1394 Trade Association Approves VersaPHY Specification; Versatile, Easy-to-Use Standard Offers Peer-Peer Streaming With Low Controller Overhead.

-- Connects Consumer, Computer, Automotive Applications to High-Speed 1394 Networks --

DALLAS -- The 1394 Trade Association has approved the new VersaPHY[TM] specification, developed to enable simple consumer, computer, industrial, military, aerospace and automotive applications to connect to high-speed, low-latency 1394-based networks using a variety of topologies.

VersaPHY adds another cost-effective and efficient networking option featuring a minimum of software overhead and controller hardware. VersaPHY was developed beginning in 2006 as a backward-compatible extension to the IEEE 1394 (FireWire) standard. It allows applications to connect as directly as possible to the 1394 network without the need for extra 1394 software in the VersaPHY device. VersaPHY can be deployed today using 1394 PHY silicon that is already on the market.

Applications connect directly to the 1394 PHY layer, creating a "VERSAtile" physical layer while maintaining the plug-and-play attributes of 1394 through new VersaPHY registers. VersaPHY controllers can be implemented using today's 1394 Open Host Controller (OHCI) silicon, so development of VersaPHY controllers and devices is easy. VersaPHY supports isochronous (real-time) and asynchronous data and peer-peer transfer - core competencies of the 1394 standard - and controller overhead is reduced to a minimum.

"We have been working with an impressive list of companies and applications since the original VersaPHY specification became available," said Richard Mourn of Quantum Parametrics, which developed VersaPHY in conjunction with the 1394 Trade Association. "Basic applications such as security cameras, temperature sensors, lighting controls and others can be connected easily to 1394 networks using VersaPHY, with reduced wiring and overhead costs." Mourn added that many automotive and aerospace applications - including low-bandwidth seat back controls, dashboard displays, and in-vehicle cameras - can be easily and efficiently linked to 1394 networks using VersaPHY. VersaPHY also can perform motor control, position sensing and bridging to devices on legacy interface such as I2C, CAN, RS-232 and others.

Quantum Parametrics (QP) has already shipped two VersaPHY based products. QP's Signal Quality Tester and Interconnect Tester both utilize VersaPHY technology for control, status, and data acquisition. Mourn said, "The Signal Quality Tester provides IEEE-1394b (Beta) transmit signal integrity and device receiver sensitivity verification while the Interconnect Tester is used to verify the ability of cables, slip rings, and devices to pass 98.304 to 983.04 Mbaud signals at variable amplitudes to measure interconnect margin." Two new developers' kits will be available later this spring. For more information, visit www.quantumparametrics.com.

Now in its 14th year, the 1394 Trade Association is a worldwide organization dedicated to the advancement and enhancement of the IEEE 1394 (FireWire) standard. For more information visit www.1394ta.org.