Texas Instruments has been ranked at the top of the latest IEEE 802.15.4 IC Vendor Matrix released by ABI Research.

Jennic, Ltd. and Freescale Semiconductor claimed the second and third spots in the company’s most recent evaluation of worldwide IEEE 802.15.4 IC vendors.

“Texas Instruments received the top ranking in this edition of the Vendor Matrix through solid performance in both the Innovation and Implementation categories,” says practice director Sam Lucero. “Although Jennic was second overall, it was first in the Innovation category. Likewise, Freescale achieved the top spot in the Implementation category.”

The Vendor Matrix is an analytical tool developed by ABI Research to provide a clear understanding of vendors’ positions in specific markets. Vendors are assessed on the important parameters of “innovation” and “implementation” across several criteria unique to each vendor matrix.

For this particular matrix, under "innovation," ABI Research first examined the various vendors’ product feature sets including device power consumption, Rx sensitivity, memory sizes offered (if any), and MCUs (Microcontroller Unit) offered (if any). Then form factor integration and variety were assessed. Finally, the evaluation considered the protocol stack availability of each.

Under "implementation," ABI Research scrutinized the following criteria: the vendors’ overall market position (including their perceived market share and position in the market relative to competitors, their size, financial strength, health, and backing), and their longevity in the IEEE 802.15.4 IC market. Vertical market focus was assessed, including the number/breadth of vertical markets and applications served or targeted, and the level of the vendor’s specialization. Finally, the research examined vendors’ levels of customer support, including training and events, documentation, tools and development platforms, and community forums.

To view a chart showing the rankings of the “top ten” firms in this Vendor Matrix, please visit “IEEE 802.15.4 IC Vendor Matrix” (http://www.abiresearch.com/research/1002833). Registration on the ABI Research website (free) is required. Access to the rankings and profiles of all companies surveyed is available to clients of ABI Research.

This Vendor Matrix forms part of ABI Research’s Short-Range Wireless (http://www.abiresearch.com/products/service/Short_Range_Wireless_Research_Service) and Wireless Sensor Networks (http://www.abiresearch.com/products/service/Wireless_Sensor_Networks_Research_Service) Research Services. For a list of all ABI Research Vendor Matrices, please visit Vendor Matrices (http://www.abiresearch.com/vendor_matrix_home.jsp).

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advise thousands of decision makers through 27 research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.