NEC has begun sample shipments of its new device wire adapter LSI chip, uPD720180A, which 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 the NEC uPD720180A 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 popularize Wireless USB-based systems by solving some of the limitations of conventional systems. For example, the uPD720180A DWA chip increases communication speed when multiple Wireless USB-based hosts communicate with peripherals, and it improves communication quality by avoiding Interference.
Another benefit of the uPD720180A 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 Center West in San Francisco.
