As consumer devices continue to evolve in capabilities and performance, the demand for data is accelerating exponentially. In less than a generation video has gone from broadcast TV that is passively consumed standard definition to 4k, real-time video capture and sharing between battery powered mobile devices. Data consumption, storage, and transfer is now measured in terabytes. We live in an increasingly wireless world, and consumers demand seamless access to their information across devices, platforms, and time zones. This unending surge in data consumption and desire for portability is creating opportunities for new wireless standards.
Wi-Fi adoption and the advancement to the current 802.11ac standard was accelerated by the growing popularity of high speed internet connections in the home and connection between different devices. However, Wi-Fi still cannot replace cabled solutions for video or data due to interference that results in varying data rates and poor reliability. Current 5 GHz Wi-Fi solutions also cannot match the data rates offered by wired high-speed interface like SATA, HDMI, USB 3.0, and Gigabit Ethernet.
802.11ad, also known as WiGig, operates in the 60 GHz frequency spectrum and promises robust multi-gigabit data transmission rates and is not affected by the increasingly crowded Wi-Fi traffic in the 2.4 and 5 GHz spectrums. The atmospheric absorption properties and short wavelength of 60 GHz require connections to be established in near-line-of-sight conditions, but also offers added link robustness and bitrate efficiency in these environments. 802.11ad is well suited for high-bandwidth, in-room high speed data and video cable replacement applications as well as 'last-mile' small cell infrastructure designs.
Tensorcom IC solution
Tensorcom is leading the industry in highly integrated, ultra-low power 802.11ad solutions. The latest generation TC60G6504UE "Nant1" 802.11ad System-On-Chip integrates and 60 GHz CMOS MAC/PHY and USB 3.0 controller/PHY and includes all functions required to implement a complete WiGig solution for embedded devices, accessories, and portable products that require gigabit-per-second wireless data rates. Tensorcom integrates these cost effective SoC solutions in fully integrated adapter reference designs and system-in-package (SIP) configurations for maximum flexibility to support a variety of portable product designs.
Mr. Loop Design solutions
Mr.Loop delivers ultra-low power and gigabit speed products based on Tensorcom's integrated 802.11ad solutions. Using Mr.Loop-based 60GHz WiGig USB3.0 designs, users can easily implement high-speed data transfer/MirrorLink/streaming products that are compatible on a wide range of platforms, including Windows, Linux, OSX, and Android. The latest 360 degree antenna design from Mr.Loop design eliminates directional limitations for WiGig connectivity and is ideal for mobile VR. Customized solutions that enable multiple interfaces like BT1120 / UART /SPI / I2C and HDMI are offered on Mr.Loop solutions.
As the demand for bandwidth continues to increase in portable devices, WiGig will be a key technology trend that OEMs will choose to differentiate flagship products. Tensorcom and Mr.Loop offer market leading solutions for these demanding applications. More information on 802.11ad solutions from Tensorcom and Mr.Loop is available at Taipei Nankang Exhibition Center, 1st Floor, Booth J0818 during Computex 2017.
Ultra low power 802.11ad solutions by Tensorcom