News


UWB standardisation collapses - conflict moves to the market, says ABI

8 February 2006 News

Last month, in Hawaii, the 802.15.3a UWB (ultrawideband) task group was officially disbanded after a stunning 94,7% voted in favour of the break-up.

Ironically, this represents probably the only time there has been consensus in the working group for at least two years. Although this outcome was on the cards with predictions of disbandment coming from notable sources such as Edward Thomas, former chief engineer of the FCC, the reality is still a difficult pill to swallow. Who will win out?

It seems very likely that the UWB community has shot itself in the foot over IP, according to ABI Research. With neither camp willing to compromise - even with the introduction of a solution by Pulse-LINK that would support both PHYs - the battle for supremacy has relocated to the market. The WiMedia alliance points to its multiple silicon sources as a major plus point and in doing so, pours scorn on the single source for DS-UWB, which was referred to as a proprietary solution recently by Alereon's CTO. The Freescale-backed UWB Forum points to the fact that products are already in the market as a key indicator of its technology's proven readiness, while also insinuating a weakness in the WiMedia proposition arising from its lack of products.

The situation is very reminiscent of the VHS versus Betamax equation, in that it is no longer about the technical suitability and proficiency of any technology, but about market traction, momentum and backing. This is not a cut-and-dried battle for market share, though. It is virgin territory and there is no guarantee that lack of standardisation will not result in competition from other technologies and regulatory bodies' reluctance to approve a non-standardised technology, significantly reducing the final size of the pie that each camp is so bent on seizing.

These and other issues are covered in ABI Research's Short Range Wireless Research Service.

For more information contact Beth Schechner, [email protected]





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

From the editor's desk: AI – a double-edged sword
Technews Publishing News
As with any powerful tool, AI presents challenges, some of which, if not carefully managed, threaten to undo the potential that it can offer.

Read more...
Global semiconductor sales increase
News
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) has announced global semiconductor sales were $57,0 billion during the month of April 2025, an increase of 2,5% compared to the March 2025.

Read more...
Avnet Abacus announced new president
Avnet Abacus News
Avnet Abacus has announced that Mario Merino will succeed Rudy Van Parijs as president of Avnet Abacus, effective 1 July 2025.

Read more...
Avnet Abacus wins multiple prestigious awards
Avnet Abacus News
The awards from Molex recognise outstanding performance, collaboration, and significant growth in the challenging market conditions of 2024.

Read more...
Components distribution slowdown Q1 2025
News
European components distribution (DMASS) experienced a continued slowdown in the first quarter 2025.

Read more...
Semiconductor sales increase 17% YoY
News
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) recently announced global semiconductor sales were $54,9 billion during the month of February 2025, an increase of 17,1% compared to the February 2024 total.

Read more...
Silicon Labs – Q1 results
News
Silicon Labs, a leading innovator in low-power wireless, recently reported financial results for the first quarter, which ended April 5, 2025.

Read more...
Strengthening industry through strategic partnerships at KITE 2025
Specialised Exhibitions News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition is not just an exhibition, it is a powerhouse of industry collaboration where visitors and exhibitors gain access to authoritative insights, technical expertise, and high-impact networking opportunities.

Read more...
Solar Youth Project calls on industry to step up
News
With the second cohort completed training and the first cohort returning for their final module, host companies are urgently needed to turn the training into a long-term opportunity.

Read more...
Conlog powers SA’s future with national smart meter rollout
News
Conlog recently secured the RT29-2024 contract from National Treasury, which is seen to be a major milestone towards modernising SA’s utility infrastructure.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved