TransferJet

TransferJet is a new type of close proximity wireless transfer technology developed by Sony and initially demonstrated publicly in early 2008. By touching (or bringing very close together) two electronic devices, TransferJet allows high speed exchange of data. The concept of TransferJet consists of a touch-activated interface which can be applied for applications requiring high-speed data transfer between two devices in a peer-to-peer mode without the need for external physical connectors.

TransferJet’s maximum physical layer transmission rate is 560 Mbit/s. After allowing for error correction and other protocol overhead, the effective maximum throughput is 375Mbit/s. TransferJet will adjust the data rate downward according to the wireless environment, thereby maintaining a robust link even when the surrounding wireless condition fluctuates.

TransferJet has the capability of identifying the unique MAC addresses of individual devices, enabling users to choose which devices can establish a connection. By allowing only devices inside the household, for example, one can prevent data theft from strangers while riding a crowded train. If, on the other hand, one wishes to connect the device with any other device at a party, this can be done by simply disabling the filtering function.

TransferJet uses the same frequency spectrum as UWB , but occupies only a section of this band available as a common worldwide channel. Since the RF power is kept under -70 dBm/MHz, it can operate in the same manner as that of UWB devices equipped with DAA functionality. In addition, this low power level also ensures that there will be no interference to other wireless systems, including other TransferJet systems, operating nearby.

By reducing the RF power and spatial reach down to about 3 cm (1 1/4 inches), a TransferJet connection in its most basic mode does not require any initial setup procedure by the user for either device, and the action of spontaneously touching one device with another will automatically trigger the data transfer. More complex usage scenarios will require various means to select the specific data to send as well as the location to store (or method to process) the received data.

TransferJet utilizes a newly developed TransferJet Coupler based on the principle of electric induction field as opposed to radiation field for conventional antennas. The functional elements of a TransferJet Coupler consist of a coupling electrode or plate, a resonant stub and ground. Compared to conventional radiating antennas, the TransferJet Coupler achieves high transmission gain and efficient coupling in the near-field while providing sharp attenuation over longer distances. Because the Coupler generates longitudinal electric fields, there is no polarization and the devices can be aligned at any angle.

TransferJet Specifications

Although sometimes confused with Near_Field_Communication, TransferJet depends on an entirely different technology and is also targeted for different usage scenarios focusing on high-speed data transfer. Thus the two systems will not interfere with each other and can co-exist in the same location.

The TransferJet Consortium was established in July of 2008 to advance and promote the TransferJet Format, by developing the technical specifications and compliance testing procedures as well as creating a market for TransferJet-compliant, interoperable products. This Consortium was formed by fifteen member companies, consisting of: Canon, Eastman_Kodak, Hitachi Ltd, JVC, KDDI, Kenwood, Panasonic, Nikon, Olympus, Pioneer, Samsung, Seiko_Epson, Sony, Sony_Ericsson and Toshiba.

(Note: TransferJet is spelled with a capital "J")

External Links

* [http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press/200801/08-002E/index.html TransferJet Press Release]
* [http://www.transferjet.org/en/ TransferJet Consortium]
* [http://thefutureofthings.com/news/1290/touch-me-to-transfer-data.html August 21, 2008 - TransferJet Article] - The Future of Things e-magazine