Freescale and SMK deliver RF4CE remote controls

Freescale Semiconductor and SMK Electronics, the largest manufacturer of remote controls in the world, have unveiled plans to launch a design and development platform based on Freescale's RF4CE (Radio Frequency for Consumer Electronics) protocol.

SMK has already integrated Freescale's RF4CE platform into several of its new remote controls targeted for DTV, Blu-ray DVD recorders, and set top boxes. With the inclusion of RF4CE, SMK can offer a low-cost, plug-and-play solution into its existing remote controls providing faster time-to-market for their customers.

Implementing the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, SMK demonstrated Freescale's RF4CE technology at the Cable Show in Washington DC, April 1-3.

Several leading brands have already introduced early RF remote controls based on Freescale technology and estimates put the total market for RF4CE shipments over 160 million by 2012.