Wireless & Communications

Integrated Device Technology (IDT) is expanding its RF signal chain portfolio with a high-performance digital pre-distortion (DPD) demodulator. The new integrated DPD demodulator is able to improve system performance while reducing the cost, physical size and power consumption in 4G, 3G, and 2G wireless base stations and repeaters.

Toshiba Electronics Europe (TEE) has introduced a new starter kit to help users of its TC35661SBG-501 (“Chiron-501”) Dual Mode Bluetooth IC (BT 4.0) to get up and running with their designs quickly. The starter kit (BMSKTOPASM369BT) is based around a Panasonic PAN1026 module featuring an embedded “Chiron-501” IC with a dual mode Bluetooth protocol stack and profiles and includes a Toshiba TMPM369 ARM Cortex-M3 based MCU with 512KB flash memory.

New to the Alpha Micro product portfolio is the SARA-U2 series from u-blox. Said to be the industry"s smallest surface mount UMTS/HSPA cellular modems, they are suitable for a wide range of industrial M2M, vehicle and consumer applications. The new SARA product line is available either as a 3G only version, or with 2G fall-back capability.

Flexera Software, a provider of Application Usage Management solutions for application producers and enterprises, has released FlexNet Connect 2014, a component part of the FlexNet Producer Suite that will enable software vendors and intelligent device manufacturers to electronically deliver software updates and obtain insights into product and application behaviour.

CSR has developed a range of connected jewellery, powered by its latest Bluetooth Smart solution, to demonstrate a possible future of wearable technology. The pendant-style connected necklaces contain integrated electronics that enable the user to customise both the colour and brightness.

PSA Peugeot Citroën has become the first automotive partner of Technicolor’s Qeo, selecting the communications framework to deliver its connected car services. The software will enhance interaction between the consumer’s car and personal devices that enter and leave the home (smartphone, tablet), or with devices staying within the home (such as set top box or TV). Hi-tech auto systems and components designer Magneti Marelli will deliver the software for the PSA entertainment and navigation platform.

CSR is looking to make it easier for device manufacturers to deliver multi-room networked home audio products with the launch of the VibeHub platform, unveiled at CES 2014. The platform will enable consumers to enjoy synchronised multi-room audio around the home using its SyncLock technology which enables products to take content from any local or cloud-based source and create a multi-room audio experience over an existing home Wi-Fi network.

Wolfson Microelectronics, a leading developer of mixed-signal semiconductor devices and audio solutions for consumer electronic products, and ComHear, an audio processing and wearables company, have announced a technology partnership to supply audio to the wearable consumer audio space.

InterDigital, a wireless research and development company, and Blu Wireless Technology, a specialist in multi-gigabit wireless baseband system IP, have successfully completed the first phase of collaborative development to explore millimetre wave solutions for small cell base stations and access points. The companies are currently in discussion to extend the collaboration.

CSR has unveiled a new low-cost development kit aimed at helping developers get Bluetooth Smart prototypes up and running and into production quickly. Based on CSR’s proven µEnergy platform, the kit provides a complete environment for developers who are looking to create their first Bluetooth Smart products and get them to market rapidly with a low initial investment.