18-10-2010, 11:00 AM
[attachment=6393]
Introduction to Wireless USB - An embedded perspective
Author:
Michael Mayerhofer, BSc
Streamunlimited Engineering GmbH
Gutheil-Schoder-Gasse 10, A-1102 Vienna, Austria
Abstract
The growing amount of content and data creates the need for exploring new technologies
that can cope with the huge amount of data traffic for example in the form of audio or video
streams.
Wireless USB (WUSB) is one of the most promising, upcoming technologies for device
interconnection. It continues the successful story of USB and will provide all features already
known from recent USB implementations, plus the fact that no cables are needed anymore.
The whole existing USB infrastructure (i.e. device drivers, USB stack …) can be used just as
it has been used up to now. That makes it much easier for developers to switch over to the
new technology. The only thing that will change is the media transporting the data. With the
concept of “Dual Role Devices”, which is similar to “USB on the go”, new application
scenarios will be possible.
WUSB also provides a sophisticated power management mechanism. Hosts and devices
implement smart algorithms to save power by switching off the radio and yet stay connected
to each other. Host and device have to take care for power management by themselves.
The ultra wideband (UWB) technology is the physical basis of WUSB. It uses an extremely
wide frequency spectrum at very low power radiation that works within the range of a few
meters. MB-OFDM by the Multiband OFDM Alliance (MBOA) provides data rates of up to
480Mbps.
As with all wireless technologies, security is an important aspect, too. WUSB security will
ensure the same level of security as wired USB. Connection-level security between devices
will ensure that the appropriate device is associated and authenticated before operation of
the device is permitted.
Wireless USB is a big leap in digital communication and will possibly become the ubiquitous
connectivity interface. First products can be expected in 2006.
Introduction to Wireless USB - An embedded perspective
Author:
Michael Mayerhofer, BSc
Streamunlimited Engineering GmbH
Gutheil-Schoder-Gasse 10, A-1102 Vienna, Austria
Abstract
The growing amount of content and data creates the need for exploring new technologies
that can cope with the huge amount of data traffic for example in the form of audio or video
streams.
Wireless USB (WUSB) is one of the most promising, upcoming technologies for device
interconnection. It continues the successful story of USB and will provide all features already
known from recent USB implementations, plus the fact that no cables are needed anymore.
The whole existing USB infrastructure (i.e. device drivers, USB stack …) can be used just as
it has been used up to now. That makes it much easier for developers to switch over to the
new technology. The only thing that will change is the media transporting the data. With the
concept of “Dual Role Devices”, which is similar to “USB on the go”, new application
scenarios will be possible.
WUSB also provides a sophisticated power management mechanism. Hosts and devices
implement smart algorithms to save power by switching off the radio and yet stay connected
to each other. Host and device have to take care for power management by themselves.
The ultra wideband (UWB) technology is the physical basis of WUSB. It uses an extremely
wide frequency spectrum at very low power radiation that works within the range of a few
meters. MB-OFDM by the Multiband OFDM Alliance (MBOA) provides data rates of up to
480Mbps.
As with all wireless technologies, security is an important aspect, too. WUSB security will
ensure the same level of security as wired USB. Connection-level security between devices
will ensure that the appropriate device is associated and authenticated before operation of
the device is permitted.
Wireless USB is a big leap in digital communication and will possibly become the ubiquitous
connectivity interface. First products can be expected in 2006.
