Quantenna sampling 10G Wave 3 WiFi for 10Gbps

Quantenna is sampling 10G Wave 3 Wi-Fi products built on Quantenna’s True 8×8 QSR10G Wi-Fi platform with multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) technology for home wireless access points and residential gateways.

Quantenna’s up-to-12-streams 10G Wave 3 can address both the service provider and retail market segments.

10G Wave 3 WiFi supports speeds up to 10Gbps attained by combining True 8×8 MIMO configuration for 5GHz networks with a 4×4 MIMO configuration on 2.4GHz networks for a combined 12-stream configuration.

Sam Heidari - Quantenna CEOQuantenna’s 10G Wave 3 platform delivers the maximum capacity within the minimum spectrum so that more streams can be simultaneously transmitted with improved range and reliability.

This means that 802.11 Wi-Fi access points or gateways using 10G Wave 3 can support more clients, each running more efficiently for such demanding applications as real-time video, OTT video, voice, IoT and other services.

Single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO), 1×1 and 2×2 client performance is also improved, ensuring that the millions of currently shipping mainstream smart phones, tablets and notebook PCs will also benefit from an improved Wi-Fi experience.

The QSR10G Wave 3 product family also supports a unique adaptive MIMO architecture. This enables 10G Wave 3 access points to maximize overall network performance, delivering the best possible capacity across all client devices. This is important as the mix of legacy and new client devices are changing, as end consumers adopt more devices with 802.11ac.

Key Wave 3 features and Benefits
• Integrated AP chipset for dual-band (5GHz and 2.4GHz), dual concurrent operation and management
• 160MHz channel support for 5GHz networks. When combined with 8×8 MIMO configuration, this offers 4x the capacity of 80MHz 4×4 MIMO networks
• Unique adaptive MIMO configuration
• Up to 1024 QAM modulation for 2.4GHz and 5GHz transmissions
• Supports rich set of interfaces to external hosts such as PCIe Gen3/Gen2, RXAUI, RGMII, and others

The QSR10G product family delivers 10G Wi-Fi with up to 8×8 MU-MIMO for smart access points, wireless cable/DSL gateways. Key features of the industry’s first 10G Wave 3 Wi-Fi product family include:

• QSR10GU
o Peak PHY rate of near 10Gbps
o Support for simultaneous 5GHz and 2.4GHz networks
o 12 stream operation
• QSR10GA
o Peak PHY rate of 9Gbps
o Support for simultaneous 5GHz and 2.4GHz networks
o 10 stream operation
• QSR10PA
o Peak PHY rate of 7Gbps
o Support for simultaneous 5GHz and 2.4GHz networks
o 8 stream operation
• QSR10G5
o Peak PHY rate of 8.6Gbps
o Support for 5GHz networks
o 8 stream operation

“In Wi-Fi access points more antennas are always better, but 10G Wave 3 is not just about 8×8 MU-MIMO and faster speeds. It’s about making better use of network and airtime efficiency to support the growing number of connected devices, services and applications,” said Dr. Sam Heidari, Quantenna CEO.

david manners

National Coding Week aims at adult learners

National Coding Week is intended open up coding to adults, potentially leading to careers in programming.

Taking place over September 21-27, there will be free-to-attend training sessions across the UK, where people will be taught the basics of coding alongside other beginners with little or no previous knowledge. There is a clickable event map on the National Coding Week website.

“The key aims of National Coding Week are to encourage adults of any age to learn an element of computer coding, to encourage digital experts to share their skills, and to collaborate, share, learn and have fun,” said event co-founder Richard Rolfe. “If I can learn to code at age 51 then anyone can.”

According to organisers, 52% of adults in the UK said they would feel ‘extremely or very daunted’ at the prospect of learning to code, while 41.3% believed that the older they are, the harder it is to pick up a skill like coding.

Boris Johnson is supporting the event for a second year.

