Product News Optoelectronics

IrSimple – quick and easy near-field data transmission

Infrared interfaces for Sharp IrSimple accelerate near-field transmission of current user files eight times faster than other models

Electronica, 14 – 17 November 2006 – Whether transferring photos from mobile phones or from digital cameras onto a laptop or TV or sending them to a printer, the new infrared interfaces for IrSimple from Sharp (Hall A3, Stand 424) make everything possible. In terms of rapid near-field data transmission, the crucial factor is not so much the transmission rate of the components used but the complexity of the transmission protocol that data must pass through. For many applications, such as the transfer of a simple photo to another device, complex security mechanisms within these protocols that are often complicated to handle are simply unnecessary. Infrared-based data communication, however, is not susceptible to risks such as hacking that are a recognised problem for IP- or RF-based data transmission. As data transfer via infrared interface requires line-of-sight between transmitter and receiver and usually takes place over a manageable distance of a few centimetres up to one / two metres, any interruption of transmission will be noticed.

IrSimple reduces the traditional IrDA protocol to three basic steps: establishing the connection, transmitting the data and terminating the connection, where each operation is carried out in one step without having to pass through LAP, LMP and OBEX connection protocols. Transmitter protocol exchange is either uni- or bi-directional with return confirmation from the receiver for each individual step.

Thanks to the simplified protocol, it takes only 0.5 seconds to transfer one megabyte via a Sharp IrDA interface for IrSimple. By comparison: sending the same data volume via a normal IrDA interface takes around 5.4 seconds, while transmission via BlueTooth can take more than 30 seconds. Even so-called 'high-speed near-field systems' such as 802.11b, where pure data transmission runs at up to 11 Mbps, require 4.4 seconds to complete the transfer of 1 MB. Compared with the average for all wireless transmission standards, data transfer with IrSimple is around 8 times faster.

Other advantages of Sharp IrDA interfaces for IrSimple which are particularly relevant to mobile applications are their moderate power consumption, at approx, 200 mW, and low form factor. Measuring only 1.82 millimetres, Sharp is offering the smallest IrDA interfaces on the market, which can easily be integrated even in the new generation of mobile phones with very flat designs. Furthermore, these interfaces are fully backwards-compatible with traditional IrDA protocol and even relatively simple microcontrollers can cope with the system, thanks to the slim software architecture of the new transmission standard. This means that the target applications for IrSimple are not just mobile phones and laptops, but also include the new generation of flat-screen televisions that can display both films and family pictures, as well as photo printers, presentation devices, computers and digital cameras, to name but a few. In order to support manufacturers in the design of the new products, Sharp offers IrSimple as a complete system solution with complementary components. Besides various front-end devices with a transmission range of up to 100cm these components include IrSimple software and the corresponding controller.

IrSimple System Solution

• IrSimple Decoder: IC LR388B3
• IrSimple Software: Implemented
• IrSimple Front-End Devices

Availability:

Engineering samples of IrSimple technology are available now via Sharp Microelectronics Europe and the European distributor network. Series production is scheduled for the end of 2006.

You are welcomed to visit us at the electronica hall A3, stand 424

About Sharp Microelectronics Europe
Sharp Microelectronics Europe, Hamburg, Germany, is a divisional company of Sharp Electronics (Europe) GmbH, which is a subsidiary of Sharp Corporation, Osaka, Japan. Sharp is a worldwide developer of core digital technologies that are playing an integral role in shaping the next generation of electronic products for consumer and business needs. Sharp Microelectronics Europe offers groundbreaking solutions in the areas of memory products, LCD, Opto Components, CCD, RF/IR, microcomputer and system-on-chip components, along with packaging and integration skills that help design engineers throughout Europe to bring their ambitious ideas to market. Sharp Microelectronics Europe is dedicated to improving people’s lives through the use of advanced technology and a commitment to innovation, quality, value and design.
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responsible:
Sharp Microelectronics Europe         
Ralf Schäfer
Sonninstraße 3                       
20097 Hamburg                     
Phone: +49 (040)/2376-2487
Fax: +49 (0)40/2376-15-2487
E-mail: ralf.schaefer@seeg.sharp-eu.com