To SIR, With Love

I n-band optical signal. Output pulse. RXD output. Maximum optical pulse width. If these words raise as many eyebrows as Sidney Poitier did when he first walked into that Cockney classroom, then read on.

All sorts of wireless technology are creating various degrees of heat. Lately, most of the energy is being conducted by a new generation of wireless connections that use radio frequencies, such as Bluetooth. Yet there is another wireless fire burning, but its smolder hasn't been getting as much attention as-infrared radiation (IR).

Utilized in everything from TV remote controls to security systems, IR technology is a well-established industry. The new darlings of the IR world are PDAs-hand-held devices gripped by executives exchanging email messages, stock quotes and business cards. Transferring data at high speeds between devices, its relative simplicity of serial data connections makes IR easily adaptable to assorted operating systems. Often more reliable than wired connections which are susceptible to wear and tear of physical cables and connections, IR applications are gaining momentum.

As is the case with other successful technologies, applications for IR are growing rapidly. One such application fueling the IR fire is Infrared Financial Messaging-(IrFM). This protocol allows users to write "checks" on handheld PDAs and beam-encrypted "money" to point-of-sale terminals. The electronic purchase information can later be transferred to the user's PC to update financial management software. Credit card companies are working to approve a similar electronic payment system.

At present, there are a number of companies distributing IR products and services that are changing business dealings. One such company is Agilent Technologies. Agilent Technologies recently announced its latest gift-a new serial infrared (SIR) transceiver that is ideal for new-generation personal information devices, which are becoming increasingly thinner and more compact.

With a profile of 2.7 mm high by 9.1 mm wide by 3.65 mm deep, the Agilent HSDL-3000 is one of the smallest transceivers now available on the market. Designed for power efficiency, the HSDL-3000 transceiver only consumes 10 nA (typical) in the shutdown mode, 40mA in standby mode. Once shut down, the PIN diode will be inactive, producing very little photocurrent even under very bright ambient light.

The transceiver also comes with an integrated shield that provides excellent EMI immunity. Agilent's new serial infrared transceiver offers data transmission rates up to 115.2 kb/s at 1-meter link distances and operates from voltage supplies ranging from 2.7 V to 5.5 V.

This SIR, as well as all Agilent infrared transceivers, supports financial management specifications established by the IrDA-referred to as the IrDA- FM spec. Agilent's first small form factor, the HSDL-3000 is available through wide distribution and its pricing is $2.85 in 1,000-piece quantities.

Additional information on the hot new SIR and other Agilent's IR transceiver products can be seen at www.agilent.com/vew/infrared. Watch out- hot stuff coming through!