A new report from Arieso reveals that despite a surge in the market for tablets, smartphone users have overtaken tablet users in their thirst for mobile data for the first time. As overall mobile data consumption continues to rocket, driven by new devices and richer content, the study suggests that extreme users are beginning to move to new LTE networks, but there is no let up on existing networks.
Mouser has expanded its microsite covering RF and wireless technology – it now includes the latest drop-in RF modules with pre-certified radios. The site now features the newest RF modules from Skyworks, Murata, Panasonic, Texas Instruments and more. These RF solutions are organised by both frequency range (sub 1GHz, 1 - 5GHz, and over 5GHz) and protocol (Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, and GPS).
NXP has shipped 100 million units of its TEF66xx automotive radio tuner family. 30 million of these units have been bought by car radio manufacturer JVC Kenwood, which was the very first customer to start mass production with this product. In recognition of JVC Kenwood’s commitment to the TEF66xx tuner family, NXP has honoured the company with a special customer award, presented at CES 2013.
Taiwanese manufacturer I-Rocks Technology has selected Cypress' PRoC-UI (Programmable Radio-on-a-Chip–User Interface) solution for its RF6496 wireless keyboard with built-in trackpad.
PRoC-UI provides support for Windows 8 compatible multi-touch gestures alongside wireless connectivity in a single chip. It uses the 2.4GHz proprietary WirelessUSB-NL Radio which boasts -87 dBm receive sensitivity at 1 Mbps. This enhanced sensitivity enables longer range operation and allows for lower-power transmit signals. It also offers superior performance in the presence of 2.4-GHz interference from common sources such as WiFi and Bluetooth devices. This robust wireless connectivity allows the I-Rocks RF6496 Touchpad Keyboard to operate up to 10 meters from a computer. This allows users to connect a PC to their TV and easily surf the web, play music, and watch films from the comfort of their sofa.
National Instruments has announced its acquisition of Dresden, Germany-based Signalion GmbH. The acquisition adds technical talent in complex RF and communications algorithms and wireless infrastructure and base station test.
Dutch wireless ODM, System Designs, has developed a wireless musical instrument jack that Systec claims at sub-2.3ms offers the world's lowest latency for a wireless audio adapter of its kind, and has resulted in a wireless solution that is actually superior to a traditional trailing cable, hard-wired link in audio quality and physical convenience. The devices use Nordic Semicondutor’s wireless transceiver technology.
ITON Technology, a Chinese PC peripheral and component manufacturer, has selected Cypress’s 2.4-GHz WirelessUSB-NL radio-on-a-chip for its complete module for wireless mice. The module includes firmware, providing customers with a turnkey solution to create their own end-products. The low power consumption of the WirelessUSB-NL solution helps the module enable mice to operate for up to three years on two AA batteries, says Cypress. WirelessUSB-NL also delivers a long operating range of up to 20 meters. The ITON module also integrates a sensor and Cypress’s enCoRe V low-voltage companion microcontroller to provide a complete solution for wireless mice, and it employs an enCoRe II microcontroller for the USB dongle.
Mindspeed’s partners have demonstrated the company’s technology at two major events in the US. Aricent showcased LTE small cell solutions featuring Mindspeed's Transcede processor at 4G World, and ARM demonstrated Mindspeed’s latest LTE small cell SoC at the ARM TechCon.
RF Micro Devices is going to acquire RF CMOS and mixed-signal IC company Amalfi Semiconductor. Under the terms of the agreement, RFMD will acquire Amalfi with cash on hand for total consideration of approximately $47.5 million, net of cash received.
Underwriters Laboratories has chosen Anritsu as its provider for LTE telecoms equipment, becoming the first commercial independent LTE conformance test facility in the UK. Over the past 6 months UL has invested over $4 million at its Basingstoke base to create one of the most complete LTE test facilities in the country.
