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Semiconductor industry

Intersil and Sony Collaborate on PCF Technology for Wireless Streaming

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Intersil and Sony Corporation have partnered to develop Point Coordination Function (PCF) technology for wireless streaming of high-quality audio and video content over IEEE 802.11b wireless networks. This technology, coupled with a Sony-developed communication protocol, enables fast and reliable wireless streaming, paving the way for new entertainment options in the home.

The collaboration between Intersil and Sony resulted in the first commercial application of PCF technology in the "airboard" personal IT television in Japan. This product operates on the IEEE 802.11b standard, allowing users to access the internet and view video content from a single, portable LCD monitor.

"This is a significant win for our PRISM/home product line, and represents a major milestone in the adoption of 802.11b for the home," said Greg Williams, CEO and president of Intersil Corporation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Intersil and Sony have developed Point Coordination Function (PCF) technology for wireless streaming of high-quality audio and video content over IEEE 802.11b wireless networks.
  • The technology, combined with a Sony-developed communication protocol, enables fast and reliable wireless streaming.
  • The first commercial application of PCF technology is in the "airboard" personal IT television in Japan, which operates on the IEEE 802.11b standard.
  • The product allows users to access the internet and view video content from a single, portable LCD monitor.
  • Intersil's PRISM WLAN solution and the communication protocol developed by Sony are further evidence of the growing acceptance of 802.11b for the home.
  • Since introducing the PRISM WLAN chip set in 1996, over 50 companies have incorporated PRISM chips in more than 100 product designs.
  • Intersil's PRISM technology is designed to comply with the IEEE's 802.11 global standard, and the company is a founding sponsor of the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA).
  • PRISM technology is used in WLAN systems from industry-leading companies, including Alcatel, Cisco, Compaq, 3Com, Dell, D-Link, Nokia, Nortel, Samsung, Siemens, SOHOware, Sony, SpectraLink, Symbol Technologies, and Zoom.
  • Intersil is a leading supplier of semiconductors, reference designs, and software for wireless access and communications analog markets.

Statistics:

  • Over 50 companies have incorporated PRISM chips in more than 100 product designs since 1996.
  • Intersil's PRISM technology holds the majority of market share in the WLAN chip set marketplace, according to a May 2000 report by Cahners In-Stat Group.
  • PRISM technology is used in WLAN systems from industry-leading companies, including Alcatel, Cisco, Compaq, 3Com, Dell, D-Link, Nokia, Nortel, Samsung, Siemens, SOHOware, Sony, SpectraLink, Symbol Technologies, and Zoom.

Sources:

  • Business Wire, "Intersil and Sony Collaborate on PCF Technology for Wireless Streaming", December 19, 2000.
  • Cahners In-Stat Group, "WLAN Chip Sets: A Study of the Market and Future Prospects", May 2000.
  • Intersil Corporation, "Press Release: Intersil and Sony Collaborate on PCF Technology for Wireless Streaming", December 19, 2000.

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