Date: 19970114 From: Eric B. Olsen To: SRS@LISTS.HHHH.ORG Subject: Infrared Transceiver Chip Information Some months ago, there was some discussion regarding the use of RF links. In one reply I made a comment regarding the possible use of Infrared communications instead. Carl Lunt replied that he agreed, and seemed interested in analyzing the possibilites of using Infrared. Well, if anybody remains interested, I did happen upon a chip that might be interesting,... it's a "Multi-standard Infrared Transceiver", from Crystal Semiconductor Corporation. I haven't played with it, but hope to get some samples. The databook shows a direct connection to a UART, as it is a single chip solution, and allows communications rates from 1200 bps to 115K baud! This chip likely finds uses in the new "IR PC communication and networking" products popping up lately. Certainly other sources of chips in this industry are growing quickly. The industry standards are: IrDA, HPSIR, ASK & TV Remote standards....it may be worth surfing for these for more information. (Actually, I just pulled more information that I had filed, and behold, the additional chips and sources below) If I recall, the need was for control of multiple robots in a ring. If so, it may be possible to "poll" each robot in sequence, thereby allowing each robot an opportunity to be accept and transmit commands. Of course, a suitable protocol may need to be developed, and a master controller that could receive and transmit at a full 360 degrees would need to be developed. (I'm assuming that only one IR source can transmit at one time). The part number is: CA8130, and the Manufacturer is "Crystal Semiconductor Corporation", unfortunately, the package is a 20 pin SSOP! Insight Electronics represents Crystal,....my data book shows their number in the Seattle area as 206-820-8100. The other parts and sources that I have some documentation for are: Company: NOVALOG, Chip (preliminary): SIRF "SIRComm SIRFIR 4Mbps IrDA Transceiver" (714)-444-8750 Fax: 549-5711 (Internet address jchimo@novalog.com) Also, SIR2 "115.2Kbps IrDA Receiver", with direct UART interface Company: Linear Technology, Chip: LT1319 "Multiple Modulation Standard Infrared Receiver", Literature: 1-800-4-LINEAR (technical (408)-432-1900, ext 2456) TEMIC has a lot of IrDA Ifrared Support chips, they can be reached at TEMIC marketing 800-554-5565 Company: IBM, chip: IBM31T1101 "Infrared Transceiver Module", which is also a single chip, with direct UART support IBM also affers an "Integrated Infrared Transceiver Module", part: IBM31T1100, which incorporates a detector element, and only needs an LED and an external resistor to operate. IBM has printed their contact as: http://www.ibm.com, and http://www.chips.ibm.com, fax is (415)-855-4121, Microelectronics division. Rohm also makes a module, part number RPM-800CB, they are reached at: 408-433-2255 other Rohm parts are: BA6513FS (IrDA Infrared communication IC (applicable to FIR)) and of course, a company that I think is very good, Hewlett Packard, they offer (a preliminary) part HSDL-1100 Infrared Transceiver I don't have a copy of their number, but definitely ask for "optoelectronics division", for the nearest dealer call 1-800-752-0900. An opto source that I have for suitable high speed Infrared Emitting Diodes and High Speed PIN Photodiodes is: UNI Unity Opto Technology Co., Ltd. at 510-661-2700 or contact DaveB@Unity.com Please note that none of these phone numbers, sources, or contacts have been tested by me, but this is all the information that I have regarding the subject... in fact, I got all of this from the IrDA ("Infrared Data Association") from John LaRoche, Executive director, when he they visited the comdex booth in Las Vegas. If anybody has allready been working with these types of chips, please drop me a message! Sincerly, Eric B. Olsen Las Vegas,