Archive for May, 2009

RFaxis, an Irvine, California-based fabless semiconductor company focused on innovative, next-generation RF solutions for the wireless and connectivity markets, today announced that it is readying its first two chips for debut: the RFX2401 and RFX2402.

Launching in conjunction with Computex, the largest computer exhibition in Asia and the second largest in the world, RFaxis’ single-chip, single-die, RFX2401 and RFX2402 are poised to replace conventional larger, multi-die front-end modules. Leveraging BiCMOS technology, RFaxis’ chips are designed to reduce the complexity of wireless designs, lower manufacturing costs via a smaller footprint and reduced bill of materials cost, accelerate time to market, provide superior performance for a competitive advantage, and are ultra low power to offer improved power efficiency over conventional front-end module technologies.

The RFX2401 is the first and only fully integrated, single-chip, single-die Bluetooth/Zigbee RFeIC (RF Front-end Integrated Circuit) on the market. The chip’s architecture integrates the PA, LNA, transmit and receive switching circuitry, the associated matching network, and the harmonic filter all in a BiCMOS single-chip, single-die device. Designed for use in Bluetooth Class-1 and Single-Port Zigbee applications, the RFX2401 combines superior performance, high sensitivity and efficiency, low noise, small form factor, and low cost to form an ideal solution for applications requiring extended range and bandwidth with a potential 10x range increase. With an integrated power detect circuit, the RFX2401 requires only one external power supply capacitor and the desired band-pass filter for the TX-RX port.

Featuring the same leading edge architecture and features as the RFX2401, the RFX 2402 WLAN RFeIC is designed for use in 802.11x and Dual-Port Zigbee applications operating at 2.4GHz. Ideal for single antenna applications and/or the building block for MIMO applications, the RFX2402 also requires the same minimal external components as the RFX2401.

“In the midst of a burgeoning wireless market and at a time when the economic climate demands efficient expenditures, RFaxis was founded with one mission in mind: to create highly integrated semiconductor solutions that will reduce cost while simultaneously boosting performance,” noted Mike Neshat, president and CEO of RFaxis. “We have effectively reduced the complexity of wireless designs, making our breakthrough technology a compelling value proposition to OEMs.”

RFaxis has signed up key distributors in Asia as noted in their recent announcement: RFaxis Enters Into Channel Partnerships With Distributors in Taiwan, China, Japan, and Korea.

The RFX2401 and RFX2402 are now sampling. During Computex, RFaxis will be hosting a hospitality suite at the Grand Hyatt Taipei Hotel. For more information on scheduling an appointment, please go to http://www.rfaxis.com/press/events.php. For more company and product information, please visit www.rfaxis.com.

Harris Stratex Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: HSTX), a leading specialist in backhaul solutions for mobility and broadband networks, today announced EADS Defence and Security (DS), a systems solutions provider for armed forces and civil security worldwide, selected its end-to-end wireless broadband microwave transmission equipment and network service assurance solutions to support deployments of secured communications networks for the defense and security industries. Under the two-year contract, Harris Stratex will supply EADS DS with products and services, including the Eclipse™ radio platform, NetBoss® network management solutions and associated support services.

“Global defense and security organizations are increasingly moving to IP-based networks as an efficient means to seamlessly and securely exchange highly-sensitive information,” said Harald Braun, Harris Stratex president and CEO. “As one of the largest global suppliers of wireless transmission systems and network service assurance solutions, Harris Stratex is excited to supply our end-to-end networking technology and services to EADS DS, which have some of the most stringent technology and security requirements out there.”

Harris Stratex Eclipse technology provides scalable capacity, TDM and IP network intelligence, and key security features required for mission critical networks (for more, visit the product webpage ). The high-capacity Eclipse radios are optimized for networks with flexible, high-bandwidth capabilities. The Eclipse platform, which features a number of TDM wireless transport capabilities, including Super-PDH™ transport and compact nodal networking, will help EADS deploy increasingly stable, secure and future-proof communications networks.

Harris Stratex also will supply its advanced NetBoss XT™ service assurance solutions. The platform features highly-sophisticated management features, such as high-volume event processing and advanced, flexible filtering and correlation, enabling operators to quickly find and focus on service-affecting network issues, determine root causes and isolate trouble spots. For more information on Harris Stratex’ network management technology, please visit the overview webpage .

TAIPEI, TAIWAN–(Marketwire - May 28, 2009) - COMPUTEX — RFaxis, an Irvine, California-based fabless semiconductor company focused on innovative, next-generation RF solutions for the wireless and connectivity markets, today announced that it is readying its first two chips for debut: the RFX2401 and RFX2402.

