Despite hurdles, the ultra-wideband (UWB) standardization process continues with supporters from both factions — Multiband OFDM Alliance (MBOA) and direct-sequence, code-division multiple access (DS-CDMA) backer UWB Forum — claiming their respective approach to be the way UWB products must be built. Neither side is backing down and so for more than two years the IEEE members have been unsuccessful in generating a common spec for a short-range, high-speed wireless link under the IEEE 802.15.3a task group. And, there is no evidence that a unified standard is anywhere near. In fact, the chairman of the IEEE 802.15.3a task force recently resigned due to a prolonged deadlock between the rivals.

Frustrated with the politics and inefficiency of IEEE, WiMedia Alliance has decided to bypass the IEEE and go directly to an alternative international agency. The WiMedia Alliance this month announced that it is working with Ecma International to establish the WiMedia multiband orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (MB-OFDM) UWB radio platform as the global UWB standard. Ecma is known for its development of DVD interchange standards, scripting languages and other information, communications technology, and consumer electronics standards. WiMedia announced the endorsement of MBOA last May. Recently, Microsoft has added its weight to this camp.

“We are very pleased to be working with Ecma, who makes it possible to quickly complete the process of establishing a recognized international standard by the end of this year, which corresponds to UWB product launches,” said Stephen R. Wood, president of the WiMedia Alliance. “We're extremely encouraged by the efficiency and maturity of the Ecma standard process, which balances quality with timeliness in standards drafting and publication.

“Ecma is committed to global interoperability of high-speed wireless personal area network technology, using our A-liaison with ISO/IEC JTC 1, following Ecma approval later this year,” said Jan van den Beld, secretary general of Ecma International. “Toward that end, we carefully consider specifications and provide hands-on guidance with the industry's UWB experts.”

Since its inception in 1961, Ecma International (www.ecma-international.org) is developing standards for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Consumer Electronics (CE). Ecma is a non-profit industry association of technology developers, vendors and users. Industry and other experts work together at Ecma to complete standards. Ecma submits the approved work for approval as ISO, ISO/IEC and ETSI standards.

As per Freescale's Martin Rofheart, director of UWB operation, Freescale does not believe that the WiMedia/Ecma announcement will have any impact on its standards activities. However, Freescale's Rofheart has expressed disappointment at WiMedia's move to Ecma as in his opinion it is basically a move to a regionally focused industrial body. According to Rofheart, IEEE-SA is a consensus organization dedicated to attaining global worldwide standards. While Ecma is an organization aimed at assisting the industry with standards, primarily in Europe.

Freescale continues to believe in IEEE and the IEEE process, stated Rofheart. Following a global worldwide consensus process, IEEE aims to deliver standard(s) that meet the global requirements. Ecma is focused on Europe, and while an important region, can't meet the global consensus requirements of IEEE. Clearly, WiMedia couldn't get consensus and moved away from IEEE with the idea of one standard, asserted Rofheart.

However, Freescale believes it is premature for one definitive UWB standard and what matters most is what customers will buy. In many ways, the market will decide. That is why Freescale remains committed to delivering high rate, low-power solutions that can easily be integrated into consumer electronics products and, following some market experience, a UWB standard or multiple standards will emerge that can provide meaning to the industry, concluded Rofheart.

Thus, both parties are working diligently to deliver competing UWB products at the next International CES show in Las Vegas, NV.

Ultimately, the consumer will decide which way the wind blows.

RSS    Save to Del.icio.us  Digg This