ultrawideband solutions, today announced that it has released a new Wireless USB PIN Association method specifically designed for Wireless USB-enabled devices that do not have a display, may not have a wired USB 2.0 connection, or might ship without a USB cable. This new PIN association method offers a flexible, third Wireless USB Association method that WiQuest makes available for its customers and partners. In addition to the new PIN Association method, WiQuest supports the Cable and Numeric Association standards as specified by the USB-IF.

PIN Association provides a simple, secure, low-cost wireless pairing method for products that can not absorb the added cost of a USB cable or display and for products that may not require either a display or wired USB port. The new method provides enterprise-level security with the assignment of a unique character key or PIN, up to 28-characters long, to every device – providing 128-bits of entropy. Once the Association process is initiated, a software screen on the host PC requests that the unique PIN printed on the Wireless USB device be entered and the secure pairing is completed – wirelessly.

“WiQuest continues to enhance our Wireless USB product offering based on feedback we receive from our customers and partners,” said Todd Brown, WiQuest VP of sales. “Adding this third association method addresses their requirement to provide a simple, low cost solution that maintains enterprise-level security.”

WiQuest has shared its PIN Association specification with multiple Wireless USB interoperability partners for use in products shipping in 2008. Demonstrations between multiple manufacturers using this Association method are already available.

WiQuest Complete Solutions

Reference designs for Wireless USB applications include WiQuest’s Wireless USB Adapter, 4-port Hub, Mini Card, Half Mini Card, Device Embedded Card, and Wireless USB + Bluetooth Combo Mini Card reference designs. WiQuest reference designs for wireless digital video include the Wireless Docking® Station and Mini Card with WiDV®. WiQuest’s complete UWB solution is also the industry’s fastest, at greater than 1 Gbps.

Wireless USB technology offers advantages that neither Bluetooth nor Wi-Fi provides. Bluetooth is most commonly used for wireless headsets, mice and peripheral devices. Wi-Fi is most commonly used in shared bandwidth local area network, wireless applications. By contrast, Wireless USB offers unparalleled file transfer speeds and multimedia features such as dedicated audio and video streaming, while being over 10 times more power efficient than Wi-Fi and over 100 times higher throughput than Bluetooth.

About WiQuest Communications

WiQuest Communications, Inc. is the leading consumer solutions company designing and developing complete WiMedia-based ultra high speed, ultrawideband (UWB) platforms. WiQuest’s complete solution portfolio includes silicon, software and manufacturing designs. WiQuest’s world class technology and technical support enable a new class of “off-the-shelf-production” wireless connectivity to PC, digital entertainment, consumer electronics and mobile systems.

Information Source:    Business Wire