Budget module brings spread spectrum to the masses

AeroComm has released a very competitively priced 868MHz spread spectrum wireless module.

AeroComm has released a very competitively priced 868MHz spread spectrum wireless module.

Aimed at OEMs producing equipment for worldwide markets, the module is a European version of the company's highly acclaimed and proven 900Hz modules.

Designated the AC4486, the transceiver module interfaces with OEM designs via a serial TTL level connection, providing transparent, bidirectional wireless communication in point-to-point, point-to-multipoint and multipoint-to-multipoint networks using AeroComm's proprietary RF-232TM transparent protocol.

The AC4486 provides OEMs with two channels; one operating at 5mW and 100% duty cycle for short range applications, the other at 500mW and 10% duty cycling for longer range deployment.

Dual frequency bands are provided covering 902-928 and 868-870MHz.

The modules are aimed at OEMs who design and manufacture industrial or commercial products that currently use alternative methods of communication including infra-red, serial/wired, memory card download, or other less sophisticated wireless means.

The AC4486 is suitable for a wide range of applications including vending machines, automated meter reading, gaming, electronic signs and scoreboards, wheel alignment, pool and spa control, POS (point of sale), fleet management, lighting control and security.

Showing versatility, the transceivers will operate over the industrial temperature range of -40 to +80C and are agency approved for use in portable, mobile and fixed applications in Europe.

Various antenna options are available including integrated, external or solder pads, and the modules feature adjustable receiver sensitivity from 85 to 102dB depending on data throughput.

With a highly integrated chip solution, the modules operate from a 3.3V supply and measure a compact 48 x 42 x 5mm.

They are the smallest of their type available, making them ideal for use in battery powered, portable applications.

For those already using modules from AeroComm's AC4424 2.4GHz family, or the AC4490 900MHz family, the AC4486 offers socket compatibility, enabling OEMs to "design once" and subsequently interchange 868MHz, 900MHz or 2.4GHz radios to increase performance and/or expand their markets where other frequency bands are not accepted.

The AC4486 provides an excellent alternative to the increasingly saturated 433MHz band.

AeroComm's high operating speed (up to 76kbit/s) is a dramatic improvement over commonly found "868" modules operating at 9.6kbit/s.

OEMs are searching for low cost alternatives that allow them to eliminate wired or replace existing wireless communications.

Factors driving this need include the costs associated with installation, maintenance, and relocation.

Additionally, convenience and market acceptance are also important factors.

Typical low cost radios provide only the RF transmission; they do not contain protocol to manage "over the air" issues such as how to overcome interference and multipath problems, detecting errors in the data, addressing messages to individual radios, point to multipoint or peer to peer communication, security from eavesdropping, link quality verification.

AeroComm's RF-232TM provides the same robust protocol found in radios costing hundreds of pounds.

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