As the communications market scenario rapidly changes with the deployment of new generation systems, wireless communications is fast gaining ground. Stemming from a need for a space-effective and easy-to-use wireless solution, ultra-wideband (UWB) allows for superior performances without compromising on quality. With the inadequacy of existing wireless technologies such as Bluetooth 2.0 and Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), in terms of power consumption efficiency, data rates, quality and security, UWB enables end users instantaneous access to a broad spectrum of information. This multi-faceted technology is being employed in a wide cross section of applications ranging from military, civilian, and commercial sectors.
A major driver for UWB is its ability to attain high-data rate, mandatory and invaluable for devices with amplified memory storage capacity, elaborates Frost & Sullivan research analyst Venkat Malleypula. Another factor propelling growth is that UWB is ideal for devices and applications that are power consumption conscious such as battery-powered operations or have a limited access to continuous power supply.
The sudden influx of hand-held devices such as mp3 players, digital cameras, camcorders, mobile phones, and personal digital assistants (PDAs) is boosting growth in the UWB sector. UWB’s affinity for minimal power consumption, speedy connectivity, and wireless ability propel its deployment in the hand-held devices sector. However, UWB is impacting other areas on a large scale, ranging from healthcare, automotive, to home networking, and multimedia communications.
Several companies are developing technologies based on UWB to specifically address the needs of various applications such as precision geo-positioning systems, collision and obstacle avoidance radars, intelligent transportation systems, asset tracking, medical imaging, and wireless communications, explains Malleypula. This technology is also breaking new ground in the short-range wireless communications and multiple streams segment, including applications based on PCs, High Definition Television (HDTV), and consumer electronics