16 Feb 2012
Wi-Fi

10 Wi-Fi Predictions for 2012

Wi-Fi technology has become so ubiquitous that even computer publications like PC Magazine published Wi-Fi predictions for 2012. These trends have some relevance to Silex and our customers that are looking to add Wi-Fi connectivity to their devices. My comments are in parentheses.
1. Single-band routers go obsolete (dual-band is moving from being a “niche” technology used for high reliability applications to becoming a mainstream technology required to stream video content).
2. Death of legacy 802.11x (specifically 802.11b and 802.11g).
3. 802.11ac (all of the major Wi-Fi silicon vendors have already announced 802.11ac products including Qualcomm Atheros).
4. Wi-Gig (maybe more of a 2013 technology).
5. Wi-Fi in household items (first the TV and next the refrigerator?).
6. Remote Home Network Management (why not since apps are being used for remotely control other devices in the home?).
7. More widespread Wi-Fi (public access will expand beyond airports and coffee shops).
8. Easier Deployment (WPS and other proprietary efforts will continue to improve ease of use).
9. Coverage trumps speed (2012 should see vendors paying much more attention to “whole home” coverage to reduce dropped signals and dead zones since throughput speed is already often faster than the pipe into the home).
10. Client adapters play catch-up (clients like laptops will start incorporating higher performance technology that are already common in routers).

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Keith Sugawara | No comments | Tags: ,
09 Feb 2012
AR6003 • Product Introduction • Wireless Module

Press Release: Silex Technology America Introduces 802.11a/b/g/n, Dual-Band Solutions Based on Qualcomm Atheros AR6003 Chip

Silex Technology America Introduces 802.11a/b/g/n, Dual-Band Solutions Based on Qualcomm Atheros AR6003 Chip

SANTA ANA, Calif., Feb. 9, 2012 – Silex Technology, a global leader in wired and wireless networking solutions, today launched the SX-SDPAN System-in-Package (SiP) and the SX-SDMAN wireless radio module.

According to ABI Research, the Wi-Fi equipment market is expected to see more than nine percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2011 to 2016, with the enterprise segment contributing the bulk of the growth at more than 21 percent CAGR. With a skyrocketing number of Wi-Fi devices crowding the 2.4GHz band, Wi-Fi users are looking for dual-band products that leverage the 5GHz band for applications requiring relatively interference-free bandwidth. The SX-SDPAN and SX-SDMAN provide a cost-effective way for manufacturers to add dual-band wireless capabilities in addition to integrated Bluetooth 4.0 support.

Silex Technology based the SX-SDPAN on Qualcomm Atheros’ third-generation SDIO WLAN technology (AR6003). The SX-SDPAN brings 802.11n throughput, range and power efficiency to portable electronic devices.

The SX-SDPAN features:

  • High-performance, ultra-low power, single stream (1×1) dual-band SDIO SiP with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN plus advanced Bluetooth 4.0 combo solution.
  • Bluetooth 3.0+HS (High Speed) and Bluetooth 4.0+LE (Low Energy) standards enabling seamless integration of Bluetooth/WLAN.
  • Best-in-class receive sensitivity for superior throughput.
  • Industry leading security including WPS and WEP/WPA/WPA2.
  • Near zero power consumption in idle and stand-by enables user to leave WLAN and BT “always on.”
  • Advanced BT/WLAN coexistence and concurrent RX for superior rate-over-range and very low frequency.

The SX-SDMAN wireless radio module integrates the SX-SDPAN SiP to offer the following benefits:

  • Highest product quality (design and production validation). Silex Technology significantly reduces RF-related design integration and tests its design to perform to IEEE standards. In addition, Silex Technology tests each module individually to ensure that each of its products will perform to the published specification.
  • FCC/Telec modular certification. Silex Technology eliminates the need for re-testing radio intentional radiation for obtaining regulatory approvals.
  • Upgrade path. The SX-SDMAN is pin-compatible with the SX-SDMGN wireless radio module released in 2011, providing device manufacturers with the option to offer both a single-band and dual-band solution. In addition, Silex Technology expects to introduce modules that incorporate  next-generation Qualcomm Atheros radios into the same physical form factor.

