NEC Electronics Introduces Device Wire Adapter Chip for Connecting Wired USB Peripherals to Systems Based on Certified Wireless USB Technology

NEC Electronics Corporation and its subsidiaries in the Americas and Europe, NEC Electronics America, Inc. and NEC Electronics (Europe) GmbH, today announced the availability of samples of a new device wire adapter (DWA) LSI chip to enable the connection of wired USB peripherals, such as a mouse or printer, to systems based on the Certified Wireless USB specification. The µPD720180 DWA chip, which complies with the industry-standard USB-IF Certified Wireless USB specification, makes it easy and economical for designers to implement the relay of signals between wired USB peripherals and computers or consumer electronics products based on Certified Wireless USB technology. NEC Electronics America will demonstrate this DWA chip in the Wireless USB Community, booth number 940, at the Intel Developer Forum, September 26-28, at The Moscone Center West in San Francisco.

"NEC Electronics is committed to delivering innovative solutions that will help to speed the adoption of the Certified Wireless USB specification as a high-speed interface technology," said Kugao Ouchi, general manager, digital consumer and connectivity strategic business unit, NEC Electronics America. "NEC Electronics believes that Certified Wireless USB technology has the potential to become the standard interconnect interface for every type of consumer electronics device, as well as computers and their peripherals. Like the wired specification, Certified Wireless USB technology provides data transfer rates up to 480 megabits per second (Mbps), fast enough to transfer the audio data for one song in less than a second. With our new adapter chip, users will be able to leverage the investment they have made in their current USB peripherals to make a seamless transition to the wireless standard, a crucial component for increasing acceptance of this interface technology."

Allows easy implementation of USB systems using current USB technology
The new DWA LSI chip provides the functionality required by the Certified Wireless USB standard formulated by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), an alliance organized by Intel Corporation and other industry leaders. The device also enables interoperation with current USB devices. Designers can easily implement a complete system based on Certified Wireless USB technology by combining the new DWA chip with NEC Electronics' µPD720170 host controller chip announced by the company in December 2005.

The new DWA chip also provides a hub function that allows users to connect up to four USB devices wirelessly. This feature makes it easy to configure optimum systems to meet different user requirements.

Capabilities of Certified Wireless USB
Certified Wireless USB technology from the USB-IF is an extension to the current USB 2.0 standard that has been hailed as the next-generation interface for computers and multimedia consumer electronics. Certified Wireless USB technology delivers data transfer rates up to 480 Mbps, comparable to wired USB 2.0 connections, with a maximum wireless communications range of up to 10 meters. Unwiring the cable connection frees users from having to make cumbersome and unsightly wired connections to enjoy high-speed data access and allows users to connect their devices freely wherever they want to use them. Certified Wireless USB technology will make it possible to expand the range of applications for computers and digital entertainment devices and encourage the discovery of new ways to enjoy digital media.

NEC Electronics has played a central role in making the current USB 2.0 standard one of the most successful interfaces in the history of personal computing. Along with Intel Corporation and other industry leaders, NEC Electronics is a core member of the USB-IF, which developed and supports the USB specification. Since launching volume production of USB 2.0 devices in 2000, NEC Electronics has shipped an industry-leading 100 million units.

Principal Specifications of NEC Electronics' µPD720180 DWA Chip:
• Compliant with Certified Wireless USB Specification rev.1.0
• Supports eight data rates (53.3, 80, 106.7, 160, 200, 320, 400 and 480 Mbps)
• Compliant with WiMedia MAC-PHY interface specification rel.1.0
• Compliant with WiMedia MAC specification rel.1.0
• Compliant with USB specification Rev.2.0
• Supports up to 32 remote pipes
• Supports control, bulk, and interrupt data transfer modes
• Supports AEC-128 CCM encryption
• Self beaconing device
• Supports one USB 2.0 upstream port
• Supports up to four USB 2.0 downstream ports
• System clock: 30 MHz crystal
• Voltage: 3.3V and 1.5V

Pricing and Availability
NEC Electronics' µPD720180 DWA chip is currently available and is priced at US$40 each in sample quantities. Volume production is scheduled to begin in December 2006. Pricing and availability are subject to change. More information about the device can be found at http://www.necel.com/usb/en/wusb/newproducts.html.

Related Contents

• USB
  • Certified Wireless USB µPD720180

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