MARLBORO, USA: octoScope Inc., a wireless solutions and services company, announced its wireless testing product, octoBox.
octoBox revolutionizes the way multi-radio devices such as smartphones and USB dongles are designed, tested and verified. It offers accurate OTA testing of conventional and MIMO wireless devices in a customizable refrigerator sized anechoic (non-echoing) enclosure that replaces expensive walk-in anechoic chambers and facilitates test setup.
Offering repeatable and accurate test and validation methodology, octoBox cuts development and production costs for multi-mode wireless devices and speeds up time to market by several months.
“Our goal in launching octoBox is to enable OEMs to efficiently test smartphones and other such wireless devices fully assembled with their antennas,” said Fanny Mlinarsky, president of octoScope. “Our engineers have miniaturized a typical OTA test setup into a compact self-contained solution. octoBox provides stable and controlled measurements that reduce development and test time while increasing test coverage and product reliability. For fast production, octoBox supports simultaneous testing of up to eight small devices, such as smartphones, and simultaneous testing of multiple radios in a single device.”
“High-function test equipment that keeps pace with the requirements of the rapidly-evolving wireless landscape is essential,” said Craig Mathias, a Principal with the wireless and mobile advisory firm Farpoint Group. “octoScope is meeting this challenge with a compact and cost-effective solution to the OTA testing of contemporary MIMO-based products. The octoBox is an exciting development that promises more reliable and robust products developed and brought to market faster than ever before possible.”
As the world becomes more connected, multiple radios (2G/3G, LTE, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS) are incorporated into a variety of products. Devices such as smartphones and pads with multiple integrated antennas require rigorous OTA testing. octoBox enables OTA testing with the accuracy and repeatability of conducted testing.
Existing solutions are either too small to accommodate far-field conditions that make OTA testing accurate or too large, rendering them impractical for production and burdensome for R&D. The octoBox test platform offers OTA test stability and repeatability in an optimum form factor that fits easily in a production lab or an engineer’s office. A single octoBox enables simultaneous parallel testing of eight or more fully assembled smartphones through their antennas in an area no larger than a typical desk.
With the advent of LTE, multimode wireless devices (smartphones, USB dongles, CPEs) have become increasingly complex especially when it comes to the number of supported standards (4G/3G/2G Broadband, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS) and associated frequencies, which need to be tested, verified and validated.
octoBox enables seamless RF technology validation during development cycles and production in a compact, customizable form factor and provides stable far-field conditions with advantages for OTA measurement accuracy, sensitivity and repeatability. Its dual-chamber architecture, allows test instrumentation and the DUT to reside in the same enclosure, as a complete self-contained test station isolated from the interference of neighboring stations.
In addition to measuring a DUT’s 3D antenna pattern, octoBox can integrate test equipment, including a MIMO channel emulator, interference generators, RF sensors, data monitors and other instruments. It supports a wide frequency range from 700 MHz to 6 GHz and can be used for testing multi-radio smartphones, with radios that include cellular, 3G/4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS, all operating in different regions of the spectrum.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Mobile money payment is expanding by more than 38 percent
PADERBORN, GERMANY: A recent study from leading analysts predicts a worldwide growth of mobile payment users. An overall increase of 38.2 percent from 2010 will lead to surpassing 141.1 million users.
Due to this trend, money transfers and prepaid top-ups will drive transaction volumes, especially in developing markets where most of the population is unbanked. Orga Systems, #1 choice for real-time charging and billing, has designed a secure and scalable solution enabling telecom operators and financial institutions to offer advanced mobile financial and payment services in real-time.
Adapting strategies to local market requirements
Developing markets have favorable conditions for mobile payments; high penetration of mobile devices and low banking penetration are typical. Yet the growth projections in those markets are not as strong as anticipated, despite beneficial conditions for mobile payment. The key to guarantee long-term success is that service providers need to adapt their strategies to local market requirements.
Investing into real-time based mobile money solutions including extensive functionality makes operators overcome these challenges and enables them to offer an inexpensive but extensive distribution network as well as attaining skills to offer financial services. Orga Systems’ Mobile Money System (MMS) provides comprehensive functionality for the successful day-to-day management of a large-scaled mobile money distribution network.
