Freescale Launches 'Cable-Free USB' Initiative for Wireless Connectivity

LAS VEGAS--Jan. 3, 2006--Creating a new wireless path for Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 devices, Freescale Semiconductor , along with leading manufacturers, has launched a Cable-Free USB initiative. Powered by Freescale's Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, this initiative is aimed at enabling true USB 2.0 functionality with a wireless connection and marks the release of the first UWB-enabled consumer products for the U.S. market.

Freescale's UWB silicon and software enable a Cable-Free USB solution that is integrated into consumer products from Belkin Corporation and Gefen Inc. Using Cable-Free USB powered by Freescale's Ultra-Wideband, the new products eliminate USB cabled connections and are capable of wirelessly streaming data, video and audio between USB-equipped devices, such as laptops, digital camcorders, printers, cell phones and more.

According to a recent USB research report by In-Stat, more than 700 million USB devices are in the market today and that number is forecasted to increase to 2.1 billion in 2009. USB ports are increasingly found on mobile and handheld products such as smart phones and digital media players, in addition to traditional computer and peripheral products that are equipped with USB ports. Belkin and Gefen are developing initial products aimed at connecting these products wirelessly using Cable-Free USB.

"Our Cable-Free USB approach allows consumers to extend the functionality of their existing USB 2.0 cameras, flash drives, MP3 players, laptops and many other consumer electronic devices by creating a wireless connection for the existing USB 2.0 specification," said Martin Rofheart, director of the UWB Operation at Freescale. "Our customers, such as Belkin and Gefen, are eager to provide consumers with an easy and effective cable replacement. And, coupling our UWB technology with the Cable-Free USB approach, they have developed an "out of the box" solution that provides true USB connectivity -- wirelessly."

Cable-Free USB leverages the existing USB 2.0 specification. It does not require consumers to upgrade or replace their hardware, install software or new drivers. Additionally, Cable-Free USB can be embedded into next-generation products, eliminating the need for an external adapter while still retaining true USB functionality.

Demonstrations of Cable-Free USB are being shown throughout CES this week, highlighting the ease of use and wire-like quality of the products. CES attendees will have the opportunity to experience Cable-Free USB at the following locations throughout the show:

-- Belkin Booth, South Hall 3, #31247, Las Vegas Convention Center

-- Gefen Booth, South Hall 1, Booth #21768 and #21769, Las Vegas Convention Center

-- Freescale Booth, Cable-Free USB Zone, South Hall 3, #30718, Las Vegas Convention Center

-- Freescale Booth, USB Tech Zone, #70050J, Sands Convention Center

Belkin's Cable-Free USB Product Suite

The Belkin offerings include a dongle and a four port hub set that will achieve wireless connectivity instantly for any USB device, such as laptops, printers, cameras, and MP3 Players. With Cable-Free USB, Belkin gives consumers the convenience to place their USB devices anywhere in the room, while maintaining wireless access to them. By simply plugging the dongle into any USB-certified device, consumers' laptops are no longer tied down to their devices.

Gefen's Wireless USB Extender

Working with any USB 2.0 certified device, Gefen's Wireless USB Extender uses small sender and receiver units connected to the computer and the extended USB device. By plugging the receiver, small enough to fit in the palm of a hand, into the USB port on the target device, an instant wireless connection is achieved. No USB cables are needed to deliver data from the sender to the receiver, which can be connected to the camera, keyboard, printer or any USB 2.0 device -- up to 30 feet from the computer.

About Cable-Free USB

Cable-Free USB is powered by Freescale's UWB chipset and the ExtremeUSB solution from Icron Technologies Corporation, enabling a zero-install wireless USB solution. Unlike other efforts to create an entirely new USB standard to incorporate UWB technology, Freescale and Icron's USB-over-UWB wireless solution is designed to support existing USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 devices in the market today. This gives users a "plug and play" experience right out of the box.

About Ultra-Wideband

Freescale's UWB solutions enable high rate transfer of video, audio and data streams wirelessly. UWB brings a wireless option to auto, consumer electronics and PC/peripheral manufacturers. For example, an MPEG2 movie or HDTV stream can be broadcast in real-time wirelessly. This allows consumers new freedom in the use of multimedia-centric products, as they no longer need to be connected with wires.

About Freescale Semiconductor

Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. is a global leader in the design and manufacture of embedded semiconductors for the automotive, consumer, industrial, networking and wireless markets. Freescale became a publicly traded company in July 2004 after more than 50 years as part of Motorola, Inc. The company is based in Austin, Texas, and has design, research and development, manufacturing or sales operations in more than 30 countries. Freescale, a member of the S&P 500(R), is one of the world's largest semiconductor companies with 2004 sales of $5.7 billion (USD).

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