InfraRed Data Association (IRDA) Formed to Pursue Worldwide Wireless Connectivity Standard for PCs and Peripherals
BROOKDALE, Calif. — August 18, 1993 — A new non-profit organization, InfraRed Data Association (IRDA), has been formed to pursue a worldwide industry standard that will provide wireless connectivity between mobile and desktop PCs, printers and other computer peripherals using a simple, low cost infrared (IR) link.
A common IR link would allow users to quickly exchange or transfer both simple and complex data files between a host of electronic devices regardless of the product type or brand. For example, users could exchange business cards between handheld PCs, fax a memo anywhere directly from a notebook PC, or store banking records from ATM machines by making a simple, point-to-point wireless connection.
Initial IRDA membership includes many leading international companies including AT&T, Apple Computer, AST Research, Advanced Micro Devices, Compaq, Cirrus Logic, Canon USA, EO, Inc., Digital Equipment Corp., Fujitsu, GO Corp., General Magic, Hewlett-Packard Company, Hitachi, Intel Corp., Logitech, Microsoft, Motorola, Northern Telecom, National Semiconductor, NCR Corp., NEC, Olivetti, Photonics, Inc., Sanyo, Samsung, Sharp, Sun Microsystems, Siemens, Toshiba, Temic/Telefunken, VLSI, Inc., Zenith Data Systems and a number of other companies providing the range of components, systems and information services. Since the founding charter meeting in late June the group has held a number of working sessions involving more than 75 companies.
IRDA supporters believe that an increasingly mobile workforce will demand hassle free connectivity for the growing numbers of mobile and fixed electronic devices in use today. Robert Stuart of Sharp Electronics said an "IR link for users will be like having a common international language for PCs, PDAs and peripherals."
According to IRDA chairman and HP R&D manager John Romano, the association's objectives are focused on an IR data communications standard that supports a short range, point-to-point interconnection that will emphasize low power consumption and high data transmission rates.
"Infrared data transmission has a number of strong and practical advantages for users in today's environment. No present domestic or international regulatory constraints exist, interference problems are minimal, implementation costs are low, and data transmission between devices is simple and fast," Romano said.
Pradeep Singh, general manager of mobile services for Microsoft Corporation, said a "point-to-point IR link standard will make it even easier for users to transfer data from one device to another."
The IRDA intends to quickly develop the basis for inter-operability of IR links between equipment of various component manufacturers and system providers. Three major proposals from Hewlett-Packard, Sharp and General Magic will form the basis for analysis of technology issues. The IR standard's specification design is being guided by focus group studies and usage models. It will be optimized for high speed data file transfer ranging from a base of 115K-baud-per-second to an eventual target of well over a megabit per second.
Romano said IRDA membership is anticipated to grow further in the near term, and that the new association is actively exploring relationships with other standards organizations and their related efforts. IRDA is affiliated with the Portable Computer and Communications Association (PCCA). Interested members are encouraged to contact IRDA at 510/943-6546 for more information.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Prepared comments from executives of IRDA member companies as well as a listing of IRDA steering committee members and company editorial contacts are available upon request.
CONTACT:
Infrared Data Association
John LaRoche, (510) 943-6546