This paper presents a wideband, low power, and low cost pulse-based inductive-coupling interface for wireless data transfer in high performance portable devices. General aspects of wireless links are discussed to understand the position of the inductive-coupling technique. Two applications of a pulse-based inductive-coupling interface are introduced, one is a 0.14 pJ/b inter-chip link for system-in-a-package. The other is a detachable wireless interface for chip monitoring through LSI package. Circuit design techniques for a power reduction and an extension of communication range are presented.