“We are quite pleased with Silex Technology’s radio frequency and design capabilities because they give our customers the opportunity to leverage the AR6003 Wi-Fi chip for optimized throughput, size and energy efficiency for mobile and embedded devices,” said Gary Szilagyi, vice president and general manager, consumer electronics group, Qualcomm Atheros. “Consumers of smartphones, mobile gaming and portable consumer electronic devices will benefit from the combined technology expertise of Silex Technology and Qualcomm Atheros.”

“We are exceptionally qualified to enable device manufacturers to integrate Qualcomm Atheros AR6003 technology into products,” said Keith Sugawara, vice president, business development, Silex Technology America. “Silex Technology America can help shorten the time to market with our new products and engineering design services. Plus, as a Qualcomm Atheros Authorized Design Center (ADC), we provide the driver and security supplicant to provide an efficient and seamless single-vendor total solution.”

The SX-SDPAN and SX-SDMAN samples now are available for evaluation. Silex Technology also provides an evaluation kit (part number SX-6K3-EVK-DB), which includes a sample radio driver and tools to test basic wireless functionality, throughput and RF characteristics.

A photo of the SX-SDMAN is available at: http://www.silexamerica.com/images/products/wireless_modules/sx-sdman_large.jpg

About Silex Technology America, Inc.
Silex Technology America, Inc. is a subsidiary of Silex Technology Inc., a 35-year developer and leading network technology company specializing in network and wireless technology, providing hardware, software, embedded modules and turnkey connectivity products. Silex Technology has regional offices for sales, marketing and development in Japan, United States and Germany. Silex Technology is integrated vertically to support customers from design to production, maintaining the highest quality standards. For more information, please visit www.silexamerica.com.

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03 Jan 2012
AR6003 • Wireless Module

Missions for Wireless LAN (1)

IEEE802.11b was first introduced in September, 1999.  IEEE802.11b is now recognized as the first wireless LAN standard.  Over ten years later, IEEE802.11n is now the latest standard.  The transfer speed which used to be 12Mbps is now 600Mbps (theoretical maximum value).  WEP was the first encryption technology but has been replaced by WPA/WPA2.  For initial setup, WPS is getting popular, which enables users to connect devices by just pushing a button.

In this series of articles, I would like to share my view of the future trends for Wireless LAN’s.  The first subject is about people’s unstoppable thirst: “to be faster”.

To Be Faster – 1:  Multi-Streaming

802.11n uses MIMO technology (see note below), to allow multiple antennas to distribute separate communication channels (streams) at both the transmitter and receiver to improve communication performance.  Put simply, as the number of streams increase, the transfer speed should be faster (Multi-streaming).  802.11n is designed to offer up to 600Mbps (theoretical value) and 4 streams (each stream offers up to 150Mbps).  Conventional 802.11n products mainly offer 1 to 2 streams although recently, 3-stream products have entered the market.

(Note) MIMO stands for Multi-Input /Multi-Output.

I’m not sure yet if 3 or 4-stream products will become common because MIMO requires multiple antennas (one per stream).  MIMO’s antennas need to be installed apart (e.g. about 6cm apart for 1/2 wave/2.4GHz band), so a multi-stream MIMO device would end up with many antennas projecting from every direction.  Sheet-type or chip-type internal antennas are available for PCs and tablets so they could be kept inside the enclosures.  But smaller portable devices including Smart Phones don’t have an enough space on the PCB to install antennas for multi-stream MIMO.

Summary

Multi-streaming is capable of achieving higher speed transfer without dramatic improvement of current technology.  However, it has difficulties for smaller/cheaper/low-power products. Multi-stream technology may be popular for PCs and built-in TVs.  It isn’t good for small portable devices due to mechanical challenges supporting MIMO with more than 2 streams (antennas).

