ZigBit modules achieve ZigBee 2006 certification

ZigBee modules help OEMs bring ZigBee 2006-compliant products to market faster by eliminating costly and time-consuming RF development. Areas of application include building automation, HVAC, automated meter reading, predictive maintenance, transportation, and asset tracking. The MeshNetics ZigBit modules are said to feature best-in-class sensitivity, long range and low power consumption while occupying less than a half square inch of space. The ZigBit modules are also believed to be the first to utilise Atmel's new AT86RF230 radio. Thanks to its 104 dBm performance, MeshNetics says the device's range is almost three times that of its competitors.

Mr Vasiliy Suvorov, CEO of MeshNetics, states: "Achieving ZigBee certification comes as an important milestone to MeshNetics, as we are seeing an increased adoption of ZigBee technology in the market and interoperability becoming a pivotal factor. Now we are able to offer OEMs not only a combination of best-of-breed hardware and software, but also a guarantee of the future interoperability of their products. We worked on this certification in partnership with Atmel, a world leader in advanced semiconductors, and we look forward to continuing to serve the rapidly growing ZigBee market together."

Magnus Pedersen, Atmel's Director of Product Marketing AVR RF, adds: "The ZigBee-certified platform represents an important building block in the fast developing ZigBee market. With the ZigBee certification process in place, we are pleased to see MeshNetics being the first company to qualify on the AVR Z-Link platform."

Availability

MeshNetics' ZigBit modules are available with either a dual-chip antenna or a balanced RF output for use with a PCB antenna. All ZigBit modules come bundled with networking stack firmware that enables the module-based wireless sensor devices to form self-healing, self-organising mesh networks. Using MeshNetics firmware, developers can fully manage ZigBee networks via either C API or a set of AT-commands. ZigBit evaluation kits and development kits present easy-to-use tools for the module testing and application development, and include evaluation boards, software, accessories, documentation and technical support over e-mail.

MeshNetics will offer hands-on training sessions using the ZigBee 2006 certified platform during the ZigBee Developers' Conference in San Jose, CA, USA, on 3-5 April 2007. For more information please see www.meshnetics.com.