Boosting customer retention and revenue growth
As mobile money services offer the most convenient alternative to existing traditional payment systems worldwide, this is an innovative revenue stream for Mobile Network Operators. In developing markets, mobile phones represent a cost-effective solution for mobile money transfer.
Enhancing this aspect is the way for payment services to bridge the gap for unbanked users to access financial services. Orga Systems’ MMS ensures simple usage, security and availability, while boosting customer retention and revenue growth. As money transfers and prepaid top-ups will drive transaction volumes, the MMS provides the ability to make diversified transactions while integrating with the same platform an operator is working with.
Due to this trend, money transfers and prepaid top-ups will drive transaction volumes, especially in developing markets where most of the population is unbanked. Orga Systems, #1 choice for real-time charging and billing, has designed a secure and scalable solution enabling telecom operators and financial institutions to offer advanced mobile financial and payment services in real-time.
Adapting strategies to local market requirements
Developing markets have favorable conditions for mobile payments; high penetration of mobile devices and low banking penetration are typical. Yet the growth projections in those markets are not as strong as anticipated, despite beneficial conditions for mobile payment. The key to guarantee long-term success is that service providers need to adapt their strategies to local market requirements.
Investing into real-time based mobile money solutions including extensive functionality makes operators overcome these challenges and enables them to offer an inexpensive but extensive distribution network as well as attaining skills to offer financial services. Orga Systems’ Mobile Money System (MMS) provides comprehensive functionality for the successful day-to-day management of a large-scaled mobile money distribution network.
Boosting customer retention and revenue growth
As mobile money services offer the most convenient alternative to existing traditional payment systems worldwide, this is an innovative revenue stream for Mobile Network Operators. In developing markets, mobile phones represent a cost-effective solution for mobile money transfer.
Enhancing this aspect is the way for payment services to bridge the gap for unbanked users to access financial services. Orga Systems’ MMS ensures simple usage, security and availability, while boosting customer retention and revenue growth. As money transfers and prepaid top-ups will drive transaction volumes, the MMS provides the ability to make diversified transactions while integrating with the same platform an operator is working with.
Fleet management and trailer tracking system shipments to reach 6.4 million by 2016, but consolidation urgently needed
LONDON, UK: At a CAGR of 27 percent, commercial telematics systems shipments are set for solid growth. However, the fleet management industry continues to be haunted by structural problems: extreme levels of fragmentation with too many “me too” and “dots-on-a-map” providers and proprietary solutions littering the landscape.
ABI Research telematics and navigation group director Dominique Bonte comments: “The commercial telematics industry faces aggressive consolidation which should ultimately result in the reduction of the hundreds of vendors into at most ten major global players. This process is already well underway with recent mergers and acquisitions including Masternaut and Cybit, Trimble and Punch Telematics, and – most recently - Trimble and PeopleNet.”
The following vendors are emerging as true global players:
- Qualcomm
- TomTom Business Solutions
- Mix Telematics
- Daimler Trucks
- Volvo Trucks
- Digicore/Ctrack
- Trimble
However, consolidation is only effective when tight technical and commercial integration is achieved, a process which can take years. Also required are the adoption of open software approaches, scalable Software as a Service (SaaS)-based platforms, telematics standards, and new business models, as well as the embrace of convergence and a far-reaching willingness to cooperate across the whole value chain in the form of partnerships.
ABI Research telematics and navigation group director Dominique Bonte comments: “The commercial telematics industry faces aggressive consolidation which should ultimately result in the reduction of the hundreds of vendors into at most ten major global players. This process is already well underway with recent mergers and acquisitions including Masternaut and Cybit, Trimble and Punch Telematics, and – most recently - Trimble and PeopleNet.”
