DWA chip supports 5 to 10 GHz range

NEC Electronics announced that it has begun sample shipments of its new device wire adapter (DWA) LSI chip, part numberµPD720180A. The new device enables wireless communication between a Wireless USB-compatible personal computer or other Wireless USB host system, and printers, digital home appliances, and other devices supporting USB 2.0.

The primary feature of theµPD720180A DWA chip is that in addition to the conventional frequency range of 3 to 5 gigahertz (GHz), it also supports the 5 to 10 GHz range. This expanded frequency range is expected to help popularise Wireless USB-based systems by solving some of the limitations of conventional systems. For example, theµPD720180A DWA chip increases communication speed when multiple Wireless USB-based hosts communicate with peripherals, and it improves communication quality by avoiding interference.

NEC's µPD720171 host controller, which the company recently announced, already supports this wide frequency range, and by combining it with the newµPD720180A DWA chip will enable reliable Wireless USB communication.

NEC's newµPD720180A DWA chip is compatible with the company's existing DWA chip, theµPD720180 and its highly reliable driver software. Another benefit of theµPD720180A DWA chip is that it allows consumers to associate their devices wirelessly, without using USB cables, thus making it easier to get systems up and running.

NEC will demonstrate its Wireless USB technology at Intel Developer Forum (IDF) 2008, August 19-21, at Moscone Centre West in San Francisco, in the Wireless USB Community, booth #808. Sample pricing for theµPD720180A DWA chip is Rs.428.58 (US$10) per unit. Mass production is expected to begin in October 2008.