Wibree

Wibree is a digital radio technology (intended to become an open standard of wireless communications) designed for ultra low power consumption (button cell batteries) within a short range (10 meters / 30 ft) based around low-cost transceiver microchips in each device.


History
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In 2001, Nokia researchers determined that there were various scenarios that contemporary wireless technologies did not address. To address the problem, Nokia Research Center started the development of a wireless technology adapted from the Bluetooth standard which would provide lower power usage and price while minimizing difference between Bluetooth and the new technology. The results were published in 2004 using the name Bluetooth Low End Extension. After further development with partners, e.g., within EU FP6 project MIMOSA, the technology was released to public in October 2006 with brand name Wibree. After negotiations with Bluetooth SIG members, in June 2007, an agreement was reached to include Wibree in future Bluetooth specification as an ultra-low-power Bluetooth technology.

Technical information
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Wibree is designed to work side-by-side with and complement Bluetooth. It operates in 2.4 GHz ISM band with physical layer bit rate of 1 Mbit/s. Main applications include devices such as wrist watches, wireless keyboards, toys and sports sensors where low power consumption is a key design requirement. The technology was announced on 3 October 2006 by Nokia . Partners that currently license the technology and cooperate in defining the specification are Nordic Semiconductor, Broadcom Corporation, CSR and Epson. Other contributors are Suunto and Taiyo Yuden.

Wibree is not designed to replace Bluetooth, but rather to complement the technology in supported devices. Wibree-enabled devices will be smaller and more energy-efficient than their Bluetooth counterparts. This is especially important in devices such as wristwatches, where Bluetooth models may be too large and heavy to be comfortable. Replacing Bluetooth with Wibree will make the devices closer in dimensions and weight to current standard wristwatches.

Bob Iannucci, head of Nokia's Research Centre, claims the technology is up to ten times more efficient than Bluetooth. Reportedly, it will have an output power around -6 dBm. Nordic Semiconductor is aiming to sample Wibree chips during the second half of 2007.

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