Agreement Helps Drive Industry Adoption of Certified Wireless USB Standards
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- NEC Electronics America,
Inc., today announced that its Certified Wireless USB device wire adapter
(DWA) chip, the uPD720180, has been integrated into a Wireless USB Hub and
Adapter Kit (GUWH104KIT) from IOGEAR, Inc., a leading connectivity
manufacturer. One of the first products to achieve certification from the
USB Implementers Forum, Inc. (USB-IF), NEC Electronics' DWA chip makes it
easy and economical for designers to implement the relay of signals between
wired USB peripherals and computers or consumer electronics products based
on Certified Wireless USB technology. The uPD720180 DWA chip provides a
wireless hub function that allows users to connect wirelessly up to 127 USB
2.0 devices to the host computer, enabling easy configuration for different
user requirements.
The Wireless USB Hub and Adapter Kit from IOGEAR
(http://www.iogear.com) enables residential and small office/home office
(SOHO) users to wirelessly transfer files and data at speeds up to 480
megabits per second (Mbps). The hub has four USB 2.0 ports and can
associate with up to three different laptop or desktop computers through
Wireless USB adapters. It also can connect to wired USB devices such as
printers, scanners, MP3 players and external hard drives. The adapter plugs
into a computer and wirelessly communicates with the hub, which users can
place up to 30 feet away.
"Certified products such as our new Hub and Adapter Kit are critical
for Wireless USB to achieve the mainstream adoption levels seen with wired
USB. To do so, finding the right partner to help develop and build our
product base is paramount," said Sampson Yang, CEO of IOGEAR, Inc. "We are
impressed with NEC Electronics America's level of product quality and
customer support and look forward to working with them to further expand
the Certified Wireless USB base."
The uPD720180 DWA chip also functions as a wired hub, which provides
stable bandwidth through a USB 2.0 cable. This dual capability allows users
to set and switch connectivity options to best fit their needs, whether at
home or on the go. The chip also features an automatic connection function
that "wakes up" the hub at established intervals to search and connect
automatically when associated hosts are found. Previous Wireless USB hubs
required a connection button or switch for this purpose.
"NEC Electronics' uPD720180 DWA chip offers several unique and
versatile functions such as automatic connection, automatic switching
between wireless and wired hub connections, and easy connection to multiple
hosts, which enable greater flexibility for devices such as IOGEAR's
Wireless USB hub," said Kats Nakazawa, general manager, digital consumer
and connectivity strategic business unit, NEC Electronics America. "By
collaborating with industry leaders such as IOGEAR, NEC Electronics America
continues to provide consumers with advanced technologies and reliable,
compatible products that support an on-the-go lifestyle,"
NEC Electronics America will exhibit the uPD720180 DWA chip in the
Certified Wireless USB Community, booth number 925, at the Intel Developer
Forum, September 18-20, at Moscone Center West in San Francisco.
Capabilities of Certified Wireless USB
Certified Wireless USB technology, developed by the USB-IF, is an
extension to the current USB 2.0 standard that has been hailed as the
next-generation interface for computers and multimedia consumer
electronics. Certified Wireless USB technology delivers data transfer rates
up to 480 Mbps, comparable to wired USB 2.0 connections, with a maximum
wireless communication range of up to 10 meters. Unwiring the cable
connection frees users from having to make cumbersome and unsightly wired
connections to enjoy high-speed data access and allows users to connect
their devices freely wherever they want to use them. Certified Wireless USB
technology will make it possible to expand the range of applications for
computers and digital entertainment devices and encourage the discovery of
new ways to enjoy digital media. NEC Electronics has played a central role
in making the current USB 2.0 standard one of the most successful
interfaces in the history of personal computing. Along with Intel
Corporation and other industry leaders, NEC Electronics is a core member of
the USB-IF, which developed and supports the USB specification. Since
launching volume production of USB 2.0 devices in 2000, NEC Electronics has
shipped an industry-leading 100 million units.
More information about NEC Electronics' Certified Wireless USB products
can be found at http://www.necel.com/cwusb/en/index.html.
Pricing and Availability
NEC Electronics America's uPD720180 DWA chip is available now. IOGEAR's
Wireless USB Hub and Adapter Kit is priced at $199.95 (MSRP) and is
available immediately from all major catalog and online resellers, as well
as selected retail outlets. The kit comes with a three-year warranty.
(Pricing and availability are subject to change.)
About NEC Electronics America, Inc.
NEC Electronics America, Inc., headquartered in Santa Clara,
California, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NEC Electronics Corporation
(TSE: 6723), a leading provider of semiconductor products encompassing
advanced technology solutions for the broadband and communications markets;
system solutions for the mobile, PC, automotive and digital consumer
markets; and multi-market solutions for a wide range of consumer
applications. NEC Electronics America offers local manufacturing in
Roseville, California, and the global manufacturing capabilities of its
parent company. In the Americas, NEC Electronics America markets and sells
industrial-type active-matrix LCDs from NEC LCD Technologies, Ltd., a
global leader in innovative display technologies. More information about
the products offered by NEC Electronics America can be found at
http://www.am.necel.com.
NEC Electronics is either a registered trademark or trademark of NEC
Electronics Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. IOGEAR
and the IOGEAR logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of IOGEAR. All
other registered trademarks or trademarks are property of their respective
owners.
SOURCE NEC Electronics America, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.necel.com
http://www.iogear.com
CONTACT:
Press, Denise Garibaldi of NEC Electronics
America, Inc., +1-408-588-6620, denise.garibaldi@am.necel.com; or
Shannon Jamison of Porter Novelli, +1-415-975-2204,
shannon.jamison@porternovelli.com
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