Samsung Bets on Wireless USB, Debuts 300mW SoC

After WiQuest folding, Staccato and Artimi merging, and Intel pulling out of UWB research, Samsung steps up its Wireless USB plan with a system-on-chip (SoC) solution that promises to 120Mbps real-world performance (even taken overhead into account). In perspective, you can transfer a 700MB file in under a minute within a 3m range. Its SoC, with a power consumption as low as 300mW, combines a ARM9 core, UWB physical layer and memory controller into one single chip that just measures 8 by 8 mm. The chip has already met worldwide regulatory requirement, and can operate in the traditional 3.1 to 10.6Ghz UWB spectrum.

Practically speaking, the company can guarantee better supply than all the financial struggling start-ups when it moves forward with its WUSB digital cameras and cellphones. Samsung has previously announced a 19" WUSB monitor and a wireless add-on for its DSCs.