The following vendors are emerging as true global players:
- Qualcomm
- TomTom Business Solutions
- Mix Telematics
- Daimler Trucks
- Volvo Trucks
- Digicore/Ctrack
- Trimble
However, consolidation is only effective when tight technical and commercial integration is achieved, a process which can take years. Also required are the adoption of open software approaches, scalable Software as a Service (SaaS)-based platforms, telematics standards, and new business models, as well as the embrace of convergence and a far-reaching willingness to cooperate across the whole value chain in the form of partnerships.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Orca Systems launches DRBT
POWAY, USA: Orca Systems Inc., a wireless technology licensing company, has launched the DRBT, a dual mode Bluetooth RF plus modem IP core, providing customers with revolutionary reductions in silicon area, low power and exceptional radio performance.
With the launch of DRBT, Orca has achieved the industry’s smallest dual mode Bluetooth RF and modem IP core, leveraging its revolutionary DSP-RF platform. At less than 1.3 square millimeters of area for the RF transceiver and less than 1.4 square millimeters of area for the Bluetooth modem in 90nm CMOS, the remarkably small size of the DRBT core makes it ideally suited for System-on-Chip (SoC) integration. Additionally, DRBT scales as process geometry shrinks enabling integration at any CMOS process node and providing a simple cost reduction roadmap.
The proliferation of Bluetooth continues to grow through its adoption into a broad array of consumer electronics as well as the deployment of Bluetooth v4.0 low energy. New dual-mode devices will support both Bluetooth v4.0 and Classic Bluetooth technology, enabling emerging low energy applications while maintaining compatibility with today's Bluetooth devices.
“We are seeing strong demand for a silicon efficient Bluetooth RF and modem solution. With the establishment of our IP core, we are equipped to enable groundbreaking SoC designs for our customers,” said Guruswami Sridharan, founder and CEO of Orca Systems. “DRBT provides customers with tremendous flexibility to create competitive SoCs, including the selection of CMOS process node and flexibility in the layout enabled by its ultra small silicon footprint.”
DRBT includes the RF and modem functions for a dual mode Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR and Bluetooth v4.0 low energy standards. In addition to its small silicon footprint, DRBT features include:
* Orca’s DSP-RF based sampling receiver.
* Orca’s SelfAlign polar transmitter.
* Channel codec functions.
* Orca’s DSP-RF based open loop frequency synthesizer.
* Direct wideband modulation.
* Integrated LNA.
* Integrated T/R switch.
* Self contained AGC and AFC.
* Configurable serial or parallel packet interface.
* Selectable reference frequency.
DRBT is available now as a licensable IP core. A 90nm CMOS prototype IC and reference board based on DRBT is available for evaluation to select customers.
With the launch of DRBT, Orca has achieved the industry’s smallest dual mode Bluetooth RF and modem IP core, leveraging its revolutionary DSP-RF platform. At less than 1.3 square millimeters of area for the RF transceiver and less than 1.4 square millimeters of area for the Bluetooth modem in 90nm CMOS, the remarkably small size of the DRBT core makes it ideally suited for System-on-Chip (SoC) integration. Additionally, DRBT scales as process geometry shrinks enabling integration at any CMOS process node and providing a simple cost reduction roadmap.
The proliferation of Bluetooth continues to grow through its adoption into a broad array of consumer electronics as well as the deployment of Bluetooth v4.0 low energy. New dual-mode devices will support both Bluetooth v4.0 and Classic Bluetooth technology, enabling emerging low energy applications while maintaining compatibility with today's Bluetooth devices.
“We are seeing strong demand for a silicon efficient Bluetooth RF and modem solution. With the establishment of our IP core, we are equipped to enable groundbreaking SoC designs for our customers,” said Guruswami Sridharan, founder and CEO of Orca Systems. “DRBT provides customers with tremendous flexibility to create competitive SoCs, including the selection of CMOS process node and flexibility in the layout enabled by its ultra small silicon footprint.”
DRBT includes the RF and modem functions for a dual mode Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR and Bluetooth v4.0 low energy standards. In addition to its small silicon footprint, DRBT features include:
* Orca’s DSP-RF based sampling receiver.
* Orca’s SelfAlign polar transmitter.
* Channel codec functions.
* Orca’s DSP-RF based open loop frequency synthesizer.
* Direct wideband modulation.
* Integrated LNA.
* Integrated T/R switch.
* Self contained AGC and AFC.
* Configurable serial or parallel packet interface.
* Selectable reference frequency.
