Fujitsu Leads Drive for 1394 at Convergence 2008
With a fully loaded cockpit simulator and a special demonstration of 1394-based in- vehicle entertainment system, Fujitsu Microelectronics led the way for the 1394-Automotive standard at Convergence 2008 in Detroit Oct. 20-22.. continued

FireWire’s Strong Presence in Notebook PCs, Storage, Instrumentation Applications Points to Solid Future Growth
Growth in the storage, peripherals, industrial and Windows-based PC notebook market sectors continues to propel the 1394(FireWire) standard to another strong year of growth. continued

VISION 2008 in Stuttgart, Germany Highlights New 1394b Cameras
At VISION 2008 in Stuttgart in early November, leading industrial camera and instrumentation companies delivered new products built with1394b, which can transfer data at up to 800 Mbps. This is much faster than GigE and up to four times the rate provided by USB 2.0. The significant number of new systems and cameras underlines the success 1394 has experienced in these important markets. continued

AES Convention in San Francisco Features New 1394-Equipped Audio Products
The AES Convention in San Francisco in October featured 407 exhibits – including many new 1394-equipped audio systems -  and almost 17,900 attendees. The AES organizers cited  “a palpable upbeat vibe accompanied virtually everyone involved” with the 125th AES Convention held in the Moscone Center Oct. 2 - 5. continued

The Best Future Proof Solution to a Vehicle Network Design – Using the 1394 Automotive Standard
1394 Automotive Standard offers long life cycles and the best combination of performance, security, flexibility, and cost
In today’s economy -- where R&D investments are difficult to justify and long life cycles for electronic technologies are mandated -- the 1394 Automotive network offers an excellent solution for all in-vehicle electronic applications. continued

FireWire: Connected Solution for Automotive Applications using Shielded Twisted Pair Cable and Connector Construction
Contributed by Mike Gardner, Molex, Inc.
Most of us thinking of FireWire connected solutions would quickly envision cables and connectors linking consumer devices and maybe industrial type applications.  But embedded automotive devices?  Never gave it a thought!  But all that has changed with release of the 1394 Trade Association's Copper Automotive standard this past summer. continued

Coax Cabling for 1394 Vehicle Networks Offer Highest Data Speeds, Lowest Cost
Contributed by Peter Helfet, Eqcologic Corporation
The 1394 Trade Association recently approved the 1394 Copper Automotive Standard, the blueprint for next generation networking in vehicles.  Systems based on the new Standard will offer net data rates of up to 800mbits/s (1394 “S800” speed), from the start.  This compares extremely favorably with 25mbit/s offered by MOST optical networks today and even the “future” 150mbit/s MOST specification. continued

Building the New In-Vehicle Entertainment Network
Contributed by Akio Nezu, Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc.
It doesn’t take much imagination any more to envision a whole new entertainment network in a car, truck or SUV. In fact, automakers intent on presenting consumers with the newest and most innovative A/V features are working now on rear seat and passenger side networks that will bring multimedia throughout the vehicle. continued

VersaPHY Ready for the In-Vehicle Network
Contributed by Richard Mourn, Quantum Parametrics
The new 1394 Automotive standard will move FireWire forward as a preferred specification for entertainment and information systems in the vehicle.  One of the options available now for automakers and their suppliers is the VersaPHY architecture. VersaPHY is a backward-compatible extension to IEEE-1394, which allows simple applications to connect simply (no device software required) to an IEEE-1394 bus. continued

2008 was a great year for the Trade Association.  We generated more new standards this year than in any other single year of late. Thanks to everyone who led these efforts and did so much hard work.

As we enter 2009, everyone is watching for signs of economic recovery - including those in the technology markets.  Due to farsighted leadership from the BoD, the Working Group Chairs, and the TA staff, the TA was well prepared for the cyclical downturn in the economy and we are in solid financial condition.  We expect to serve the needs of the TA membership and to continue promoting 1394 uninterrupted through 2009 and beyond, irrespective of the global economy.

Having said that, we are aware that there are a number of challenges facing us.

First, the rise of USB 3.0 poses some challenges to 1394 in the PC and storage markets.  However, as is the norm for virtually all of the challenges we have seen over the years, we are seeing a lot more "vapor" than "ware".  The recent "SuperSpeed USB Developers Conference" was only able to garner around 300 participants. This is modest when you consider the extensive press coverage and the fact that it was held in San Jose. It is still clear that the connector for this technology will be very large, the cable stiff/thick/expensive, with no Microsoft support until after Win7.

It is generally conceded that the current specification is only a first effort with an additional revision required before products launch.  Optimistic estimates are that USB 3.0 products will be introduced in 2010, but industry insiders estimate that 2011 is going to be an aggressive goal to reach.  And, presenters at this Developers Conference were quietly admitting that the published speeds for USB 2.0 are way faster than the delivery payload; a systemic limitation which will be carried through in USB 3.0 with usable throughput falling far below the published 5.0 Gigabits.  Also, it is unclear which applications will need this speed once it is introduced.  FireWire S800 appears to meet the needs of almost all storage and editing tasks.  Additionally, S800 provides backward capability to 1394a, and is rapidly being adopted by PC and storage manufacturers – along with support from major operating systems. USB 3.0 still appears to be an expensive solution for which there are only niche applications in the near future.

1394, however, still provides greater benefit to the consumer, as was spelled out in the recent support among Apple users for FireWire.  A petition was started on petitiononline.com, which had gathered 17,000 signatures by Nov. 24.  Comments by the petitioners indicate that FireWire is much more useful than USB for a variety of reasons.

Additionally, FireWire S1600 silicon has already sampled -- and S3200 is an easy design cycle away.  Everyone interested should contact their preferred Phy vendor to inquire about sampling dates.

In the automotive sector, the economic downturn has caused some challenges in the industry. But with long design cycles, investment in the future is still being funded - with 1394 gaining traction.  The largest barrier we face in this industry is lack of knowledge.  The more the automakers know about 1394, the more they embrace it.

However, these are large companies and require multiple visits before all parties are engaged.  Additionally, their suppliers need educating so they are ready to respond when the request for quotes arrive.  Important new work is being started in the Automotive Working Group.  I would encourage you to strongly recommend any contacts you have in the automotive industry to join the TA so their needs can be addressed in the new standards we will be starting in early 2009.

In industrial instrumentation and pro audio, we continue to see growth in adoption of 1394, especially in higher end equipment. 1394 is an established winner in industrial cameras, instruments, and in professional audio equipment. We will continue to build on that success.

In the consumer electronics markets, we are seeing a resurgence of interest in 1394 as companies start adopting the cable Tru2Way agreement and to incorporate the set top box into the HDTV.  1394 is an FCC requirement for all HD STBs including those built into HDTVs. Therefore, there are more 1394 ports to connect to. FireWire is already an approved output for Blu-Ray DVD players so it is an obvious choice to take advantage of 1394's capabilities.

There are many challenges upcoming, especially early in the new year. Thanks in advance to all of you who're committed to meeting them.

-- James Snider, Executive Director