IRDA

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Contents
IRDA Executive Summary................................................... 3
Major Specification... ................................................. 3
Benefits of Infrared ...................... ............................ 3
Basic IRDA Usage Model......... ................ ................. 3
IRDA Implementation in Computer Systems................ 4
IRDA Devices............. ............ ............ ............... 4
IRDA Limitation............. ............ ............ ............... 4
IRDA Technology Explained............. .................................. 5
Introduction ...................................................................5
Infrared Basics ..................................... ........................5
Infrared in Consumer electronics ..................................6
The IrDA standard ..................................... ...................6
IrDA-Data Architecture and Protocol Stack - Overview .7
IrDA-Data Architecture and Protocol Stack - In detail ...8
Infrared Q & A .................................... ............ ........................11
Reference ...............................… ... ........... ........................….12

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IRDA – Executive Summary

IRDA is a cordless data connection using infrared light. It is a low-cost
transceiver signaling technology for two way data exchange. It provides
high-speed digital exchange through the typical PC UART/serial port at
9600-115200 bits/s, and in some unit’s compatible high-speed extensions
up to 1Mb/s and 4Mb/s speeds.

The initials IrDA stand for the Infrared Data Association. IrDA is a non-
profit trade association with a membership of over 160 companies
representing computer and telecommunications hardware, software,
components and adapters

Major Specification
• Uses IR with peak wavelength of 0.85 to 0.90 micro-meter
• The transmitter's minimum and maximum intensity is 40 and 500
mW/Sr
• 30 degree cone transmitting area
• The link length is 20cm to 1 m with an error rate of less than 1 in
10**8 bits
• Data transfer speed 115Kbps (SIR - Serial IrDA) and 4.0 Mbps
(FIR - Fast IrDA). Future development extends upto 16.0Mbps
• Windows 98, Windows 2000 and above API programming support
• Linux support started appear in open source

Benefits of Infrared
• A worldwide standard for wireless connectivity
• Easy to implement and simple to use
• Safe in any environment
• No electromagnetic noise
• No government regulatory issues
• Minimum crosstalk

Basic IRDA usage model

• In the basic IrDA-Data usage model, there are two devices: the
primary (master) and the secondary (slave).
• The primary device’s job is to select a device within its visual
space, establish a connection, and maintain the virtual connection.
• The role of the secondary is to only respond when spoken to.

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IR

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Figure 1 – IRDA usage model

IrDA implementation in Computer systems

There are two types of IrDA based on connections,

• External Infrared Adapter: Interfacing through serial port and USB.

• Internal Infrared Adapter: This is a header (5 pins), which will be
present in the motherboard itself. It has to connect an IrDA PCB
module with cable to this header to make it work.
• The internal IRDA implementation shares one serial port in the
motherboard. So when IRDA is used, the shared serial cannot be
used. The selection is normally through a setting in the
motherboard CMOS setting.

Figure 2 - IRDA Motherboard connector (Internal) Figure 3 - External IRDA

IrDA Devices
• Notebooks and Handheld computers
• PDA’s and Palm devices
• Printers
• Scanners
• Mobile phones & pagers
• Digital Cameras
• Medical and Industrial equipments
• LAN access devices
• Point-Of-Sales systems

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IrDA Limitation
• Point to point and signal can be easily blocked
• Limited transmission length compared to other wireless
technologies

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IRDA – Technology Explained

Introduction:
Portable computing has become synonymous with the rapidly changing
world of technology in today's work environment. Every company
recognizes that in order to compete they must keep pace, as well as
deploy and manage this new technology in order to maintain their
competitive edge. New economic trends in the global economy will
continue to push companies to find new ways to enhance productivity
and maintain flexibility among their employees.

In fact, portable computing according to recent studies is poised for some

very dramatic growth. A trend that is likely to continue as companies
deploy their workforce to a more "mobile office concept". One obstacle to
achieving the goal of mobile connectivity has always been the limitation
of the cable connection. Whether you are connecting to the printer, your
network or exchanging data with the desktop, the cable connection is
viewed as a hindrance to the effective and efficient use of the portable
computer.

Infrared Basics

The portion of the invisible electromagnetic spectrum consisting of

radiation with wavelengths in the range 750 nm () to 1 mm (), between
light and radio waves.

Wavelength (m) Frequency (Hz) Energy (J)

Radio > 1 x 10-1 < 3 x 109 < 2 x 10-24
Microwave 1 x 10-3 - 1 x 10-1 3 x 109 - 3 x 1011 2 x 10-24- 2 x 10-22
Infrared 7 x 10-7 - 1 x 10-3 3 x 1011 - 4 x 1014 2 x 10-22 - 3 x 10-19
Optical 4 x 10-7 - 7 x 10-7 4 x 1014 - 7.5 x 1014 3 x 10-19 - 5 x 10-19
UV 1 x 10-8 - 4 x 10-7 7.5 x 1014 - 3 x 1016 5 x 10-19 - 2 x 10-17
X-ray 1 x 10-11 - 1 x 10-8 3 x 1016 - 3 x 1019 2 x 10-17 - 2 x 10-14
Gamma-ray < 1 x 10-11 > 3 x 1019 > 2 x 10-14
Table 1 – Electromagnetic Spectrum

Infrared or "Below Red" was discovered in the early 1800's by Sir William
Hershel. He discovered upon moving a thermometer across the spectrum
of colors that the heat would increase towards red. As he continued to
move the thermometer passed the red the heating continue to rise. This
area is what we call Infrared or also known as just beyond red.

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Infrared in Consumer electronics

Consumer electronics industries started using the Infrared light as way to
control their appliances for increased user friendliness in actual user
environment by providing mobility / remote access / ease of use.

With most pieces of consumer electronics, from camcorders to stereo

equipment, an infrared remote control is usually always included. Video
and audio apparatus and also lighting installations nowadays often
operate on infra-red remote control. The carrier frequency of such infra-
red signals is typically in the order of around 36 kHz. The control codes
are sent in serial format modulated to that 36 kHz carrier frequency
(usually by turning the carrier on and off). There are many different
coding systems in use, and generally different manufacturers use
different codes and different data rates for transmission.

The IrDA standard

Taking cue from consumer electronics, the IT industries also started
showing interest in Infrared.

In an effort to achieve a wireless connection to a full range of peripheral

devices without the hassle of cable, infrared technology was born.

In 1993 leaders from both the communication and

computer industry formed the Infra-red Data Association
(IrDA) with the sole purpose of creating a standard for
infrared wireless data transfer.
Figure 4 – IRDA logo

Now the IrDA association has over 120 members worldwide. It includes
some of the most recognized companies in the world, such as: Apple,
AT&T, ACTiSYS, Canon, Compaq, Hitachi, Intel, Hewlett Packard,
Microsoft, Motorola NTT, Sony, Toshiba and many others.

The specification versions are

• IRDA (Infrared Data Association) Serial Infrared Physical Layer

Specification Version 1.4 May 30th, 2001
• IrDA (Infrared Data Association) Serial Infrared Link Access
Protocol (IrLAP), Version 1.1, June 16, 1996.
• IrDA (Infrared Data Association) Serial Infrared Link Management
Protocol, IrLMP), Version 1.1, January 23, 1996.
• IrDA (Infrared Data Association) Serial Infrared Physical Layer
Measurement Guidelines, Version 1.0, January 16, 1998.

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• IrDA (Infrared Data Association) IrMC Specification, Version 1.0.1,

January 10, 1998.

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IrDA-Data Architecture and Protocol Stack -

Overview
Communications protocols deal with many issues, and so are generally
broken into layers, each of which deals with a manageable set of
responsibilities and supplies needed capabilities to the layers above and
below. When you place the layers on top of each other, you get what is
called a protocol stack, rather like a stack of pancakes or a stack of
plates. An IrDA protocol stack is the layered set of protocols particularly
aimed at point-to-point infrared communications and the applications
needed in that environment.

Below is a picture of the IrDA protocol layers. This layering will serve as the
overall structure for much of the remaining discussion.

Figure 5 – IRDA Protocol stack

The layers within this stack can be divided into two groups—required and
optional protocols.

