Ultra-Wideband: Frequently Asked Questions
What is UWB technology?
UWB is a wireless radio technology originally developed for secure military communications and radar that is now declassified. In the future, UWB will be ideally suited for transmitting data between consumer electronics (CE), PC peripherals, and mobile devices within short range at very high speeds while consuming little power. UWB technology has the capacity to handle the very high bandwidths required to transport multiple audio and video streams. This new technology operates at a level that most systems interpret as noise and, as a result, does not cause interference to other radios such as cell phones, cordless phones, or broadcast television sets.
What applications will benefit from UWB?
There are three overlapping target segments that could benefit from short-range wireless connections enabled by UWB: PC and peripheral devices, mobile devices, and consumer electronics. Many devices in each of these three segments frequently communicate significant amounts of data over very short distances with other complementary devices, usually by means of an interconnect cable. For example, a digital still camera, with a large storage capacity, typically requires a high-speed serial connection to the PC to transfer images. At the time of transfer, the distance between the PC and the camera is typically a few meters at most. UWB allows us to create a wireless link by enabling the necessary data rates in a radio suitable for cost-sensitive, battery-powered mobile devices, like a camera or PDA. Similar examples are smart phones, home entertainment centers, printers, handheld computers, camcorders, video projectors, and MP3 players. By eliminating the need for a physical cable connection, a new level of user convenience and mobility is provided.
Will UWB replace other device connection technologies, like Bluetooth*, USB*, and 1394?
No. Intel’s intention is to create a UWB radio that allows for the migration of Bluetooth, USB, and 1394 protocols in such a manner that a single radio can support each of these protocols.
What kind of products do you expect to emerge in the 2005 timeframe?
We believe that early mainstream market deployments will likely include high-end peripherals, PC add-on adapters, and high-end CE equipment. Particular emphasis can be expected from portable battery-powered devices that are frequently mobile within and outside the home and office setting. As volume economics drive the cost of UWB radio components lower, Intel expects UWB-enabled devices to become increasingly ubiquitous, with penetration into lower-priced devices such as digital cameras and MP3 players.
How will UWB affect already existing radio technologies like 802.11?
UWB is a short-range, low-power technology that can support very high data rates for personal connectivity. As such, its function within a home or office environment is complementary to 802.11 WLAN which is best suited for long-range networking and Ethernet cable replacement. This synergy between WPAN and WLAN allows host connectivity with a plurality of portable peripherals while freeing bandwidth from the WLAN to support robust network connectivity between multiple PCs and intelligent hub devices within the home or office space.
How is UWB different from 802.11?
Regarding coexistence between UWB and 802.11, while the UWB spectrum allocation overlays existing usages, its allowed power level of -41 dBm/MHz is low enough to allow for negligible interference. Additional provisions unique to the MB-OFDM modulation scheme allow for even greater ability to reduce possibilities for other radio interference issues.
Will UWB replace Bluetooth?
No. Bluetooth is a complete, end-to-end communication standard. UWB, as a radio technology, can be used as a piece of an overall communication standard. Bluetooth defines how data is managed, formatted, and physically carried over a wireless personal area network (WPAN). Ultra-wideband is a specific type of RF signal that can be used to carry data between devices. It’s not a complete communication standard. Current FCC regulations enable UWB signals capable of carrying very high data rates over a short range. This makes it attractive as a carrier or Phy layer for a WPAN.
What is happening to enable global regulations?
Intel representatives worldwide are working with local organizations and governing bodies to help define UWB regulations for commercial applications. In Europe, Intel Germany is working with ETSI (European Telecommunications Standardization Institute) Task Group 31 to look at UWB requirements for EU countries. In Japan, Intel is cooperating with several major CE and ARIB (Association of Radio Industries and Businesses) companies to define Japan’s UWB regulations. Intel is working with China’s Ministry of Science and Technology to understand regulatory changes needed to support future generation wireless technologies. In the U.S., Intel R&D is coordinating corporate efforts worldwide to drive for consistent technical requirements across political boundaries.
All information provided related to future Intel® products and plans is preliminary and subject to change at any time, without notice.
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