Using millimeter wave solutions for high-speed wireless A/V connectivity for wireless video area networking, fabless start-up SiBEAM has announced the development of working 60 GHz chipsets for non-line-of-sight applications, built using standard CMOS manufacturing techniques. Called OmniLink60, it is designed to deliver A/V connectivity using 60 GHz band with uncompressed high-definition video display. And will be WirelessHD compliant. In fact, SiBeam is a founding member of WirelessHD special interest group, which was announced last October.

“We’ve conquered some of the industry’s most challenging obstacles surrounding 60 GHz.  Our aim with this technology is to exploit the 7 GHz of unlicensed spectrum around 60 GHz to provide very high data rates to multiple users within an indoor wireless environment using conventional silicon,” said John LeMoncheck, SiBeam’s CEO.  “We are delighted to reveal the results of SiBeam’s dedication to superior technology solutions and vast expertise in developing high speed wireless applications using very high frequencies in CMOS. This revolutionary solution will provide our customers with the ability to develop low cost, low-power, mobile mmWave communications products.”

According to SiBeam, it is the first company to build working 60 GHz chips in standard CMOS and achieved several breakthroughs in developing the OmniLink60, including CMOS modeling at millimeter wave frequencies, multi-element antenna technology and enabling non-line-of-sight functionality for A/V applications at the 60 GHz band.   The company has filed multiple patents which recognize the company’s high-performance, micro-array, multi-element antenna technology.

"60 GHz is the next big opportunity in wireless, making multi-gigabit throughput a reality," said Craig Mathias, a principal with the wireless and mobile advisory firm Farpoint Group. "SiBeam's innovations in CMOS implementation and antenna arrays promise cost-effective support for a wide range of applications. The vast amount of spectrum at 60 GHz. is now open to consumer electronics - and beyond."

Non-line-of-sight functionality is a critical component of the new OmniLink60, which incorporates micro array antenna technology to dynamically establish the optimal path from a signal source, such as a set-top box, to a receiving device, such as an HDTV.  When the antenna detects a weakening signal due to an obstruction like a person walking in the signal’s path, it automatically re-surveys the environment for a new, best path and adjusts the beam without disruption in the signal’s transmission.

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