IrDA Transceivers Tap New Power Efficiency Technology

The ZHX1403 SIR and ZHX3403 MIR UltraSlim IrDA transceivers incorporate the company's patent-pending AlwaysOn technology to conserve power. In essence, the technology keeps power consumption of the transceivers in the idle, or listen, state very low. Users can keep the IrDA port on their handheld or portable systems active at all times with negligible impact on battery life. Claiming to be the smallest in their respective classes, both devices measure 7.3 x 2.8 x 1.9 mm. They operate on 2.4V to 3.6V and exhibit a listen current of 6 µA. Targeting PDAs, the ZHX1403 provides a link distance of 1m and ZHX3403 supports MIR data-transfer rates up to 1.15 Mb/s over 20 cm and 30 cm links. Prices for ZHX1403 and ZHX3403 are $1.87 and $2 each/50,000+, respectively. ZILOG INC., San Jose, CA. (408) 558-8500.