Launching in conjunction with Computex, the largest computer exhibition in Asia and the second largest in the world, RFaxis’ single-chip, single-die, RFX2401 and RFX2402 are poised to replace conventional larger, multi-die front-end modules. Leveraging BiCMOS technology, RFaxis’ chips are designed to reduce the complexity of wireless designs, lower manufacturing costs via a smaller footprint and reduced bill of materials cost, accelerate time to market, provide superior performance for a competitive advantage, and are ultra low power to offer improved power efficiency over conventional front-end module technologies.

The RFX2401 is the first and only fully integrated, single-chip, single-die Bluetooth/Zigbee RFeIC (RF Front-end Integrated Circuit) on the market. The chip’s architecture integrates the PA, LNA, transmit and receive switching circuitry, the associated matching network, and the harmonic filter all in a BiCMOS single-chip, single-die device. Designed for use in Bluetooth Class-1 and Single-Port Zigbee applications, the RFX2401 combines superior performance, high sensitivity and efficiency, low noise, small form factor, and low cost to form an ideal solution for applications requiring extended range and bandwidth with a potential 10x range increase. With an integrated power detect circuit, the RFX2401 requires only one external power supply capacitor and the desired band-pass filter for the TX-RX port.

Featuring the same leading edge architecture and features as the RFX2401, the RFX 2402 WLAN RFeIC is designed for use in 802.11x and Dual-Port Zigbee applications operating at 2.4GHz. Ideal for single antenna applications and/or the building block for MIMO applications, the RFX2402 also requires the same minimal external components as the RFX2401.

“In the midst of a burgeoning wireless market and at a time when the economic climate demands efficient expenditures, RFaxis was founded with one mission in mind: to create highly integrated semiconductor solutions that will reduce cost while simultaneously boosting performance,” noted Mike Neshat, president and CEO of RFaxis. “We have effectively reduced the complexity of wireless designs, making our breakthrough technology a compelling value proposition to OEMs.”

RFaxis has signed up key distributors in Asia as noted in their recent announcement: RFaxis Enters Into Channel Partnerships With Distributors in Taiwan, China, Japan, and Korea.

The RFX2401 and RFX2402 are now sampling. During Computex, RFaxis will be hosting a hospitality suite at the Grand Hyatt Taipei Hotel. For more information on scheduling an appointment, please go to http://www.rfaxis.com/press/events.php. For more company and product information, please visit www.rfaxis.com.

Daniels Electronics Ltd., a leading supplier of high reliability digital P25 Land Mobile Radio infrastructure equipment, and Icom America, an industry leader of state-of-the-art digital communications equipment for land, marine, ham (amateur) and avionics use, today jointly announced they have renewed their distribution agreement of Daniels radios via the Icom Systems group. The renewed agreement will continue to facilitate Icom Systems Group ability to offer turnkey radio solutions for Public Safety agencies in the United States as well as in Latin America. With Daniels recent announcement of a P25 trunked radio system that Icom handhelds have been successfully tested on, Icom will also have a larger portfolio of products to offer Public Safety customers.

According to Robert Small, President and Chief Operating Officer for Daniels Electronics, “The continuation of our collaboration with Icom enables Daniels offer infrastructure solutions to the public safety and commercial market in North America for turnkey solutions that we are unable to address alone. The renewed agreement also facilitates expanded sales of our new P25 trunked radio system and enables us to pursue P25 opportunities in Latin America”

Daniels recently announced its new P25 trunked radio system at the IWCE tradeshow in Las Vegas. Building on its highly successful family of MT-4E digital radios, the Standalone trunked system provides a trunked solution for public safety applications that require a single site system that is compact, easy to transport, offers rapid installation and low current consumption. Fully compliant to the P25 suite of standards the Daniels trunked radio system is designed to interoperate with all P25 trunked handhelds and mobiles.

Chris Lougee’s view at Icom is “We have been pleased to work with Daniels over the years since Daniels is a well respected provider of analog/digital repeaters and base stations. Now with a renewed agreement that allows us to sell their P25 trunked radio system we can combine their infrastructure with Icom’s subscriber units and system integration to strengthen Icom’s presence in the expanding market for P25 digital integrated LMR solutions. Icom will be able to offer agencies a completely integrated P25 system solution, with full engineering, project management and field support to ensure performance. The agency will benefit from the “one source” opportunity to purchase a true “turn key” P25 communication systems with all components designed to work together and supported by one team. We feel Daniels Electronics has a similar vision to ours…high quality products, with high quality support designed to meet the requirements of this special customer.’

