Aug. 30, 2005

The Infrared Data Association (IrDA) has adopted a new high-speed-infrared communications protocol for mobile devices that aims to deliver 100Mbit/s data transfer rates -- some 25 times the data rates of today`s IrDA interfaces. Dubbed ``IrSimple,`` the new spec implements both faster transmission speeds and improved data transfer protocol efficiency. IrSimple transfer rates of 16Mbit/s have been achieved, the IrDA says.

Backers say IrSimple`s infrared speed boost will enable a ``significant expansion`` of infrared applications, citing digital image transfer as a key opportunity. ``For example, high-resolution photographs taken with a mobile phone or digital camera can be instantly transferred to a flat-panel TV or printer through a simple operation, similar to that of using a remote control unit,`` a statement issued by the IrDA Special Interest Group (IrDA SIG) said.

Data transfer protocol efficiency is improved by ``reducing latency until a receiver/transmitter pair is ready to communicate,`` according to the IrDA SIG.

Of note, existing IrDA-enabled devices can be upgraded to the new protocol, thus offering the opportunity to accelerate the IrDA data transfer rates of devices in the field via a software update. Additionally, IrSimple is backward-compatible with current-generation IrDA-enabled communications, so devices implementing IrSimple will be able to communicate with today`s generation of IrDA.

Comparison of IrDA protocols

Transfer times when transferring a 2-megapixel image (approximately 500KB)

Protocol: IrSimple-4M protocol IrDA-4M protocol IrDA-115K protocol

Physical layer: FIR (Fast IrDA)

(4 Mbit/s) FIR (Fast IrDA)

(4 Mbit/s) SIR (serial infrared)

(115.2 Kbit/s)

Transfer time (approx.): 1 second 4 to 11 seconds 50 to 100 seconds

(Based on a table from NTT DoCoMo)

VFIR and UFIR

According to IrDA, IrSimple`s ``VFIR`` mode (presumably standing for ``very fast infrared``), supporting data rates up to 16 Mbit/s, has already been achieved. Additionally, an ultra-fast ``UFIR`` mode that will support 100 Mbit/s is under development.

In light of the information in the above table, VFIR and UFIR require a faster physical transport layer than 4 Mbit/s FIR. This, in turn, means that although today`s IrDA-enabled devices can be upgraded via software to IrSimple protocols, they won`t be able to support the high speed VFIR and UFIR modes due to hardware constraints.

Specification availability

The newly adopted IrSimple specifications are now available to IrDA Members, only, at this time. General public access will be available shortly, IrDA said.

IrSimple was jointly developed in Japan by four members of the IrDA Special Interest Group -- ITX E-Globaledge Corp., NTT DoCoMo Inc., Sharp Corp., and Waseda University.

``IrSimple is the first and only wireless protocol available today that completes this `missing link` from a digital camera to a TV,`` said IrDA executive director Ron Brown. ``IrSimple instantly connects enabled devices, eliminating the hassles found in other wireless technologies. With over 200 million IrDA-enabled mobile phones sold in 2004, IrSimple is being launched from an extremely solid base.``

The Infrared Data Association (IrDA) is a Calif-based non-profit corporation with the goal of developing and promoting ``globally adopted specifications for infrared wireless communication.``