Novalog sampling module to support IrDA standard

Electronic News, Dec 8, 1997 by Cynthia Bournellis

COSTA MESA, CALIF.--In support of the new Infrared Mobile Communications standard, version 1.2, developed by the Infrared Data Association, Novalog, Inc. has released engineering samples of its SIRComm SIRtel 115.2 kilobits per second ultra miniature transceiver module for telecommunications products.

The voice communication requirements of the new standard include real-time response, or very low latency, as well as reduced transmit power and a range of 20-30 centimeters. These features are a must for mobile phones.

SIRtel meets the requirements of the new standard, while also supporting existing IrDA applications, said Robert DeCaro, Novalog's VP of engineering and quality assurance. The very small size of SIRtel is also applicable for emerging applications. One consumer electronics OEM is evaluating SIRtel for use in a credit card-sized handheld computer.

Novalog would not reveal the names of systems OEMs interested in SIRtel, but said the company is working with two others who plan to use SIRtel in pagers and mobile telephones. A number of IR-enabled communications products were demonstrated at Comdex last month by companies including Ericsson and Motorola (EN, Nov. 24).

The low-power SIRtel module comes in a surface-mounted package measuring 10.3 millimeters in length, 3.3mm in width and 2.gmm in height. This size is 40 percent smaller than Novalog's MiniSIR2 brand module, according to the company. SIRtel requires approximately 25 milliamps transmit current, 110 microamps operating current, and has a power-down feature that lowers the operating current to less than 0.5 microamps in the power-down state.

SIRtel features a supply voltage range from 2.5-5.5 volts. The device is housed in a metal shield for maximum electromagnetic interference protection. A single-current limiting resistor is the only external component required to integrate SIRtel into a wireless infrared transmission system. The module is available on tape and reel. Unit prices are less than $2 in quantities of 100,000 per year.