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Yuji Sasaki | No comments
21 Nov 2011
USB over IP

Silex Technology Launches SDK for Wireless iPad and iPhone to USB Device Connectivity

SANTA ANA, CA, Nov 17, 2011 - Silex Technology, a global leader in wired and wireless networking solutions, today launched the SX-Virtual Link SDK for iOS. The SDK allows USB device manufacturers and system integrators to communicate from an iPad(R), iPhone(R) or iPod(R) Touch to their devices. iOS hardware, such as iPad, does not have a USB host port. Prior to the availability of our SDK, there was no way for these popular computing platforms to communicate to USB devices.

“Tablets and touchscreen portable devices like the iPad and iPhone are the fastest growing computing platforms with hundreds of millions of units shipped,” said David Smith, president and chief executive officer, Silex Technology America. “This is an important step in continuing to evolve our leadership position and technology portfolio for USB device networking.”

The SDK allows iOS devices to connect wirelessly to USB devices attached to Silex USB network-enabled devices. The SDK code is a set of libraries designed to allow USB device manufacturers or system integrators to create an application for iOS platforms that communicate to the USB device over the network.

Target applications include USB TV tuners, USB cameras and video equipment, USB multifunction printers, scanners, printers, bar code/RFID scanners and more. The SX-Virtual Link SDK for iOS is available immediately and includes installation instructions, API specification and documentation, library code files and sample applications for programming reference.

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10 Oct 2011
Murata Machinery • Muratec • Wireless Module

Silex Technology Agrees to Murata Machinery Tender Offer for Common Stocks

Silex operations will continue without interruption yet gain Murata Machinery Ltd. (Muratec) stable financial support, which will allow Silex to execute on key themes of wireless, cloud computing, Silex Virtual USB and AV network

SANTA ANA, Calif., Oct. 10, 2011 – Silex Technology America Inc., a global leader in wired and wireless networking solutions, today confirmed that Silex Technology Inc. [JASDAQ (6679)] announced last week in Japan that Murata Machinery Ltd.’s (Muratec) completed the successful tender offer for its common stock. The successful bid, coupled with subsequent transactions that will allow Muratec to acquire all shares of Silex Technology making Silex a wholly owned subsidiary of Muratec, a private Japanese-held company. Silex’s brand and operations in Japan, Europe and the United States will continue without interruption.

“Muratec’s successful offer for Silex shares occurred after considerable friendly discussions and agreement from both companies,” said David Smith, chief operating officer, Silex Technology and president and chief executive officer, Silex Technology America. “We have been working hard to recover our business since the financial crisis of 2008. With Muratec’s stable financial support, we can execute on our key themes to complete our renewal while maintaining our No. 1 share in the available print server market.”

According to Smith, Silex can expect business cooperation with Muratec. Muratec’s main business is the manufacturing of factory automation equipment, such as textile machinery, logistic automation, machine tools and communications, including multifunction printers and FAX machines. Muratec’s headquarters is in Kyoto, Japan, with sales of ¥170B and a work force of 5,600 people. Muratec is not a public company but a globally recognized organization.

About Silex Technology

Silex Technology America Inc. is a subsidiary of Silex Technology Inc. JASDAQ (6679) a 35-year developer and leading network technology company specializing in network and wireless technology, providing hardware, software, embedded modules and turnkey connectivity products. Silex Technology has regional offices for sales, marketing and development in Japan, United States and Germany. Silex Technology is integrated vertically to support customers from design to production, maintaining the highest quality standards. For more information, please visit www.silexamerica.com.

About Murata Machinery Ltd.

Murata Machinery Ltd. is a manufacturer of products that strive to create a better environment through easier man/machine interfaces. The products are provided by four different divisions focusing on their specific markets: Machine Tools Division, Logistics & Automation Division, Textile Machinery Division, and Communication Equipment Division. The multinational corporation’s headquarters are in Kyoto, Japan. Visit http://www.muratec.net for more information.

