1999-01-07 , S/IC-2010/34
Product News From Philips Semiconductors

Complete radio solution demonstrates compliance with HomeRF™ SWAP, IEEE 802.11 specifications

Philips Semiconductors today announced a new wireless LAN Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) radio-evaluation board targeting home network applications. Supporting data rates up to two megabits per second, with a range of more than 300 metres, the WLAN FHSS radio evaluation board is well suited for designers developing applications based on the new HomeRF Shared Wireless Access Protocol-Cordless Access (SWAP) specification. Additionally, the board is compliant with the IEEE 802.11 specification designed for home and office wireless network environments.

As a worldwide leader of radio frequency (RF) integrated circuits, Philips is an active participant in the HomeRF Working Group. "The availability of Philips Semiconductors' evaluation board is an important step in the success of the HomeRF initiative," explains Johan Vanginderdeuren, Technology Liaison Officer, USB Group for Philips Semiconductors. "Philips Semiconductors' FHSS evaluation board demonstrates the type of end applications that can be developed using the new SWAP specification as defined by the HomeRF Working Group."

"The HomeRF SWAP specification defines a new common interface that supports wireless voice and data networking in the home," said Benno Ritter, Product Marketing Manager for Philips Semiconductors. "We are pleased to provide designers with an evaluation board that enhances development of end applications for the home network market."

The Philips Semiconductors Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) radio-evaluation board utilizes a highly integrated four-chip configuration. This provides designers with a low cost solution to the radio portion necessary for WLAN applications in an easy to use configuration. Examples of applications using this new SWAP specification include:

• A wireless home network to share voice and data between PCs, peripherals, PC-enhanced cordless phones, and new devices such as portable, remote display pads;
• Access to the Internet anywhere in and around the home from portable display devices;
• Shared ISP connection between PCs and other new devices;
• Review of incoming voice, fax and e-mail messages from a small PC-enhanced cordless telephone handset; and
• Ability to activate home electronic systems by simply speaking a command into a PC-enhanced cordless handset.

Philips Semiconductors' FHSS radio-evaluation board implements the front end of a 2.4 GHz frequency hopping sub-system and also includes all the analog circuitry from the antennas to the analog baseband signals. Both transmit and receive paths have been designed to meet and/or exceed the new SWAP specification and the key requirements of the 802.11 frequency hopping PHY specifications.

FHSS's front-end is half duplex and incorporates the following Philips Semiconductors components: the  SA2410, a 2.45 GHz RF power amplifier and Tx/Rx switch; the  SA2420, low-voltage 2.45 GHz transceiver; the  SA639, low-voltage mixer and FM intermediate frequency (IF) system and; the  UMA1022, a dual frequency synthesizer. The FHSS Evaluation Board is available now and priced at $ 250. For more information, please contact +1 (800)447-1500 ext. 1700. A complete demonstration kit using SWAP for in-home network will be available from Philips Semiconductors in Q2 of 1999.

Philips Semiconductors, a division of Royal Philips Electronics, headquartered in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, is the ninth largest semiconductor supplier in the world and the third largest supplier of discretes in the world. Philips Semiconductors' innovations in digital audio, video, and mobile technology position the company as a leader in the consumer, multimedia and wireless communications markets. Sales offices are located in all major markets around the world and are supported by systems labs.