Cypress upgrades wireless solution for 2.4GHz

Cypress Semiconductor Corp. has introduced an upgraded version of its wireless protocol that enables flawless operation in the 2.4GHz spectrum.

The new version of the AgileHID wireless protocol is specifically designed to overcome interference from emerging 802.11n networks, which, along with cordless phones, microwaves and other devices in the 2.4GHz band, can severely hamper the performance of wireless peripherals.

It also further reduces the power consumption of Cypress's 2.4-GHz WirelessUSB LP and PRoC LP Programmable Radio-on-a-Chip wireless solutions, extending battery life in various wireless applications such as PC peripherals, remote controls, toys, medical instruments and industrial appliances. The new protocol is currently available in the CY4672 PRoC LP Reference Design Kit (RDK).

The AgileHID protocol accomplishes interference immunity and power saving by enabling two unique features of Cypress's 2.4GHz radio devices: dynamic Data Rate (DR) and dynamic Power Amplification (PA). Dynamic DR delivers uninterrupted data transfer despite interference from 802.11n networks. Dynamic DR works by enabling the radios at both the transmitting and receiving ends to dynamically switch modes to adapt to the interference level of the environment—bouncing from Cypress's patented, frequency-agile Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology to a Gaussian Frequency Shift Keying (GFSK) mode. The DSSS mode transmits at 250 Kbps with enhanced robustness and extended range, while the GFSK mode transmits data at 1 Mbps and saves battery power. Dynamic PA works by automatically adjusting the PA setting of the radios to adapt to the range required for reliable communication, significantly preserving battery life.

"We based our WirelessUSB and PRoC technology on the ability to deliver uninterrupted performance in a crowded 2.4GHz environment, and the new features of our protocol extend our leadership in this area," said Matt Branda, senior product marketing manager of Cypress wireless solutions. "With wireless mice, keyboards, remote controls and other applications already coping with many sources of interference, the dawn of 802.11n networks poses the most severe test yet for these products. With Cypress's new wireless protocol, our PRoC LP and WirelessUSB LP customers will be uniquely prepared for this challenge"

The CY4672 PRoC LP RDK includes a wireless mouse, a wireless keyboard and a small form-factor bridge. To further streamline the development process, it also offers kit documentation, hardware schematics, BOMs, development tools and flexible firmware for customization. Manufacturers can easily copy the reference designs exactly, and only need to add enclosures to produce ready-to-ship devices. In addition, the PRoC LP RDK features firmware and hardware support for Microsoft Windows HotStart (Direct Application Launch), a new feature in Vista for launching applications directly from system startup through button presses from input devices.