For media inquiries, contact: Cara Stewart, 949-290-5563, cara@remarxmedia.com.

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08 Sep 2011
AR6003 • Green Hills

Green Hills Software Adds Latest Secure Integrated Wi-Fi Solutions to Platform for Secure Wireless Devices

Support of Qualcomm Atheros Wi-Fi Radios and Security Supplicant Solutions from Silex Technology America Inc.

BOSTON, MA — September 8, 2011 — Medical Device Connectivity Conference and Exhibition — Green Hills Software, the largest independent vendor of embedded safety- and security-certified software solutions, and Silex Technology America Inc., a global leader in wired and wireless networking solutions, announced today that Silex’s latest Qualcomm Atheros Wi-Fi radio modules and security supplicant software offerings now are integrated and available for Green Hills Software’s INTEGRITY® real-time operating system – the foundation for its Platform for Secure Wireless Devices. These new platform capabilities provide customers a low-risk, low power, rapid time-to-market path via an end-to-end, integrated Wi-Fi reference offering designed with advanced security in mind.

“The critical nature of the information stored on end devices is growing and consumers require advanced security to feel safe about storing credit card, bank account and password information along with other sensitive personal information,” said Dan Mender, vice president business development, Green Hills Software. “By providing a proven, secure and reliable Wi-Fi solution with our Platform for Secure Wireless Devices in combination with its optional FIPS-140-2 embedded cryptographic toolkit, customers can now develop industry leading Wi-Fi-enabled products with tamper-proof security, Wi-Fi compliance and certification.”

“We are pleased to have the largest independent embedded software provider offer our latest Wi-Fi products in conjunction with our Qualcomm Atheros Authorized Design Center-based services,” said Keith Sugawara, vice president, business development, Silex Technology America. “With the exponential growth of internet-connected devices and the unavoidable escalation of cyber crime, the use of our Wi-Fi products in combination with the proven security and reliability of the INTEGRITY operating system architecture is fundamental for combating unintended as well as intentional attacks targeting these devices.”

About the Platform for Secure Wireless Devices
The Green Hills Platform for Secure Wireless Devices is built on the industry’s most secure and reliable separation kernel, INTEGRITY, delivering customers a device foundation that is spoof-proof, hack-proof and crash-proof. It solves the most critical aspects of developing secure wireless products on time and under budget.

The Green Hills Platform for Secure Wireless Devices consists of the following components:

  • Authentication Supplicant Support
    • Full IEEE 802.11 and Wi-Fi Alliance standards support
    • Comprehensive WLAN client security features
    • Enterprise and personal mode security with WPA/WPA2
    • Dynamic WEP (64/128/152-bit)
    • Supports the full range of 802.1X Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) types
    • Supports 802.1X authentication
    • Wi-Fi WPA2-Personal and WPA2-Enterprise certifiable
    • Designed to interoperate with standards-compliant RADIUS servers
  • Updated Wireless Reference Platform
    • INTEGRITY RTOS
    • GHNet™ v2 TCP/IP stack
    • Green Hills SSL/TLS
    • Optional FIPS140-2 Cryptographic Toolkit
    • OpenSSL: Open Source toolkit for SSL/TLS
    • Qualcomm Atheros AR6K device driver
    • Silex Wireless Security Supplicant
    • LogicPD Zoom™ AM3517 eXperimenter Kit*
    • Qualcomm Atheros AR6002/3 radio modules by Silex Technology*
    • Hardware purchased separately, directly from manufacturer

Availability
The security supplicant is available today. The updated Wireless Devices Reference Platform is targeted for availability in Q4 2011. Qualcomm Atheros wireless chipset support may be subject to change prior to reference platform release.