P25 (Project 25) is a public safety standard for digital wireless communications defined by the Association for Public Safety Communication Officials (www.apcointl.org). These standards enable users to communicate with other agencies and mutual aid response teams in emergencies, for the safety and security of communities across North America and the world.

Phase Track II is an ultra-thermally stable flexible coaxial cable that can significantly improve performance in phase sensitive systems. The cable has the most phase stable dielectric material available to provide superior phase tracking performance from cable to cable with the lowest phase change through its temperature range.

Having the best absolute phase change characteristics in a cable allows system engineers to reduce frequent phase calibrations, simplify system error correction software, and increase system availability and accuracy.

The phase performance achievement in Phase Track II cable is the result of a newly engineered dielectric material produced by Times Microwave Systems. The material called TF5 is thermally-mechanically balanced and is the most significant breakthrough in coaxial cable technology in decades. Phase Track II’s TF5 is the most stable dielectric material available and virtually eliminates the wide phase changes that other high performance PTFE dielectric cables have with temperature changes. Phase Track II has low loss characteristics and its light weight make it well-suited for both ground based and airborne systems.

The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International today released recommendations for public safety communications personnel as they prepare for the 2009 hurricane season.

“Based on the lessons learned from prior natural disasters, APCO International recommends that communications centers be prepared for inoperable systems, loss of power, and security, personnel and supply needs,” APCO International Executive Director George S. Rice, Jr. said. “We have a variety of resources to assist public safety professionals in their preparation.”

APCO International recommends that communications centers assess their capabilities of preparedness, survivability and sustainability amidst a wide range of natural and man-made events. APCO International and NENA partnered on a standard PSAP Service Capability Criteria Rating Scale that assists communications centers in identifying their current level of service capability.

APCO International further recommends that all communications centers take the time to review and update their continuity of operations planning (COOP). APCO International’s Guidebook for Homeland Security and Preparedness Planning provides a framework for COOP for all emergency communications functions, including resilience of the 9-1-1 infrastructure and operations of public safety answering points.

In addition, communications centers should focus on planning and training to include the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System (ICS) and planning for system restoration, multi-agency response and evacuation. The APCO Institute offers several related courses including Public Safety Telecommunicator I , Fire Service Communications and The Telecommunicators Role in Homeland Security .

“Aside from the preparations communications centers should make, APCO International urges the public to make all necessary preparations for the hurricane season including creating family evacuation plans and compiling emergency supply kits,” Rice said. “We also remind the public to call 9-1-1 for life threatening emergencies only – not for structural damage or power outages.”

For additional resources, visit http://www.apcointl.org/new/resources/hurricanes.php .

Continuing its commitment of bringing communications, connectivity and the exchange of data between end devices and the enterprise, Tridium announced today the availability of the JACE-202-XPR, a new embedded controller designed for remote monitoring and a wide range of control applications. The JACE-202-XPR combines integrated control, supervision, data logging, alarming scheduling and network management functions, integrated I/O and optional GPRS modem connectivity with Internet connectivity and Web serving capabilities.

The JACE-202-XPR is designed to provide for quick turn installations at low costs and, with a new style that’s ideal for both finished as well as unfinished spaces. The JACE-202-XPR brings the benefits of the NiagaraAX Framework® to new construction, retrofits and new markets such as large scale, high density residential buildings, multi-use residential/commercial villages, or multiple retail/restaurant chain stores. In addition, this controller is ideal for managing and controlling energy applications that allow buildings to become more efficient and reduce energy costs.

The unique packaging of the JACE-202-XPR incorporates a processor board with onboard I/O and universal power supply housed in an easy to mount, easy to access stylized chassis. Great care has been taken in the designing of this unit in order to minimize installation time and cost, ease accessibility to wiring during the installation process, and to protect from the unauthorized access when operational.

“With the addition of the JACE-202-XPR to our portfolio of embedded controllers Tridium continues to provide one of the most comprehensive and cost-effective range of controllers for enabling device communications and connectivity available today,” said Marc Petock, Vice President, Global Marketing and Communications. “The JACE-202-XPR provides a broad array of capabilities and functionality that helps our OEM and System Integrator partners deliver the services their customers want at the same time minimizing expenses”.

L-com, a global leader in the manufacture of wired and wireless connectivity solutions, has released three new four port 802.3af PoE injectors to address applications where multiple data/power connections are required.