DRBT is available now as a licensable IP core. A 90nm CMOS prototype IC and reference board based on DRBT is available for evaluation to select customers.
Keys to competition of tablet PC panel - FFS yield for short-term, LTPS development for long-term
TAIWAN: In addition to changing the using habits of electronic products among consumers, the rise of smart phones and tablet PCs also restarted the pursuits of new technology, new process and new investment in the matured panel industry.
As indicated by the research institute WitsView under TrendForce, by taking into consideration the current design trend of mobile device, the control over FFS yield and the devotion to the development of LTPS among panel makers will become the keys for conquering new territories in the market of mobile device panel in the next one or two years.
Due to the popularity of Apple iPad, FFS wide viewing angle has become the most discussed panel technology during this past year. After the confirmed alliance between CPI and PVI, the control over FFS wide viewing angle technology has been in place among global major panel suppliers such as Samsung Electronics, LG Display and CMI (in Apple iPad supply chain), HannStar (active transformation to mid-to-small sized products), and Chinese panel maker BOE.
Eric Chiou, research director of WitsView, thinks that it is indisputable that FFS has become the main stream wide viewing angle technology for mobile device panels. However, as compared to the production yield of over 90 percent for large-sized panel, currently the yield of FFS wide viewing angle panel remains around 60~70 percent. The yield is equivalent to the cost.
In order to make the best out of the advantage of FFS technology, panel makers must try to locate key customers and secure orders, gradually improve production process through stable capacity expansion, and reduce the time needed for yield enhancement such that they can secure the leading position of cost competition as soon as possible. In short, the focus on FFS technology in the industry must be raised to the higher standard of “better yield or not” from the “do we or do we not have the technology” level in the past!
As for maintaining mid-to-long term competitive edges of panel makers, based on WitsView’s observation, the control over low temperature poly-silicon (LTPS) process will be another important indicator. Due to the popularity of high resolution panel of Apple iPhone 4 with the so-called “retina” technology, it has been predicted that new generation of iPad product adopting resolution as high as 260 ppi (pixel per inch) will be introduced as early as Q4 this year. It is expected that non-Apple brands will respond with products with comparable or superior specifications and start a new wave of resolution war.
Facing this climbing demand for high resolution panels, tradition amorphous silicon (A-Si) process may be insufficient. Market demand for LTPS process will grow significantly such that this could be the entry barrier in the future for panel makers to penetrate the market of mid-to-high end tablet PCs.
Chiou has also pointed out that there are two major entry barriers of investment and technology behind LTPS. As for the capital requirement of new investment, undoubtedly it can be a heavy burden for current panel makers with poor profitability. As for the technology, the competitiveness of Japanese panel makers has been fading because they failed to keep up with the pace of capacity expansions.
However, the rise of LTPS process has provided Japanese makers with solid technology foundations (such as Sharp and Hitachi) with a great opportunity to get back to the main stream market. Relatively speaking, this also indicates that in addition to the price and quantity threats from Korean makers, Taiwanese makers must again face the challenges from Japanese makers with technology advantages in the process of fighting for the market of mobile device panels.
Mobile devices have led to rejuvenation effect of the development of panel industry. Yet with the challenges of technology development, process yield, and investment strength, there could be a re-shuffle of competitiveness and market shares among panel makers. WitsView has suggested that, even with existing LTPS mass production capabilities among Taiwanese panel makers, the product size must be enlarged for tablet PC application in order to prepare in advance for the predicted growing demand for high resolution tablet PC panel in 2012.
Source: WitsView, Taiwan.
As indicated by the research institute WitsView under TrendForce, by taking into consideration the current design trend of mobile device, the control over FFS yield and the devotion to the development of LTPS among panel makers will become the keys for conquering new territories in the market of mobile device panel in the next one or two years.
Due to the popularity of Apple iPad, FFS wide viewing angle has become the most discussed panel technology during this past year. After the confirmed alliance between CPI and PVI, the control over FFS wide viewing angle technology has been in place among global major panel suppliers such as Samsung Electronics, LG Display and CMI (in Apple iPad supply chain), HannStar (active transformation to mid-to-small sized products), and Chinese panel maker BOE.
