Wireless USB Specification Now Open to Public

Wireless USB is the first high-speed wireless personal interconnect technology that combines the freedom and flexibility of wireless technology with the ease-of-use, speed and security of wired USB. Wireless USB delivers the requirements for PC, CE and mobile usage models while preserving and extending the investment in the existing USB infrastructure. It will provide backward compatibility and seamless legacy support through the definition of external adapters, which will help ensure quick proliferation.

"We've delivered on the promise we made in 2004 to complete the specification and make it publicly available in 2005," said Jeff Ravencraft, chairman of the Wireless USB Promoter Group. "Product development is currently underway, with the first Wireless USB products expected to be available at the end of 2005. The first implementations will be in the form of discrete silicon that is being introduced in a number of form factors such as add-in cards, external adapters and embedded silicon modules for integrated solutions."

Wireless USB is based on the WiMedia MAC Convergence Architecture, utilizing the WiMedia Alliance's MB-OFDM ultra wideband MAC and PHY. It has been designed to coexist with the other upper-layer protocols built atop WiMedia's common radio platform. It delivers speeds equivalent to wired Hi-Speed USB, with bandwidth of 480Mb/s at 3 meters and 110Mb/s at 10 meters. Wireless USB will maintain the same scalable device performance and capability while also addressing new consumer electronics requirements.

"As the developer of the ultra wideband technical specifications, the WiMedia Alliance will work together with the USB-IF to advance the industry toward rapid consumer adoption of the Wireless USB technology," said Kursat Kimyacioglu, vice president of the WiMedia Alliance. "The organizations' recent achievements are great wins for the UWB Ecosystem and lay the groundwork for still more exciting applications to come."

The Wireless USB Promoter Group, consisting of seven companies -- Agere Systems, Hewlett Packard, Intel, Microsoft, NEC, Philips Semiconductors and Samsung -- defined the Wireless USB specification with the support of more than 100 contributor members. The group has now transitioned the specification's management to the USB-IF, the governing body of USB specifications. The Wireless USB Promoter Group is seeking adopters of the new specification. Download the specification and the adopter agreement by visiting: http://www.usb.org/wusb/

The Wireless USB specification debuted today in conjunction with the first Wireless USB Developers Conference in San Jose, Calif. on May 23-25. The conference showcases 13 exhibitors and has attracted more than 300 developers from leading companies around the world. It features technical sessions on successful Wireless USB implementations and an exhibit area where companies are showcasing the latest developments based on the Wireless USB specification. The next Wireless USB Developers Conference is scheduled for September 27-29, 2005 in Tokyo, Japan.

The non-profit USB Implementers Forum, Inc. was formed to provide a support organization and forum for the advancement and adoption of USB technology. The USB-IF facilitates the development of high-quality compatible USB devices, through its logo and compliance program and promotes the benefits of USB and the quality of products that have passed compliance testing. Further information, including postings of the most recent product and technology announcements, is available by visiting the USB-IF Web site at http://www.usb.org.