Required IrDA Protocols

• Physical Layer - defines data rates, handles encoding of data and

framing for various speeds
• IrLAP - establishes the basic reliable connection by providing
addressing, error detection, and retransmission capabilities
• IrLMP is divided into two sublayers, LM-MUX and LM-IAS.
• IAS - provides a directory of services on a device

Optional Protocols

• TinyTP: Tiny Transport Protocol. Adds per-channel flow control to

keep things moving smoothly. This is a very important function and
is required in many cases.

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• IrOBEX: The Object Exchange protocol. Easy transfer of files and

other data objects
• IrCOMM: Serial and Parallel Port emulation, enabling existing
apps that use serial and parallel communications to use IR without
change.

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IrDA-Data Architecture and Protocol Stack – In

detail
Physical Layer
The IrDA Physical Layer Specification sets a standard for the IR
transceiver, the modulation or encoding/ decoding method, as well as
other physical parameters. IrDA uses IR with peak wavelength of 0.85 to
0.90 micro-meter. The transmitter's minimum and maximum intensity is
40 and 500 mW/Sr within a 30-degree cone. The receiver's minimum and
maximum sensitivity is 0.0040 and 500 mW/(cm.cm) within a similar 30-
degree cone. The link length is 0 to 1 m with an error rate of less than 1
in 10**8 bits. There are three different modulation or encoding/decoding
methods. The first one is mandatory for both IrDA-1.0 and IrDA- 1.1. The
other two are optional and are for IrDA-1.1 only. For transfer rate of 9.6k,
19.2k, 38.4k, 57.6k or 115.2 kbps operations, a start (0) bit and a stop (1)
bit is added before and after each byte of data. This is the same format
as used in a traditional UART. However, instead of NRZ, a method similar
to RZ is used, where a 0 is encoded as a single pulse of 1.6 micro-sec to
3/16 of a bit cell, and a 1 is encoded as the absence of such a pulse. In
order to have unique byte patterns to mark beginning and ending of a
frame and yet allow any binary data bytes, byte stuffing (escape
sequence) is used in the body of the frame. A 16-bit CRC is used for error
detection. The 9.6 kbps operation is mandatory for both IrDA-1.0 and
IrDA-1.1. 19.2k, 38.4k, 57.6k and 115.2 kbps are all optional for IrDA-1.0
and IrDA-1.1. For transfer rate of 0.576M or 1.152 Mbps operation, no
start or stop bits are used and the same synchronous format as HDLC is
used. Again, a 0 is encoded as a single pulse (1/4 the bit cell) whereas a
1 is encoded as the absence of such a pulse. In order to ensure clock
recovery, bit stuffing is used (same as in HDLC). The same 16-bit CRC is
also used. Both 0.576M and 1.152 Mbps operations are optional for IrDA-
1.1. For transfer rate of 4.0 Mbps operation, a 4-PPM method is used.
Again, no start or stop bits are used. In addition, bit/byte stuffing are not
needed either. A 32- bit CRC is used in this case. This rate is used in
IrDA-1.1 only.

IrLAP Layer
The IrDA Link Access Protocol (IrLAP) establishes the IR media access
rules and various procedures for discovery, negotiation, information
exchange, etc. IrLAP is a mandatory layer of the IrDA standard but not all
the features are mandatory. The minimum requirements are clearly
spelled out in the specification. The main media access rules are that for
any station which is currently not participating in a connection, it must
listen for more than 500 msec to make sure that there is no IR traffic
before it starts to transmit, and that for any station which is currently
participating in a connection, it must transmit a frame within any given
500 msec. Media access among the stations participating in a connection
is controlled by a token-like Poll/Final bit in each frame. Transmission of
user data without first establishing a connection is allowed in IrLAP. As far