Eric Chiou, research director of WitsView, thinks that it is indisputable that FFS has become the main stream wide viewing angle technology for mobile device panels. However, as compared to the production yield of over 90 percent for large-sized panel, currently the yield of FFS wide viewing angle panel remains around 60~70 percent. The yield is equivalent to the cost.
In order to make the best out of the advantage of FFS technology, panel makers must try to locate key customers and secure orders, gradually improve production process through stable capacity expansion, and reduce the time needed for yield enhancement such that they can secure the leading position of cost competition as soon as possible. In short, the focus on FFS technology in the industry must be raised to the higher standard of “better yield or not” from the “do we or do we not have the technology” level in the past!
As for maintaining mid-to-long term competitive edges of panel makers, based on WitsView’s observation, the control over low temperature poly-silicon (LTPS) process will be another important indicator. Due to the popularity of high resolution panel of Apple iPhone 4 with the so-called “retina” technology, it has been predicted that new generation of iPad product adopting resolution as high as 260 ppi (pixel per inch) will be introduced as early as Q4 this year. It is expected that non-Apple brands will respond with products with comparable or superior specifications and start a new wave of resolution war.
Facing this climbing demand for high resolution panels, tradition amorphous silicon (A-Si) process may be insufficient. Market demand for LTPS process will grow significantly such that this could be the entry barrier in the future for panel makers to penetrate the market of mid-to-high end tablet PCs.
Chiou has also pointed out that there are two major entry barriers of investment and technology behind LTPS. As for the capital requirement of new investment, undoubtedly it can be a heavy burden for current panel makers with poor profitability. As for the technology, the competitiveness of Japanese panel makers has been fading because they failed to keep up with the pace of capacity expansions.
However, the rise of LTPS process has provided Japanese makers with solid technology foundations (such as Sharp and Hitachi) with a great opportunity to get back to the main stream market. Relatively speaking, this also indicates that in addition to the price and quantity threats from Korean makers, Taiwanese makers must again face the challenges from Japanese makers with technology advantages in the process of fighting for the market of mobile device panels.
Mobile devices have led to rejuvenation effect of the development of panel industry. Yet with the challenges of technology development, process yield, and investment strength, there could be a re-shuffle of competitiveness and market shares among panel makers. WitsView has suggested that, even with existing LTPS mass production capabilities among Taiwanese panel makers, the product size must be enlarged for tablet PC application in order to prepare in advance for the predicted growing demand for high resolution tablet PC panel in 2012.
Source: WitsView, Taiwan.
AirTyme announces TORRID 3G
NEW DELHI, INDIA: AirTyme Communications Pvt Ltd has launched the GTX75 TORRID - a stylish 3G HSDPA phone for Indian consumers, carrying the AirTyme brand.
Designed to be of special interest to image-conscious consumers in their teens and twenties, the TORRID features a 2.8-inch QVGA resistive touch screen that slides open to reveal a spacious QWERTY keyboard for easy texting.
“AirTyme is committed to creating the best user experience through the innovative features we bring to the market,” said Gaurav Narang, director of Operations, AirTyme Communications. “We are proud to unveil the TORRID and have priced it competitively to ensure that this feature-rich phone is accessible to larger audiences.”
The fashionable design and excellent quality of the phone combined with its easy-to-use screen icons and keyboard make it a fun device for keeping in touch with friends and family. Loaded with many premium mobile device features, the TORRID comes with a stereo Bluetooth option for a music experience without wires. Other profiles for Bluetooth include A2DP and DUN which allows users to tether the phone as a modem for their computer without cables.
With its excellent speaker quality, the phone can record 3GP video and play music and video in MP3, 3GP and MP4 formats. TORRID’s multimedia features also include a 1.3 megapixel camera, which allow users to capture life’s many moments in 1280 x 960 pixels. TORRID’s support for high speed 3G networks (where coverage is available) ensures reliable and hassle-free internet surfing as pages load within seconds.This pocket friendly phone also offers social media options like Snaptu and, Nimbuzz. It also supports Google Maps.TORRID is available in three striking colors - Green, Orange and Grey - to complement each user’s individual style.