“Coding is a language that is increasingly important for both young people and adults to understand, but it can be an intimidating prospect. National Coding Week will help to make whole generations of Brits more comfortable with coding, allowing them to embrace the business opportunities of the future,” he said.

Organisations already supporting this year’s event include: Decoded, Women Who Code, We Got Coders, Codeclan, Incubus London and International tech conference organisers Future Insights.

“The future is being written in lines of code.  Whether you’re 7, 17, 37 or 70 there has never been a better time to learn the languages of technology, the language of billions. Take the leap during National Coding Week,” said Decoded co-founder Kathryn Parsons. “Whether you sign up to a code school, learn on-line or buddy up with a coder in your local community, there are so many ways to learn. Take your first steps behind the screen, unleash your inner geek and see how fun and creative it can be.”

This year’s event is sponsored by JT Group Global.

steve bush

National Coding Week aims at adult learners

National Coding Week 2015National Coding Week is intended open up coding to adults, potentially leading to careers in programming.

Taking place over September 21-27, there will be free-to-attend training sessions across the UK, where people will be taught the basics of coding alongside other beginners with little or no previous knowledge. There is a clickable event map on the National Coding Week website.

“The key aims of National Coding Week are to encourage adults of any age to learn an element of computer coding, to encourage digital experts to share their skills, and to collaborate, share, learn and have fun,” said event co-founder Richard Rolfe. “If I can learn to code at age 51 then anyone can.”

According to organisers, 52% of adults in the UK said they would feel ‘extremely or very daunted’ at the prospect of learning to code, while 41.3% believed that the older they are, the harder it is to pick up a skill like coding.

Boris Johnson is supporting the event for a second year.

“Coding is a language that is increasingly important for both young people and adults to understand, but it can be an intimidating prospect. National Coding Week will help to make whole generations of Brits more comfortable with coding, allowing them to embrace the business opportunities of the future,” he said.

Organisations already supporting this year’s event include: Decoded, Women Who Code, We Got Coders, Codeclan, Incubus London and International tech conference organisers Future Insights.

“The future is being written in lines of code.  Whether you’re 7, 17, 37 or 70 there has never been a better time to learn the languages of technology, the language of billions. Take the leap during National Coding Week,” said Decoded co-founder Kathryn Parsons. “Whether you sign up to a code school, learn on-line or buddy up with a coder in your local community, there are so many ways to learn. Take your first steps behind the screen, unleash your inner geek and see how fun and creative it can be.”

This year’s event is sponsored by JT Group Global.

steve bush

ADI launches clock jitter attenuator for base-stations

Today ADI introduced a clock jitter attenuator designed to support the JESD204B serial interface standard for connecting high-speed data converters and FPGAs operating in base station designs.

The JESD204B interface was developed to address high-data rate system design needs, and the 3.2-GHz HMC7044 clock jitter attenuator contains functions that support and enhance the unique capabilities of that interface standard.

ADI HMC7044 block diagram

ADI HMC7044 block diagram

The HMC7044 delivers 50-fs jitter performance, which improves the signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range of high-speed data converters, and the device provides 14 low-noise and configurable outputs that provide flexibility in interfacing with many different components.

The HMC7044 also offers a wide range of clock management and distribution features that make it possible for designers of base stations to build an entire clock design with a single device.

In base stations applications there are many serial JESD204B data converter channels that require their data frames to be aligned with an FPGA. The HMC7044 clock jitter attenuator simplifies JESD204B system design by generating source-synchronous and adjustable sample and frame alignment (SYSREF) clocks in a data converter system.

The device features two phase-locked loops (PLLs) and overlapping, on-chip, voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs). The first PLL locks a low-noise, local voltage-controlled clock oscillator (VCXO) to a relative noisy reference, while the second PLL multiplies the VCXO signal up to the VCO frequency with exceptionally little added noise.

For cellular infrastructure JESD204B clock generation, wireless infrastructure, data converter clocking, microwave baseband cards and other high-speed communications applications, the architecture of the HMC7044 offers excellent frequency generation performance with low phase noise and integrated jitter.

