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NEWS

Huge market growth forecast for UWB, Zigbee

From "UWB Chipsets Revolutionize Wireless Networks," based on a Frost and Sullivan press release (via Business Wire India), 13 September:

"The unprecedented increase in consumer demand for wireless connectivity is the prime driver of growth in the ultrawideband (UWB) and ZigBee chipset market...

"New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, World UWB & ZigBee Chipset Market, reveals that the market for UWB chipsets that had nil shipments in 2005 shall generate revenues of $950 million in 2009 while the Zigbee chipsets market generated revenues of $11.3 million in 2005 and is likely to reach $800.0 million in 2009...

" 'With target data rates of up to 500 Mbits/s, UWB is being targeted at wireless personal area networks (WPANs), audio/video distribution within the home, as well as a cable replacement option for USB and FireWire,' notes Industry Manager Deepa Doraiswamy. 'UWB is likely to initially find use in consumer applications within the home, with several companies already using the technology to develop applications allowing streaming of DVD-quality video content around the house.'

"...ZigBee's low power consumption, costs as well as ease of use make it best suited for control applications such as remote controls and home automation that do not require high data rates. The growing consumer desire to have a fully automated home - where machines virtually run the household without any human supervision - offers excellent opportunities for the implementation of ZigBee chipsets specifically designed to serve such applications. Industrial applications are also likely to extensively use the ZigBee technology to wirelessly control light fittings, machine control panels, thermostats and other similar equipment.

"For the ZigBee technology, one of the primary challenges is to increase customer awareness of its features and benefits. With ZigBee's massive application span, it is not always possible for its entire customer base to be fully aware of its various features and advantages. In addition to educating customers, it is also imperative to make the solutions as user friendly as possible..."

[UWB: 12 September 2006]