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as IrLAP is concerned, connection-less transmissions are broadcast in

nature and are not acknowledged by the receiver. The discovery
procedure defines an orderly way to exchange IDs. The initiator
broadcasts its own ID repeatedly for a known number of times and listens
between these repeated transmissions (slots). The responders randomly
choose one of the slots and send their own IDs. If there is a collision, this
procedure can be repeated. The negotiation procedure is used to
establish a connection with operating parameters that both parties can
support. Some or these parameters, such as bit rate, must be identical
for both side, thus the "largest common denominator" is used. Some
other parameters, such as maximum data size, are the limits of one party,
which the other party must respect. After all these operating parameters
are known to both parties, a connection can be established. Before this
happens, all traffic (connection-less transmission of data, discovery
procedure, negotiation procedure, etc.) is carried out at 9.6 kbps async.
mode with maximum data size of 64 bytes. Once connection is made, the
negotiated data rate can be as high as 115.2 kbps (IrDA-1.0) or 4 Mbps
(IrDA-1.1), the negotiated maximum data size can be as big as 2048
bytes. During connection, the information exchange procedures are used.
Frames containing user data are sequence checked in addition to CRC.
There are also supervisory frames used for flow control, error recovery,
and to pass the token. Connection may be one-to-one or one-to-many.
One of the stations in a connection plays the role of a primary; all others
play the roles of secondaries. Usually, the station that initiated the
connection, or the common one in a one-to-many connection is the
primary station. The primary station is responsible for the recovery of lost
token, to maintain the 500 msec heartbeat, and, in general, the orderly
operation of the connection. In addition to the above major procedures,
there are many other procedures, for example: sniffing, address conflict
resolution, exchange primary/ secondary roles, just to name a few.
Collectively, IrLAP provides an orderly and reliable connection between
the IR stations.

IrLMP Layer
The IrDA Link Management Protocol (IrLMP) consists of two
components: the Link Management Information Access Service (LM-IAS),
and the Link Management Multiplexer (LM- MUX). IrLMP is a mandatory
element of the IrDA standard, but again, not all features of IrLMP are
mandatory. LM-ISA entity maintains an information base so that other
IrDA stations can inquire what services are offered. This information is
held in a number of objects, each associated with a set of attributes. For
example, "Device" is an mandatory object and has attributes
"DeviceName" (an ASCII string) and "IrLMPSupport" (IrLMP version
number, IAS support, and LM-MUX support). The other component of
IrLMP, LM- MUX, provides multiple data link connections over the single
connection provided by IrLAP. Within each IR station, multiple Link
Service Access Points (LSAPs) can be defined, each with a unique
selector (LSAP-SEL). LM-MUX provides data transfer services between

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LSAP-SEL end points within the same IR station as well as across the
IrLAP connection to other IR stations. The LM-ISA discuss previously
uses a pre-defined LSAP-SEL (0) for other IR stations to access over
IrLAP and through LM-MUX. The LM-MUX can be in one of two modes,
exclusive or multiplexed. When in exclusive mode, only one LSAP
connection may be active. In this case the flow control provided by IrLAP
can be used for the only connection. When in multiplexed mode, several
LSAP connections may actively share the same underlying IrLAP
connection. However, in this case additional flow control must be
provided by upper layers or the applications.

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IrTP, TinyTP, IrCOMM, and Beyond

IrTP and TinyTP are optional transport protocols. The main proposes are
to provide individual LSAP flow control functions and to segment or
reassemble data. The additional flow control is needed when the LM-
MUX is in multiplexed mode. The segmentation and reassembly of data
is used to match the user buffer size and IrLAP/IrLMP data size. IrCOMM
is the protocol to emulate pre-existing wired serial and parallel ports.
There are four service types. The 3-wire raw service type emulates a 3-
wire RS-232 port ( TxD, RxD and Gnd wires with no flow control). It has
no control channel and relies on IrLAP for flow control (and hence it must
use LM-MUX exclusive mode). The other three service types use TinyTP
and have separate control channels. They emulate 3- wire (cooked), 9-
wire, and Centronics parallel. Other IrDA optional layers include PnP
(Plug-and-Play), Obex (Object exchange), and many others. Most of
these optional layers are aiming at facilitating the adoption/development
of application programs. Physical Layer, IrLAP, and IrLMP are the only
layers that are mandatory in the IrDA standard. While these three layers
provide the bases for an efficient and reliable link, the design is
extensible and open-ended. IrDA has defined and is continuously working
on other optional upper layers.

