CY and Bluetooth:
Bluetooth is not broadly understood in the US market. It is more common in Northern European markets where it's already commonly used. However, it will soon be even more common worldwide than the nearly ubiquitous USB. In some cases, Bluetooth will even be used in preference to USB.
CY is the undisputed king of USB, shipping more than all other competitors combined. USB will continue to be a dynamite market for CY and be the wired data connection of choice for quite a while. However, TJ Rogers recognizes the upcoming importance of Bluetooth as well and has set his sights on duplicating CY's USB success. To support this goal, TJ has already said they CY produce a $7 Bluetooth solution. Personally, I think he's sandbagging and will soon get it under $5. Read more about this in the following link: cypress.com
So, what's the big deal about Bluetooth. It has a relatively slow data rate, only works over a short distance and may have some problems with interference from frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) networks such as HomeRF, and IEEE-802.11 (not "b" which is direct sequence) if the FCC approves the FHSS consortium's request to use larger frequency hops to support faster data rates.
First, I seriously doubt the FCC will do anything to jeopardize the utilization of Bluetooth. I also think IEEE-802.11 is going to move quickly to 5GHz (C Band) to support data rates of 54Mbs and above. As a result, there's really no reason to complicate the 2.4GHz band of Bluetooth.
Bluetooth data rates and distances don't effect the targeted applications. Bluetooth is meant to be a "proximity network" so that chances of interference with other Bluetooth devices is minimized. Bluetooth's early adoption is going to be in applications where a person interfaces with another person or a person interfaces with a machine. So speed won't be an issue. Applications requiring speed (bandwidth) will utilize the significantly more expensive 5GHz IEEE-802.11a which is TriMedia capable.
With Bluetooth, people can trade notes, small files, business cards, etc.. You can use a keyboard from anywhere in the room without consideration of a line of sight to support a IR interface. Bluetooth can also support a very sophisticated remote control (your PDA will probably be your home network remote). However, Bluetooth applications go far beyond these obvious chores.
In northern Europe you can use your Bluetooth enabled cell phone to purchase a pop out of a Bluetooth enabled machine. The transaction actually goes over the web on the cell phone interface and directly debits your account.
There will be some early machine to machine connections where both machines are out of direct human control. Stereo speakers will probably pop up early in the adoption, but eventually houses will be Bluetooth enabled. Your presence will be "sensed" and certain user defined preferences will be set. Kind of like your Bluetooth enabled car that adjusts seats, mirror, temperature and radio when you enter it with your Bluetooth key chain.
Bluetooth is very exciting and CY is determined to be the market leader. From where I sit (long time long) I like it.
Best Regards, pmcw |
