Satellite Group to Oppose UWB Frequency-Hopping Proposal
Spectrum incumbents, led by satellite operators, are expected to object strongly to a request for waiver filed by the Multiband OFDM Alliance (MBOA) in late Aug. asking the FCC to waive some of its measurement procedures for frequency-hopping (FH) OFDM ultra-wideband devices. One source said Tues. that some of the first satellite studies of FH, the technology promoted by the MBOA, show more interference than for direct sequencing. Maritime radar interests, the Coast Guard and the FAA are also scrutinizing the FH proposal.
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The waiver filed at the FCC is likely to touch off the next major skirmish in the ongoing war between the Intel-Texas Instrument-led MBOA and Freescale, which has proposed a rival technology. “The satellite community has been trying to figure out the difference between the 2 forms of UWB,” said a satellite official: “Certainly, we are being pitched that the one is less egregious than the other as a source of interference… You may see SIA file on the waiver request.”
Martin Rofheart, dir.-UWB operations for Freescale, questioned why the MBOA asked for a waiver at this juncture when it may be as long as 2 years away from offering a product. Rofheart also said MBOA’s decision to seek a waiver validates his side’s claims that the FH technology creates an interference risk.
“We think this is a demonstration of what we've been saying that [the MBOA proposal] doesn’t comply with the current rules… that’s how come they couldn’t go forward with certification,” Rofheart said: “They had to go for a waiver.” The Freescale technology “was always designed to comply with the rules and to minimize interference,” he added: “We have looked into the ramifications of the waiver request. We are convinced that it will create problems with other spectrum stakeholders.”
“I am confident we will be able to address any complaints that are raised,” replied Peter Pitsch, communications policy dir. for Intel. Pitsch said the MBOA has conducted its own tests of the technology and found it no more interfering than the alternative technology offered by Freescale.
Pitsch also denied that the technology is 2 years away from manufacture of the first chips. “We're much sooner than 2 years,” he said: “People are making decision on which to back based on how the Commission interprets these rules. As we get our waiver that will likely have significant impact on how companies view UWB and which system they support… The MBOA coalition believes that our technology is superior in important ways.”
Freescale has scored points in recent weeks, with the FCC certifying its product in Aug. and, most recently, an announcement of 2 companies set to commercialize its chipset (CD Sept 7 p8). The FCC hasn’t supported either side.
“We're hearing that it creates more interference for the other users,” said a source who represents companies concerned about potential interference from UWB. But the source expects much of the battle to be fought between Freescale and the MBOA. “There is as much infighting within the UWB as there is [opposition] from the outside on this one,” the attorney said. He added that he doesn’t expect the FCC to settle the fight: “What [MBOA has] done is gotten the FCC to engage in the dialogue by putting this out for public notice. I'd be shocked if the FCC takes a position. I think the FCC wants to see if this conflict can’t be brought to an end.” - Howard Buskirk