RFICDUDE
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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.
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