MeshNetics is launching an amplified ZigBee / 802.15.4 2.4GHz RF module. Conventional RF modules can use amplifiers to extend their operating range, but this tends to result in an increase in power consumption. The new ZigBit Amp module from MeshNetics, however, is said to be the first to successfully combine long range and low power. MeshNetics says range tests showed the new ZigBit Amp module achieved a best-in-class outdoor line-of-sight range of 4km while keeping power consumption at a remarkably low level: only 10uA in the sleep mode, 23mA in receive mode and 60mA in transmit mode. The ZigBit Amp module's performance is attributed to its innovative RF design and the outperforming link budget of 124dB, which is boosted by the use of the low-power amplifier.
The ZigBit Amp module is based on Atmel's innovative Z-Link hardware platform, and enhanced by an output power amplifier and a low-noise amplifier. The easy-to-integrate ZigBit Amp modules are designed for wireless sensing, monitoring and control, and data acquisition applications. Eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming RF development, these miniature 100mW power output modules shorten time to market for wireless products with extended range requirements. The ZigBit Amp modules are suitable for use in a variety of application areas, including industrial automation, building automation, energy management, asset tracking and remote control.
Operating in the unlicensed 2.4GHz ISM band, the ZigBit Amp modules feature the eZeeNet networking software stack, conforming to the latest ZigBee 2006 specifications. This stack enables multipoint, multi-hop communications over thousands of square metres at moderate data rates without expensive infrastructure support.
Alexey Rybakov, managing director of the ZigBit business unit at MeshNetics, comments: "The new ZigBit Amp modules are designed to address the customer's need for an extended range and a better signal penetration, which are the key requirements in many outdoor applications, such as monitoring of oil tanks and chemical plants. ZigBit Amp modules not only do that, but offer an exceptionally low power consumption and ease of integration. I like calling our ZigBee modules 'wireless network cards for things'. They offer an outstanding value to OEMs by hiding complexity, dramatically reducing time to market and minimising investment required."
Occupying less than one square inch of space, the ZigBit Amp module supports a wide variety of both analogue and digital interfaces. The built-in U.FL antenna connector enables rapid design-in, and provides flexibility in using a different external antenna for every application. The eZeeNet embedded software includes UART bootloader and AT command set for the easy commissioning. The ZigBit Amp modules are to be manufactured by Sanmina-SCI at the state-of-the-art facility in Gunzenhausen, Germany. Meshnetics and Sanmina-SCI have been co-operating on the module design to ensure the highest performance of the product.
Dennis Young, executive vice president of business development and marketing at Sanmina-SCI, states: "As a technology leader, Sanmina-SCI continues to expand its horizons and enter new technology sectors. ZigBee is an up-and-coming wireless standard that will dominate the fast-growing M2M market. By partnering with MeshNetics, we were able to apply our expertise in delivering top-quality end-to-end manufacturing solutions to the production of their industry's smallest, high-performing Zigbee OEM modules."
Samples of the ZigBit Amp (ZDM-A1281-PN) are available immediately and can be ordered online. Development kits will be available by mid-December 2007 and mass production is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2008. By then, ZigBit Amp modules are expected to have both FCC and CE certification. As a single-source provider of hardware and software, MeshNetics provides software updates, dedicated design-in support and RF design assistance.