HMC7044 Clock Jitter Attenuator Key Features

• JEDEC JESD204B support
• Ultra-low RMS jitter: 50 fs (12 KHz to 20 MHz, typical)
• Noise floor: -162 dBc/Hz at 245.76 MHz
• Low phase noise: < -142 dBc/Hz at 800 kHz to 983.04 MHz output frequency
• Up to 14 device differential device clocks from PLL2
• External VCO input supports up to 5 GHz
• On-board regulators

The device costs $12.75 in a 10-mm × 10-mm LFCSP package

david manners

ADI launches clock jitter attenuator for base-stations

Today ADI introduced a clock jitter attenuator designed to support the JESD204B serial interface standard for connecting high-speed data converters and FPGAs operating in base station designs.

The JESD204B interface was developed to address high-data rate system design needs, and the 3.2-GHz HMC7044 clock jitter attenuator contains functions that support and enhance the unique capabilities of that interface standard.

The HMC7044 delivers 50-fs jitter performance, which improves the signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range of high-speed data converters, and the device provides 14 low-noise and configurable outputs that provide flexibility in interfacing with many different components.

The HMC7044 also offers a wide range of clock management and distribution features that make it possible for designers of base stations to build an entire clock design with a single device.

In base stations applications there are many serial JESD204B data converter channels that require their data frames to be aligned with an FPGA. The HMC7044 clock jitter attenuator simplifies JESD204B system design by generating source-synchronous and adjustable sample and frame alignment (SYSREF) clocks in a data converter system.

The device features two phase-locked loops (PLLs) and overlapping, on-chip, voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs). The first PLL locks a low-noise, local voltage-controlled clock oscillator (VCXO) to a relative noisy reference, while the second PLL multiplies the VCXO signal up to the VCO frequency with exceptionally little added noise.

For cellular infrastructure JESD204B clock generation, wireless infrastructure, data converter clocking, microwave baseband cards and other high-speed communications applications, the architecture of the HMC7044 offers excellent frequency generation performance with low phase noise and integrated jitter.

HMC7044 Clock Jitter Attenuator Key Features

• JEDEC JESD204B support
• Ultra-low RMS jitter: 50 fs (12 KHz to 20 MHz, typical)
• Noise floor: -162 dBc/Hz at 245.76 MHz
• Low phase noise: < -142 dBc/Hz at 800 kHz to 983.04 MHz output frequency
• Up to 14 device differential device clocks from PLL2
• External VCO input supports up to 5 GHz
• On-board regulators

The device costs $12.75 in a 10-mm × 10-mm LFCSP package

david manners

Lumileds addresses colour mixing with equal-focus LEDs

Lumileds has tackled colour fringing in LED lighting with a range of LEDs that with matched optical centres regardless of wavelength.

The family of devices is called Luxeon C Colors, and is aimed at stage and television lighting, as well as architectural lighting.

Luxeon C Colors“We’ve solved the problems of beam halos and mismatched, un-mixed colour by designing our platform to offer multiple colours with a single focal length,” said Lumileds product manager David Cosenza. When secondary optics are applied, the consistent focal length provides matched emission patterns, smoothing mixing.

To improve etendue for narrow beams, or increase what Lumileds calls ‘centre beam candle power’ (CBCP) and ‘punch’, the LEDs have low domes to reduce the apparent die size compared with high-dome designs. This reduces the diameter of secondary optics required for a given beam angle.

“Applications such as tall, narrow wall washers take advantage of low dome design, which keeps the source size small. Narrow beams are also utilised in emergency vehicle lighting, where superior punch is essential,” said Lumileds.

The whole family is specifying at 85°C – Lumileds’ first hot-tested colour line. “Predicting changes in chromaticity and light output across temperature for different colours is now a problem of the past,” claimed Cosenza.