The new BT-CAT5-P4 series injectors feature Industrial grade cast aluminum housings and shielded RJ45 jacks for EMI suppression. The BT-CAT5-P4-4848 ships with a 48 watt power supply and the BT-CAT5-P4-4870 ships with a 70 watt power supply. The standard model BT-CAT5-P4 does not include a power supply but can be used with a user supplied AC or DC power supply up to 60 volts.

About L-com

L-com, a global leader in the manufacture of wired and wireless connectivity products, offers a wide range of solutions and unmatched customer service for the electronics and data communications industries. The company’s product portfolio includes cable assemblies, connectors, adapters, computer networking components, and custom products, as well as their Hyperlink line of wireless products which include Antennas, RF Amplifiers, Coaxial lightning and surge protectors, and NEMA rated enclosures. L-com’s HyperLink wireless products are designed for WiFi, WiMAX, SCADA, 802.11a/b/g/n, RFID and Bluetooth applications. Trusted for over 25 years, L-com, which is headquartered in North Andover, MA, is ISO 9001: 2000 certified and many of its products are UL® recognized. www.L-com.com

The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International today announced the 2009 Public-Safety Communications Award winners. The awards will be presented at the Opening General Session of the APCO International 75th Annual Conference and Exposition in Las Vegas, Nev. on August 17.

The Public-Safety Communications Awards are presented annually by APCO International to public safety communications personnel who have demonstrated the highest levels of personal and professional conduct and performance in the line of duty. The six awards are Telecommunicator of the Year, Trainer of the Year, Information Technologist of the Year, Radio Frequency Technologist of the Year, Line Supervisor of the Year, and Communications Center Director of the Year and the 2009 winners are as follows:

• Telecommunicator of the Year – Loanne Travess, Grays Harbor Communications E9-1-1, Aberdeen, Wash.

• Trainer of the Year - Stephan Bunker, Maine 9-1-1 Bureau, Augusta, Maine

• Information Technologist of the Year – Scott Sipe, Grays Harbor Communications E9-1-1, Aberdeen, Wash.

• Radio Frequency Technologist of the Year – David King, City of Bakersfield, Bakersfield, Calif.

• Line Supervisor of the Year – Patrick Healy, Arlington Fire Department/Communications Services, Arlington, Texas

• Communications Center Director of the Year – Jerald Bleck, Tri-Com Central Dispatch, St. Charles, Ill.

“APCO International congratulates the 2009 Public-Safety Communications award winners,” APCO International Executive Director George S. Rice, Jr. said. “The work they have done in their respective agencies are great examples of activities deserving of this great honor and their entire departments should be proud their awards.”

The APCO International 75th Annual Conference and Exposition will be held August 16-20 in Las Vegas, Nev. For more information on the APCO International 75th Annual Conference and Exposition, visit www.apco2009.org . To obtain a press pass for the APCO International 75th Annual Conference and Exposition, please contact Courtney McCarron Hastings at 571.312.4400 x7002 or mccarronc@apco911.org.

Spectrum Signal Processing by Vecima (TSX:VCM) (”Spectrum”), an advanced communications equipment supplier, announced today a partnership with Communications Research Centre Canada (CRC) to port the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Project 25 (P25) public safety waveform to Spectrum’s flexComm(TM) SDR-4000 software reconfigurable radio. P25 is the latest addition to Spectrum’s expanding waveform portfolio. This waveform is the most popular and widely used public safety waveform in North America. Supporting this waveform on a software reconfigurable radio allows military and other users to more easily communicate with public safety personnel to better co-ordinate joint emergency efforts. A demonstration of this implementation is provided at CANSEC 2009, in Ottawa, and features an industry standard P25 radio talking over-the-air to an SDR-4000.

“Spectrum continues to expand its waveform portfolio, offering its customers more options and applications available with its software reconfigurable technologies,” said Mark Briggs, VP Marketing at Spectrum. “We are pleased to continue working closely with CRC to provide our markets with software defined implementations of waveforms critical to both military and civil user communities.”

“CRC selected the SDR-4000 because it provided the comprehensive hardware, software, and environment required for the P25 port,” said Claude Belisle, VP Satellite Communications and Radio Propagation branch of CRC. “The SDR-4000 also supported the entire Software Communications Architecture (SCA) software operating stack that was critical in making this project successful.”

The SDR-4000 has been proven to support implementations of military waveforms, such as the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Wideband Networking Waveform Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (WNW OFDM), Soldier Radio Waveform Electronic Warfare (SRW EW), and Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS). Adding a public safety waveform such as P25 lays the foundation for interoperability between military and civil agencies.