IrDA Systems
 

IrDA (Infrared Data Association) transceivers are making an impact in the field of product development by replacing connectors, especially those required for IP65 or IP67 applications. The transceiver can be mounted directly onto the main PCB and look out on the world through a sealed infrared transmitting window. Since many modern microprocessors already contain a UART, direct communication can be accomplished using an intermediate driver device. Cables are no longer required, the user simply lines up the transceivers and transfers information to and from a host.

DIVERSE has already developed several IrDA based systems for products. This experience covers writing the software code and designing the electronics. 

Lightguides and IrDA Transceiver
It is possible to combine the two technologies of lightguides and IrDA communication to give the designer the benefits of each.

At the simplest level this could mean the IrDA transceiver can be located on a PCB and the lightguide used to transmit and receive light to and from a remote window. The operational range of the transceiver will be affected by the lightguide but it is also possible to customise the output characteristics to an individual customer's requirements. This is especially important where the user may want a field of view that is not the same in each direction, i.e. anamorphic. The lightguide ends can be designed to customise the input/output characteristics of the light.

The lightguide can also be used as an optical multiplexer. A transceiver can be used as a master with satellites around it. The lightguide can be designed to position the slaves, so the normal +/-15 degree angular field of view of the transceiver does not impose a limitation on the position. 

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