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Message started by emad on Jul 7^th, 2009, 9:37am

Title: Next RF CMOS Killer App
Post by emad on Jul 7^th, 2009, 9:37am

Is there still hope in a killer RF product?
I mean with most problems in RF CMOS sorted out and products riding the price curve, where, you think, all of this RF design talent go?

Title: Re: Next RF CMOS Killer App
Post by RFICDUDE on Jul 12^th, 2009, 7:22pm

Unfortunately, RF is just a means to an end. The "end" always is the killer app, not the RF part.

In other words, while radios are technologically advanced, the everyday consumer doesn't care so much about the radio. Instead, they care that they can talk, at will, to anyone or open a garage without getting out of the car ...

It has been nice that integrated radio has had a great run for the past 20 years, but the killer apps are in the software and user interface these days (it seems).

Although, I still don't understand why low power radio has not replaced infrared transmitters for remote controls. You would think that such a low power application would have advanced after so many years. Just think, a solar powered wireless remote might last for decades without batteries. I guess it is just not meant to be.

Well there you go.
We can unlock our car doors for almost a decade without new batteries, but we need new AAA batteries every half year or so with our entertainment remotes. Some mountains are immovable.

On the other hand, millions of dollars went into UWB. And maybe millions more on 60 GHz SiGe and CMOS. What is going to become of those markets?

In the meantime, digital cellular is still consolidating and maturing, so it is difficult to see where the new RF killer apps are going to be.

Sorry for the gloomy reply.

Title: Re: Next RF CMOS Killer App
Post by emad on Jul 28^th, 2009, 5:47am

Thanks RFICDUDE.

I would agree with you that some mundane RF receivers are still needed in mundane applications like a remote control or a garage door opener. These remain non-killer apps still.
We've seen so much growth in the wireless market since 1990s, indded. Despite the market consolidation and maturity symptoms, wireless is meant to stay. It is basically an irreversible trend much like the internet. In fact, perhaps more wireless is yet to come using short range communication devices and getting them to communicate without human intervention. An example is metering. Is that a killer? I don't know.
The more the wireless, the lower the power required apparently.... but still, if you're to bet on a startup or build one, which one would yo u pick?

Title: Re: Next RF CMOS Killer App
Post by RFICDUDE on Aug 18^th, 2009, 2:59am

Right now I don't know, but next year I might be asking the same question.

Although, health monitoring and green/smart energy seem to be the hot topic of the day.