Chip off the new block
MINIATURE MARVEL: The world's smallest `micro-flying robot' functions on Bluetooth technology. Photo: Reuters
Bluetooth is the most important discovery in the field of electronics. It makes wireless communication and networking between devices in a small, localised area of a room or a small office as easy as switching on the light. It utilises a radio-based link. Therefore, the connections between devices are instant.
The technology uses modifications of existing wireless LAN techniques, but is most notable for its small size and low cost. The current prototype circuits are contained on a circuit board 0.9 cm square, with a much smaller single chip version in development.
No radio interference
The technology achieves its goal by embedding tiny, inexpensive, short-range transceivers into the electronic devices that are available today. The radio operates on the globally available unlicensed radio band, 2.45 GHz (meaning, there will be no hindrance for international travellers using Bluetooth - enabled equipment) and supports data speed of up to 721 kbps as well as three voice channels.
Bluetooth devices are protected from radio interference by changing their frequencies arbitrarily up to a maximum of 1,600 times a second, a technique known as frequency hopping. They also use three different, but complementary error-correction schemes. Bluetooth devices won't drain precious battery life.
Bluetooth devices are classified according to three different power classes. Beyond untethering devices by replacing the cables, Bluetooth radio technology provides a universal bridge to existing data networks, a peripheral interface and a mechanism to form small private ad hoc groupings of connected devices away from fixed network infrastructure.
Mohd. Riazuddin,
III/IV EED, Muffakham Jah College of Engineering and Technology
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