External Connection
To implement IrDA-1.0 external adapters to be attached to the RS232
serial port, the challenge is to reach a long distance with reliable IR
connection sustainable at 115.2Kbps baud rate, using only the limited
current supplied from the RS232-port signal lines. This current is typically
in the range of 10mA, which needs to be booted up to around 21mA
average current at 115.2Kbps rate in order to provide reliable IR
communication at distance of 1 meter. For implementing IrDA-1.0
external adapter for printer and other peripherals, compact IrDA protocol
stack needs to be built into the adapter. To implement IrDA-1.1 (1.152M
and/or 4M bps) external serial adapter, RS232 port is too slow. There are
four options: internal add-on card, special IrDA connector, enhanced
parallel port, special serial port like Universal Serial Bus (USB), etc. All
these options are being explored by many of the current IrDA adapter
suppliers. To implement IrDA-1.1 external adapters for printers,
peripheral devices or wired LAN, the appropriate IrDA protocol stacks
need to be built into the adapters.

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Infrared Q & A
What is an IrDA infrared data connection?
A cordless data connection using infrared light. It is a low-cost transceiver
signaling technology for two way data exchange. It provides high-speed
digital exchange through the typical PC UART/serial port at 9600-115200
bits/s, and in some units compatible high speed extensions up to 1Mb/s
and 4Mb/s speeds.

What are the distance limitations for IrDA-compliant infrared

connections?
Although the IrDA standard only specifies a connection from zero to one
meter, many IrDA-compliant products can connect at distances greater
than one meter.

Why infrared standards?

To ensure interoperability between devices of all types.

What is the difference between diffuse infrared, directed infrared,

and radio frequency?
Diffuse infrared allows many-to-many connections, does not require
direct line of sight and can be uni- or bi-directional. Since it is based on
visible light, it is a secure form within a room. Financial trading floors are
an example of diffuse infrared.

Direct infrared is point-to-point, typically one-to-one communications, is

not subject to regulations, requires line of sight and is a secure form of
data transmission and reception. IrDA is an example of directed infrared.
Radio frequency is not secure in that it can penetrate walls, is subject to
uncontrolled interference, is typically higher in power than directed
infrared and requires FCC certification.

How secure is infrared?

Very secure. Using infrared connection to access the LAN is as secure as
using a cable at any other access point on the network. You need to be
an authorized user on the subnet.

How reliable is infrared?

Often more reliable than wired solutions. When was the last time your TV
remote control broke? In fact, we believe that the IR port will prove more
reliable than wired connections because we will have eliminated wear-
and-tear. No pins to bend, no plugs to jam.

Does the length of the infrared connection affect the speed of the
network? i.e., if the portable is farther away from the network
access point, will the connection be slower?
To be IrDA-compliant a product must be capable of maintaining a
constant connection speed.

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When will faster infrared speeds be available?

You can expect to see 16 Mbps speeds in the near future. Engineers say
that even 50Mbps speeds are technology feasible, but won't be available
for at least a few years.

Why not wait for 16 Mbps speeds?

4Mbps fits the speed and data transmission requirements and is a viable
speed for most PC applications today. As file size requirements grow,
some segments of the industry will require higher speeds such as high
speed LAN's.

What products use infrared today?

Infrared is showing up in several electronic products, such as PDAs,
printers, desktop adapters, notebooks, cameras, Palm devices.

What products will implement infrared in the future?

Infrared will soon be seen in copiers, fax machines, overhead projectors,
telephones, bank ATM's, credit cards, game controls, and headsets.

What do I need to be able to use Ir from my laptop to my desktop

PC?
Your laptop needs to have the appropriate software drivers on it such as
Microsoft Ir Monitor, QuickBeam or Transit (application dependent). If
your Desktop PC does not have an IR port or software, you will need to
get an Ir adapter and software to enable you Desktop. Ir adapters are
available on the market today. Please go to the Products page on this
web site to determine vendor offerings.

What does FIR and SIR stand for?

FIR stands for Fast Infrared, which is the capability to transfer data up to
4Mbps. SIR stand for Serial Infrared, which is the capability to transfer
data at 115Kbps.

Reference:
http://www.irda.org/

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-
us/dnirda/html/irdawp.asp

http://www.extendedsystems.com/ESI/Products/Wireless+Connectivity+Product
s/IrDA+Adapters/

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