Venture has invested significantly in the field of RF design. Our clients have benefited from our expertise in implementing systems that communicate at various frequencies and use a variety of chipsets.
In addition to having developed RFOS for optimized integration of custom wireless into products, we are also experienced in developing for and integrating a number of wireless and RF areas, including:
- standard license free protocols such as: WiFi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE / BTLE), Zigbee, ANT;
- cellular modems
- ISM frequencies: 433MHz, 900MHz (868 in EU), 2.4GHz;
- other frequencies: VHF, UHF, and microwave;
- antenna: printed, stamped, SMT;
- spread spectrum: DSSS, FHSS;
- GPS.
One of our core areas of strength is in integrating multiple radios into one design – maybe a single PCB, maybe shared processors – which can result in a highly optimized product.
Two situations that we use radio systems and standards other than RFOS:
- The use of standards is applicable for a specific application, primarily for reasons of interoperability.
- In our experience, this is a much less common outcome than many would expect. A comparative financial model typically shows that a custom design increases returns at the end of the day and a comparative technical analysis shows that better product performance is achievable with a custom design. For example, a custom design might result in a smaller battery, reducing size and weight and product cost, and increasing market size.
- Interoperability is one truly immutable reason to use standards, though even here is it sometimes more optimal to use two radios – one for interoperability and one for the core wireless functions.
- Other radio systems are needed in addition to RFOS for other aspects of the system.
- The system may require additional communications such as a star hub connecting to WiFi or GSM, or a device using Bluetooth Low Energy to pair with a phone.
- Their may be additional radio systems such as RFID, GPS, other location technology.
- Co-locating radios typically requires careful design considerations around EM and RF interference and antenna design.
