Bluetooth only one of many wireless technologies for the vehicle

5 November 2003 News

Adoption of Bluetooth has been steadily increasing since its OEM automotive debut in the 2003 Saab 9-3 motor vehicle. Although Bluetooth will continue its momentum in new 2004 models from Acura, Audi, Lexus, Lincoln, Maybach, and Toyota to name a few, a new ABI research study finds that its role will be limited.

Protocols based on 802.11, such as DSRC (dedicated short range communications), promise to fill the need for longer range, higher bandwidth applications that will not only link vehicles with roadside data access points, but between each other. Ratification of the new DSRC protocol is expected by the end of 2004, with aftermarket automotive offerings quickly following suit. Aftermarket 802.11-based automotive products will appear by the end of this year, initially focused on entertainment applications.

"While Bluetooth serves as an ideal automotive PAN (personal area network) protocol, it is not meant to be a 'do-it-all' technology," states Frank Viquez, ABI director of automotive electronics and report author. "There are a myriad of other wireless technologies currently under evaluation for inter and intra-vehicle safety, telematics, commerce, information, and entertainment-type applications. These partially include Ultra Wideband, RFID, DSRC, 802.11, 802.16 (WiMAX), and satellite."

Despite the many wireless technologies that are currently under scrutiny for their automotive potential, ABI says from its research, Bluetooth and 802.11 are the early favourites. According to ABI, the global installed base of vehicles with factory-fitted Bluetooth or 802.11-based hardware will reach 25 million vehicles in 2008.

www.abiresearch.com

Further reading:

From the editor's desk: Exciting times ahead?
Technews Publishing News
There are many subjects that excite me in this world, but two of the larger technical subjects are, firstly, renewable energy, and secondly, the idea of artificial intelligence as it continues to evolve ...

Read more...

---

Microchip expands partnership with TSMC
News
Microchip Technology has announced it has expanded its partnership with TSMC to enable a specialised 40 nm manufacturing capacity at Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing.

Read more...

---

Huge SA grid battery project
News
A standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) has won preferred bidder status under South Africa’s Energy Storage Capacity Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (ESIPPPP).

Read more...

---

Mouser sponsors NCP Cup 2024
News
The NXP Cup is an EMEA-based autonomous car competition, presented by NXP Semiconductors, which is designed to provide students with real-world experiences in autonomous vehicle programming and building.

Read more...

---

TrinaTracker brings its smart solar tracking to SA
News
The Vanguard 1P is designed to provide customers with trackers that combine suitability for flat terrain, together with outstanding system stability and reliability, quick installation, and flexible external compatibility.

Read more...

---

Nordex adding 830 MW of wind generation
News
Nordex Energy South Africa will be adding 830 MW of wind energy generation capacity to the company’s already-installed 1 GW base.

Read more...

---

Invertek produces its three millionth drive
iTek Drives News
Invertek Drives Ltd, a global manufacturer of variable frequency drive (VFD) technology, has celebrated producing its three millionth VFD, just three years after its two-million milestone.

Read more...

---

Analog Devices’ digital storefront is live
News
Analog Devices has designed an improved digital experience with users in mind – a new analog.com website and eShop.

Read more...

---

Vicor Powering Innovation podcast
News
The episode explores electrification with Lightning Motorcycles, a company that produces the fastest electric motorcycle on the planet.

Read more...

---

ModusToolbox Workshop 3
News
This workshop will focus on enabling a PSoC development kit, connected over Wi-Fi and leveraging MQTT, to create the framework of an IoT application.

Read more...

---