Locator Gives
Early Warning to Parents --
But Wherify's Web-based tracking device,
which a child wears like a wristwatch,
is so packed with parts it weighs
more than a quarter of a pound
Wherify Wireless Inc.'s Personal Locator gives us an early
glimpse of live-asset tracking that promises peace of mind for parents, yet delivers a
disconcerting message about some of the riskier, more predatory aspects of our society. A
child-worn watch with lingering bulk and cost issues, the Locator allows parents to
monitor a youngster's whereabouts with Web-based mapping. It also bristles with electronic
locking and security features. Alarm bells sound if unauthorized unlocks are detected, and
either parent or child can initiate 911 emergency requests in case of trouble. Voice
communications are not accommodated, but numerical pages to the Locator are possible.
The Wherify scheme uses the Global Positioning System (GPS)
and the Sprint PCS (CDMA) network to communicate between the Locator and Wherify's
tracking center. The need for both GPS and code-division multiple-access systems brings
with it considerable complexity. Altogether, 42 integrated circuit packages and over 580
electronic parts appear in the Locator. Advanced Micro Devices, Conexant, LSI Logic (CDMA
baseband), Maxim, Microchip, National Semiconductor and SiRF (GPS) all contribute ICs. In
addition to the numerous SMT assemblies, a pair of antennas, Li-ion battery, LCD, control
buttons, piezoelectric buzzer and a locking apparatus compete for space in the oversized
plastic-and-rubber case, resulting in a heft of 4.2 ounces (120 grams).
LSI Logic Corp. signed a license agreement with Qualcomm
Inc. as early as 1997, but has reportedly moved to divest itself of CDMA baseband chip
activity. In February 2003, Wherify announced that it had become a Qualcomm licensee,
suggesting future changes for Wherify's technology. Evolutionary dual-radio architecture
improvements or more-integrated designs based on Qualcomm's gpsOne would seem to be
possibilities.
Teardown analysis suggests a manufacturing cost of roughly
one-third the $400 Locator price, yet it is likely to be the $25 to $50 monthly service
fee that drives Wherify's business model.
Although the Locator has the potential to be a life-saving
product, its rather steep costs and not-so-child-friendly size remain as drawbacks. That
said, the broader category of trackable assets-human or otherwise-presents compelling
opportunities for the GPS and wireless-data ecosystem. In addition to tracking children,
consumer use of the Locator can be extended to cars and pets, and commercial providers of
tracking services already abound. Given further miniaturization, lower cost and a broader
set of applications, location-savvy electronic watchdogs will proliferate. Are we ready?
Copyright (c) 2003 CMP Media LLC,
Copyright 2003 CMP Media LLC Electronic Engineering Times May 19, 2003, BYLINE: David
Carey
David Carey is president of Portelligent ( http://www.teardown.com). The Austin, Texas,
company produces teardown reports
and related industry research on wireless, mobile and personal electronics. |