TransferJet Tutorial: Features, Working, Frame Structure & Comparison

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TransferJet is an advanced wireless communication technology designed for high-speed, close-proximity data transfer. Its unique features make it ideal for secure and fast exchanges between devices.

This TransferJet tutorial covers its core features, working principles, protocol stack, frame structure, and comparison with other wireless technologies such as WiFi and NFC, including its advantages in wireless communication. TransferJet is basically a wireless technology used for large file transfer between two electronic products at high speed. The electronic products include mobiles, camcorders, cameras, computers, TVs, printers, etc. TransferJet Consortium has defined the technical specifications of this technology. The file transfer is very easy and takes place in push and pull mode. The technology incorporates benefits of both UWB as well as NFC technologies. It works as if we do file transfer using a USB cable.

The following table mentions features of TransferJet technology.

SpecificationTransferJet support
RF Frequency4.48 GHz
Transmit power(Average power)-70dBm/MHz or lower
Data rate (Depends on communication channel)Maximum: 560 Mbps
Effective rate: 375 Mbps
Coverage distancefew centimeters (About 3cm)
Network topologypoint to point (P2P)
Antenna ElementElectric induction field coupler

Table-1: TransferJet features

How TransferJet works?

TransferJet is a wireless technology designed to facilitate high-speed data transfers over very short distances. Its core advantage is simplicity: devices can exchange data by being placed in close proximity, often requiring them to be just a few centimeters apart. This unique mode of operation ensures faster and more secure communication, making it distinct from other wireless technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC.

Here’s an in-depth explanation of how TransferJet works:

How TransferJet works

In a TransferJet system, two electronic devices which transfer data between them are referred to as “Initiator” and “Responder.” The same is depicted in Figure-1.

The system works based on the “Touch Model” concept and hence it is very simple. TransferJet utilizes inductive coupling to transmit data between two devices. When two TransferJet-enabled devices come into close proximity (typically within 3 cm), their antennas interact magnetically to establish a direct connection. This setup eliminates the need for complex device pairing or configuration, allowing data to be transferred with a simple “touch.”

TransferJet Frame Structure

TransferJet frame

Figure-2 depicts the TransferJet frame. As shown, it is composed of preamble, sync, PHY header, and payload (CPDU).

In this frame, Payload is formed after the data from layer-2 (Connection Layer) is passed through the TransferJet PHY layer modules such as FEC encoder, spreading, scrambler, and data modulation.

Data from the CNL layer is broken into 224-byte message blocks before being passed to the PHY layer. As shown in the TransferJet frame, each CPDU consists of headers, sub-headers, CRC information, and 1 or 2 payload fields. The payload will have about 1 to 4096 Bytes of data information.

Full forms of terms mentioned above are as follows:

  • PSDU - PHY Layer Service Data Unit
  • CPDU - Connection Layer Protocol Data Unit
  • CSDU - Connection Layer Service Data Unit
  • IFS - Inter Frame Space

TransferJet Protocol Stack

The TransferJet protocol stack consists of the physical layer (PHY), Connection Layer (CNL), Protocol Conversion Layer (PCL), and application layers.

TransferJet Physical Layer (TransferJet PHY)

The TransferJet Physical layer takes care of preamble and header (SYNC) insertion in the TransferJet frame. It takes care of FEC (Forward Error Correction), Spreading, Scrambling, and modulation functionalities.

TransferJet Security

TransferJet technology works almost like a physical cable. Hence, it has no encryption functionality incorporated in the link layer.

The inherent security of TransferJet comes from its extremely short transmission range. Because the devices must be in very close proximity (almost touching), the risk of data interception is significantly reduced. This makes TransferJet a suitable technology for secure file transfers, such as personal data or confidential documents.

Comparison between TransferJet, WiFi, and NFC

The following table compares TransferJet vs WiFi vs NFC and provides differences between them.

FeatureTransferJetWiFiNFC
SpeedUp to 375 Mbps (typical)Up to 9.6 Gbps (Wi-Fi 6)Up to 424 Kbps
RangeExtremely short (a few centimeters)Long range (up to 100 meters)Short range (up to 10 cm)
Frequency Band4.48 GHz2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E)13.56 MHz
Power ConsumptionLowModerate to high depending on usageVery low
Ease of UseSimple “touch-to-transfer”Requires network setup or direct pairingSimple, often automatic (e.g., payments)
Data SecurityHigh (short range reduces interception)High, with encryption protocolsHigh (used in secure transactions)
Transfer TypePoint-to-point file transferNetwork-based and device-to-deviceLow-data exchanges (IDs, payments)
Use CaseSharing multimedia (photos, videos)Web browsing, large file downloads, media streamingPayment systems, ticketing, secure data exchange
Typical DevicesSmartphones, cameras, laptopsSmartphones, laptops, routers, smart TVsSmartphones, contactless cards
InterferenceLow (short range limits interference)Moderate (especially in crowded areas)Minimal (due to short range)
ApplicationsFast, secure file transfers between devicesInternet access, file sharing, streamingContactless payments, data exchange

Conclusion

With a simple and efficient design, TransferJet continues to be a top choice for applications requiring high-speed, secure communication. This TransferJet tutorial provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to learn more about how TransferJet operates and its potential use cases.

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