While Bluetooth chipsets are expected to be commonplace in wireless handsets in the next few years, Bluetooth’s current push in the market is being spearheaded by the mobile computer industry in the form of PC Cards. These cards typically fit into the Type II slot on most laptop computers and include a small antenna that folds out improving transmission reception.
While these solutions have proven successful, Compaq Computer Corp. decided to revolutionize the way wireless networking solutions fit into laptops with its latest line of Evo notebooks.
In addition to their carbon and silver industrial look, the Evo notebooks include Compaq’s integrated MultiPort, an optional modular wireless solution providing wireless connectivity through a plug-and-play Universal Serial Bus port integrated into the notebook’s display. The Bluetooth module, developed in conjunction with Cambridge Silicon Radio, includes the radio and antenna in a single assembly that fits flush on the back of the notebook display providing less interference from the computer’s internals and greater wireless coverage, according to Compaq. Compaq will also provide a module using the 802.11b wireless standard.
“We are changing the way personal computing products look, and simplifying how they are used and integrated into business environments,” said Jeri Callaway, vice president and general manager of corporate access at Compaq’s Access Business Group. “Allowing customers to add technologies, such as wireless connectivity to Evo notebooks, at their own pace instead of forcing them to buy technology before they are ready.”
The Bluetooth module is expected to be available by August with the 802.11b module shipping next month. The company said it will introduce higher-speed wide area network modules early next year using next-generation wireless networks.
“When we looked at this for a solution, we looked beyond [personal area networks] and [local area networks].” Said Shalini Bath, product marketing manager for wireless solutions at Compaq. “We knew our customers would need [wide area network] capability. We feel [Bluetooth] is still in its early adopter stage, but we are a forward-looking company.”
There is also work being done to provide a single module housing both a Bluetooth solution and an 802.11 networking solution, a design that is only beginning to make inroads into mini PC cards.
Compaq noted the MultiPort advantages over traditional mini-PC Card solutions include reduced noise pick-up, which it said enhances speed and data throughput, maximized omni-directional signal strength and no antenna to break off. In addition, since MultiPort uses a USB interface, modules can be swapped without having to restart the computer, a common problem with the Type II slots used by mini-PC Cards.
“It’s really the ideal physical location for an antenna,” Janson said of Compaq’s new MultiPort. “People usually don’t want to pop out an antenna from the cards, plus PC companies are looking at ways to free up PC card slots for other uses.”
The antenna placement on the top corner of the display also alleviates concerns regarding RF emissions. Eric Janson, vice president of CSR North America, which provided the bottom stack for Compaq’s Bluetooth module, said that while the emission concern regarding wireless networking solutions in close proximity to the wrists in conventional laptops is not a huge issue in the United States yet, it has received plenty of attention in Europe.
“We have recognized that there is some concern regarding RF emissions in the arm and wrist area with mini PC cards,” Shalini said. “The MultiPort’s antenna placement should help alleviate some of those concerns.”
Shalini also pointed out Compaq has attempted to address concerns regarding issues with Bluetooth devices manufactured by different companies by providing a compatibility matrix on its Web site showing which devices will work perfectly with the Bluetooth module.
