VLCC Releases Standard Based on IrDA Core Specification

The Visible Light Communications Consortium (VLCC) has released their first Specification Standard, adopting and expanding the IrDA Physical Layer to the new VLCC specs.

 

The new standard is a result of an agreement first signed in September, 2008.

 

The organizations say the advantage of the VLCC system is its ability to transmit data by adding an optical communications device on the socket of the existing lighting fixtures, such as spot lights and incandescent lights where light connections are already established.

 

This means the feature is capable of providing a digital data delivery system with minimum facility investment, and can potentially be used for broadcasting purposes at stations, hotels, public facilities, event halls or inside public transportation such as trains and buses.  

 

The spec is an adapted IrDA transceiver transmission wavelength that has been expanded to accommodate the visible light wavelength. The IrDA specification helps IrDA optical modules to be used for VLCC data transmission with some modification, also reducing the development cost.

 

VLCC will create a Special Interest Group (SIG) to develop their work based on the MOU, to launch a new type of transceiver module which can be used for both IrDA and VLCC specifications.

 

In related news, the company says that IR Transceivers are now targeting mobile phones and PDAs.  Models HSDL-3020 and HSDL-3021 low-power IR transceivers offer IrDA-compliant data transmission at up to 4 Mb/s and enable mobile phones and PDAs to function as universal IR remote controls for televisions, VCRs, DVDs, and other home appliances.

The transceivers can transfer a 640 x 480 pixel photo in approximately 0.7 sec, and 329 Mb 1280 x 960 pixel images in approximately 2.3 sec. HSDL-3021 provides remote control distance of up to 8 m and HSDL-3020 up to 14 m.