Data Passport Eases OEM Integration of Wireless

With many believing that wireless communication may serve as the ultimate catalyst for the widespread adoption of mobile and pen-based computing, OEMs and systems integrators continue to search for innovative options to add these features to their systems and devices. A new option, known as the Data Passport, promises to enable developers to integrate cellular voice and data capabilities into their systems, while reducing the time and complexity of the task.

Developed by Ft. Worth, Texas-based JRC International, the Data Passport measures 3.6″ x 1.96″ x 0.48″ (9.1 x 5.0 x 1.2 cm) making the module PCMCIA-sized. The company, which is a subsidiary of Japan Radio Co. Ltd., claims that the compact package has several advantages including:

• advanced power management, reducing battery consumption
• intelligent software, addressing the intricacies of roaming and channel hand-off in a wireless environment
• a single-piece package that eases OEM integration

JRC notes that the Data Passport is well suited for a range of applications not limited to mobile computers, but also including vending machines and weather monitoring stations. The company claims that when the Data Passport is coupled with a modem, it creates one of the fastest data modules currently available. JRC is allowing royalty free licensing of the bus architecture, enabling vendors to adapt the features of the Data Passport in ways that enables them to further differentiate their product.

The Data Passport started shipping in April, 1995, and is available in North and South America, as well as Australia and New Zealand.

JRC International
3800 Sandshell Drive
Ft. Worth, TX 76137
Ashutosh Pande
(817) 491-5732
[email protected]