Thermal resistance for the 2x2mm packages varies – and ranges between 2.8 and 3.5°C/W.

Specification current is 350mA across the board and maximum is 1.05A for colours and 1.225A for whites. Vf is 2.0-2.9 depending on colour.

Typical efficacy is 121 lm/W for the 4,000K white

Colors include:

  • amber (phosphor-converted)
  • red-orange
  • red
  • cyan
  • green
  • blue
  • royal blue
  • 4,000K 70CRI white (phosphor-converted)
  • 5,700K 70CRI white (phosphor-converted)

More will be added in the coming months, according to Lumileds.

steve bush

Lumileds addresses colour mixing with equal-focus LEDs

Luxeon C ColorsLumileds has tackled colour fringing in LED lighting with a range of LEDs that with matched optical centres regardless of wavelength.

The family of devices is called Luxeon C Colors, and is aimed at stage and television lighting, as well as architectural lighting.

“We’ve solved the problems of beam halos and mismatched, un-mixed colour by designing our platform to offer multiple colours with a single focal length,” said Lumileds product manager David Cosenza. When secondary optics are applied, the consistent focal length provides matched emission patterns, smoothing mixing.

To improve etendue for narrow beams, or increase what Lumileds calls ‘centre beam candle power’ (CBCP) and ‘punch’, the LEDs have low domes to reduce the apparent die size compared with high-dome designs. This reduces the diameter of secondary optics required for a given beam angle.

“Applications such as tall, narrow wall washers take advantage of low dome design, which keeps the source size small. Narrow beams are also utilised in emergency vehicle lighting, where superior punch is essential,” said Lumileds.

The whole family is specifying at 85°C – Lumileds’ first hot-tested colour line. “Predicting changes in chromaticity and light output across temperature for different colours is now a problem of the past,” claimed Cosenza.

Thermal resistance for the 2x2mm packages varies – and goes as low as 2.8°C/W.

Colors include:

  • amber (phosphor-converted)
  • red-orange
  • red
  • cyan
  • green
  • blue
  • royal blue
  • 4,000K 70CRI white (phosphor-converted)
  • 5,700K 70CRI white (phosphor-converted)

More will be added in the coming months, according to Lumileds.

steve bush

MediaTek eyes power management IC firm

MediaTek is looking to buy a power management IC firm

MediaTek is looking to buy a power management IC firm

MediaTek is looking to buy a power management IC firm and has made a tender offer for Taiwan-based Richtek Technology.

This is the latest example of a developer of complex SoC devices recognising the importance of controlling the power functions which can be very sophisticated for these big ICs.

The plan will be to optimise the power functions for MediaTek’s silicon.

Kenneth Tai, chairman of Richtek, believes that the requirements for integrated power management solutions are inevitably becoming become more complex and diversified.

“By leveraging MediaTek’s platform leadership, Richtek aims to further optimize power management performance on the system level to enable competitive products for customers and further expand analog IC offerings to propel the company into its next stage of growth,” said Tai.

According to Ming-Kai Tsai, MediaTek chairman and CEO:

“We believe, through the deal, the competitive edges of both companies will be leveraged to maximize the platform synergy, strengthen MediaTek in internet of things segment and further enhance MediaTek’s competitiveness.”

 

Upon completion of the tender offer, MediaTek plans to further acquire 100% of Richtek’s outstanding shares and it is now expected to be completed at the second quarter of 2016, subject to relevant regulatory approvals.

 

Richard Wilson

MediaTek eyes power management chip firm

mediatekMediaTek is looking to buy a power management IC firm and has made a tender offer for Taiwan-based Richtek Technology.

This is the latest example of a developer of complex SoC devices recognising the importance of controlling the power functions which can be very sophisticated for these big ICs.

The plan will be to optimise the power functions for MediaTek’s silicon.

Kenneth Tai, chairman of Richtek, believes that the requirements for integrated power management solutions are inevitably becoming become more complex and diversified.

