Ericsson shrinks cellular modules
Ericsson’s C5621gw and H5321gw modules, available this fall, are up to 40 percent smaller and consume up to 30 percent less power than previous versions. They are based on a shrink of the ST-Ericsson Thor M5730 modem for HSPA+ and EDGE networks supporting data rates up to 21 Mbits/s (download) and 5.76 Mbits/s (upload).
Separately, PositiveID said it built the Wireless AirPrime cellular modules from Sierra Wireless into its iglucose mobile diabetes management system. The iglucose system is a smartphone-size device that links to a separate glucose meter to transmit blood sugar readings to doctors or family members.
The Ericsson and PositiveID products, on display at the CTIA Wireless event in Orlando, Florida, highlight the increasing penetration of wireless connectivity in consumer products. Carriers such as AT&T and Verizon have courted OEMs in search of more consumer and embedded devices for their networks.
To date Wi-Fi, not cellular, has led the way in wireless consumer connectivity due to lower chip costs and generally free Wi-Fi services. For example, the Ericsson modules sell for about $40-$60, said Mats Norin, vice president of mobile broadband at Ericsson.
"Cellular broadband is a newer technology than Wi-Fi, but we are hunting the magic [price] number," he said.
Wi-Fi radios are "almost free because they are getting integrated into other chips, and people do not want to pay for multiple cellular data plans," said Bob O’Donnell, a senior analyst for clients and displays at International Data Corp.
Only about 20 percent of people regularly use and pay for 3G on tablets, accor9idng to an IDC survey. Selling tablets through carriers will be a challenge because consumers would rather use a shared cellular connection than pay for another data plan, O’Donnell said.
Ericsson claims it has as many as 25 design wins in tablets for earlier generations of its modules and about 100 design wins in notebooks and netbooks.
If you enjoyed this article, you will like the following ones: don't miss them by subscribing to :