About Green Hills Software
Founded in 1982, Green Hills Software is the largest independent vendor of embedded development solutions. In 2008, the Green Hills INTEGRITY-178B RTOS was the first and only operating system to be certified by NIAP (National Information Assurance Partnership comprised of NSA & NIST) to EAL6+, High Robustness, the highest level of security ever achieved for any software product. Our open architecture integrated development solutions address deeply embedded, absolute security and high-reliability applications for the military/avionics, medical, industrial, automotive, networking, consumer and other markets that demand industry-certified solutions. Green Hills Software is headquartered in Santa Barbara, CA, with European headquarters in the United Kingdom. Visit Green Hills Software at www.ghs.com.

About Silex Technology
Silex Technology America Inc. is a subsidiary of Silex Technology Inc. JASDAQ (6679) a 35-year developer and leading network technology company specializing in network and wireless technology, providing hardware, software, embedded modules and turnkey connectivity products. Silex Technology has regional offices for sales, marketing and development in Japan, United States and Germany. Silex Technology is integrated vertically to support customers from design to production maintaining the highest quality standards. For more information, please visit www.silexamerica.com.

Green Hills, the Green Hills logo, INTEGRITY and GHNet are trademarks or registered trademarks of Green Hills Software in the U.S. and/or internationally. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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31 Aug 2011
AR6003 • Product Introduction • Wireless Module

Silex Technology America introduces 802.11b/g/n, low-power solutions based on Qualcomm Atheros AR6003

SANTA ANA, Calif., Aug. 31, 2011 – Silex Technology America Inc., a global leader in wired and wireless networking solutions, today announced the SX-SDPGN System-in-Package (SiP) and the SX-SDMGN wireless radio module.

Silex Technology based the SX-SDPGN on Qualcomm Atheros’ third-generation SDIO WLAN technology, featuring 802.11n for mobile electronic devices. This product is ideal for devices requiring performance enhancements over existing 802.11g radios at comparable price points. With its small footprint — only 8.3 x 9.2 mm — the SX-SDPGN enables design flexibility at the lowest cost.

“Silex Technology America is uniquely qualified to enable device manufacturers to integrate Qualcomm Atheros AR6003 technology into their products,” said Keith Sugawara, vice president, business development, Silex Technology America. “Silex Technology America can help shorten the time to market with our new products and our engineering design services. Plus, as a Qualcomm Atheros Authorized Design Center (ADC), Silex Technology America can provide the driver and security supplicant to provide a one-vendor total solution.”

The SX-SDPGN features:

  • Lowest-cost WLAN implementation in the industry
  • Single-stream 802.11n for fast downloads, longer range and low power consumption
  • Highest level of on-chip integration using CMOS technology
  • Radio/MAC/baseband
  • Patented Qualcomm Atheros Efficient Power Amplifier (EPA™) for high transmitter output power
  • Enhanced Wi-Fi/Bluetooth cooperation

The SX-SDMGN wireless radio module integrates the SX-SDPGN SiP to offer the following benefits:

  • Highest product quality (design and production validation). Silex Technology significantly reduces RF-related design integration and tests its design to perform to IEEE standards. In addition, Silex Technology tests each module individually to ensure that each of its products will perform to the published specification.
  • FCC/Telec Modular certification. Silex Technology eliminates the need for re-testing radio intentional radiation for obtaining regulatory approvals.
  • Upgrade path. Silex Technology will be announcing dual-band solutions that are pin-compatible with the SX-SDMGN, providing a seamless upgrade path. In addition, customers also will be able to migrate to next-generation Silex Technology modules that incorporate the next-generation AR6004 dual-band, two- stream 802.11n solution.

The SX-SDPGN and SX-SDMGN samples now are available for evaluation. Silex Technology also provides an evaluation kit (part number SX-6K3-EVK-SB), which includes a sample radio driver and tools to test basic wireless functionality, throughput and RF characteristics.


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30 Aug 2011
Welcome

Welcome to the Silex Technology Blog

Welcome to the Silex Technology Blog. We plan to post regularly on topics regarding wired and wireless network connectivity technology and solutions. Be sure to check regularly or add us to your RSS feed.

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