellent networking opportunities for delegates and exhibitors.

The conference will include special sessions on:

• Small Antennas & Arrays for MIMO Applications
• Innovative Metamaterial Antennas & Technology
• Channel Characterisation and Modelling for Emerging Applications in Wireless Communications
• Bioelectromagnetics in Antennas and Propagation

Please visit www.lapconf.co.uk for more information.

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