“By leveraging MediaTek’s platform leadership, Richtek aims to further optimize power management performance on the system level to enable competitive products for customers and further expand analog IC offerings to propel the company into its next stage of growth,” said Tai.

According to Ming-Kai Tsai, MediaTek chairman and CEO:

“We believe, through the deal, the competitive edges of both companies will be leveraged to maximize the platform synergy, strengthen MediaTek in internet of things segment and further enhance MediaTek’s competitiveness.”

 

Upon completion of the tender offer, MediaTek plans to further acquire 100% of Richtek’s outstanding shares and it is now expected to be completed at the second quarter of 2016, subject to relevant regulatory approvals.

 

Richard Wilson

DECT ULE connects homes for IoT

Internet of Things - IoT

Internet of Things – IoT

Based on the cordless phone standard, DECT ULE is yet another low energy comms system aiming to connect the home for IoT.

The standard was announced a while ago, and the first products have just been qualified.

What it is exactly?

It is very close to original DECT – which from the outset was intended to be used for voice and data.

For example, the physical layer – the radio – remains unaltered

“DECT ULE is a modernised DECT. For IoT, it needed a couple of adjustments,” ULE Alliance business development director Avi Barel told Electronics Weekly.

The first adjustment was to reduce power consumption as DECT was also not designed for battery operation beyond a few days, or few weeks at the maximum.

To cut power, the rate at which the terminals contact one another has been reduced.

According to Barel, with DECT there is an exchange of information between phone and basestation every several 10s of milliseconds.

To get a year’s operation from battery-powered wall-mounted sensor, for ULE the protocol has been altered (through ETSI in 2013) to allow transceivers to sleep something like 99% of the time, wake quickly, operate, and sleep again.

The second adjustment is security, which has been changed to 128bit AES.

“DECT’s security scheme is 64bit encryption – less adequate that state-of-the-art for home security. 128bit AES is the same as Zigbee.” said Barel.

ULE has a star topology with devices (nodes) around a basestation, known as a concentrator. The concentrator can be a cordless phone base, or can be separate.

Every communication goes thorough the concentrator, and nodes can initiate communication to other nodes through the concentrator – for example, a cordless wall switch node can remotely-control an window blind node.

The theoretical throughput is 1Mbit/s, dropping practically to 300-500kbit/s  – like Bluetooth, said Barel.

Minimum intended range is 60m including walls (house + garden, said Barel) or 300m open range, with some chipsets claiming 500m.

ULE is being aimed at four application areas: home security, home automation, energy control, and personal well-being.

At its simplest, it will be in open door detectors, window break detectors, smoke detectors, and thermostats, for example. Slightly up the scale, would be a motion sensor with microphone and loudspeaker that uses data and voice.

Already qualified to carry the ULE logo are a garage door sensor, an open/closed sensor, motion detector, flood detector and temperature detector.

Barel points out that many home router/modems for broadband already include a DECT chipset – for example the BT HomeHub is DECT/Wi-Fi router/modem. And that many existing DECT phone bases (not necessarily HomeHubs) have chipsets capable of DECT ULE operation, that could act as concentrators if there was a way to change the software.

“Around 50% of German Wi-Fi hubs have DECT and it is only software change to DECT ULE, if the hardware allows,” said Barel. “For 2016, all Deutsche Telekom all home gateways should include ULE function.”

Also, he said, DECT chipsets from every manufacturer support worldwide coverage without external RF changes. And that all current base station chips are upgradeable to ULE, as well as many handset chipsets.

ULE-only chips that will run for 1 year are available now from Gigaset and Panasonic, Dialog and DSP Group have also just released chipsets.

It looks like system makers are keen to get their customers connected to the cloud, as no, or few, manufacturers are planning concentrators without a web connection. Does this mean the ULE community is aiming to get revenue from services.

No, said Barel, adding: “Panasonic gives cloud service for free to sell hardware.”

steve bush