Compatibility issues between Bluetooth and high power systems in the ISM bands

Much discussion has taken place over the last several years about the treme ndous growth potential for low power microwave chip devices for low power. unlicensed communications within the 2450 MHz band. Techniques for wireless communication consists of frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) and dir ect sequence spread spectrum (DSSS). The generic name Bluetooth has recentl y been utilized to encompass all these types of devices even though it stri ctly applies only to FHSS. While the economic potential for such technology is undisputed, there is reason to believe that the wireless industry is no t aware of the problems that are looming on the horizon in the form of inte rference from consumer and commercial microwave ovens and industrial microw ave equipment installations. These types of non-communications equipment ar e operating legally in the industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) bands and present spectra that are quite variable, and in many cases have quite h igh amplitudes. This article outlines the background and problems that exis t and enjoins the two industries to work together to resolve the compatibil ity issues.