It is priced at Rs. 4,999.
Designed to be of special interest to image-conscious consumers in their teens and twenties, the TORRID features a 2.8-inch QVGA resistive touch screen that slides open to reveal a spacious QWERTY keyboard for easy texting.“AirTyme is committed to creating the best user experience through the innovative features we bring to the market,” said Gaurav Narang, director of Operations, AirTyme Communications. “We are proud to unveil the TORRID and have priced it competitively to ensure that this feature-rich phone is accessible to larger audiences.”
The fashionable design and excellent quality of the phone combined with its easy-to-use screen icons and keyboard make it a fun device for keeping in touch with friends and family. Loaded with many premium mobile device features, the TORRID comes with a stereo Bluetooth option for a music experience without wires. Other profiles for Bluetooth include A2DP and DUN which allows users to tether the phone as a modem for their computer without cables.
With its excellent speaker quality, the phone can record 3GP video and play music and video in MP3, 3GP and MP4 formats. TORRID’s multimedia features also include a 1.3 megapixel camera, which allow users to capture life’s many moments in 1280 x 960 pixels. TORRID’s support for high speed 3G networks (where coverage is available) ensures reliable and hassle-free internet surfing as pages load within seconds.This pocket friendly phone also offers social media options like Snaptu and, Nimbuzz. It also supports Google Maps.TORRID is available in three striking colors - Green, Orange and Grey - to complement each user’s individual style.
It is priced at Rs. 4,999.
Despite smartphone challenge, embedded OEM and aftermarket connected car systems to reach 189 million by 2016
LONDON, UK: The installed base of embedded OEM and Aftermarket connected car systems is expected to grow from 41 million at the end of 2011 to 189 million by 2016.
ABI Research telematics and navigation group director Dominique Bonte comments: “Despite all the hype about hybrid and smartphone-based telematics solutions, embedded connected car systems still have a bright future. On the OEM side, solutions such as GM’s OnStar and Hyundai’s Blue Link offer more reliable safety and security functionality such as emergency calling.
“Similarly, embedded aftermarket systems for insurance telematics, road user charging, or stolen vehicle tracking offer the best performance. Finally, electric vehicles simply require embedded connectivity in order to remotely check battery charging status, which has even prompted Ford to abandon its hybrid approach in the Ford Focus Electric.”
However, car OEMs and Tier One suppliers are still facing multiple challenges in designing cost-effective, upgradeable, and easy-to-use embedded solutions and bringing them to the market rapidly. While vendors such as Continental, Saab, and SAIC Roewe and the GENIVI consortium are pinning their hopes on open source operating systems such as Android and Linux, others such as Toyota are looking to adopt cloud-based systems to achieve cost and scalability advantages.
As the “connected lifestyle” era continues to gain momentum – especially with younger users – automotive OEMs need to develop a solid connected car strategy as an absolute priority in order to retain control over the user experience, safety, and monetization opportunities of next generation vehicles.
ABI Research telematics and navigation group director Dominique Bonte comments: “Despite all the hype about hybrid and smartphone-based telematics solutions, embedded connected car systems still have a bright future. On the OEM side, solutions such as GM’s OnStar and Hyundai’s Blue Link offer more reliable safety and security functionality such as emergency calling.
“Similarly, embedded aftermarket systems for insurance telematics, road user charging, or stolen vehicle tracking offer the best performance. Finally, electric vehicles simply require embedded connectivity in order to remotely check battery charging status, which has even prompted Ford to abandon its hybrid approach in the Ford Focus Electric.”
However, car OEMs and Tier One suppliers are still facing multiple challenges in designing cost-effective, upgradeable, and easy-to-use embedded solutions and bringing them to the market rapidly. While vendors such as Continental, Saab, and SAIC Roewe and the GENIVI consortium are pinning their hopes on open source operating systems such as Android and Linux, others such as Toyota are looking to adopt cloud-based systems to achieve cost and scalability advantages.
As the “connected lifestyle” era continues to gain momentum – especially with younger users – automotive OEMs need to develop a solid connected car strategy as an absolute priority in order to retain control over the user experience, safety, and monetization opportunities of next generation vehicles.
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