Wireless modules make more of USB

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Sep 11, 2006

Cypress Semiconductor Corp and Artaflex have developed new WirelessUSB LP modules that easily enable wireless connectivity to a wide range of applications.

Cypress Semiconductor Corp and Artaflex have developed new WirelessUSB LP modules that easily enable wireless connectivity to a wide range of applications including home automation, medical, and industrial applications, while eliminating the need for time-consuming RF design and costly agency certification.

The complete, agency precertified Falcon Series modules enable drop-in wireless capabilities in applications such as automatic meter reading (AMR), wireless telemetry, wireless sensors and remote controls.

Operating in the 2.4GHz ISM band, the Falcon Series modules are based on Cypress's WirelessUSB LP technology.

The modules offer low-power consumption and deliver datarates up to 1Mbit/s, with ranges between 30m for print antenna devices up to 1km for devices equipped with a power amplifier.

The modules are certified with modular grants by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), and Industry Canada, translating into modular approval and eliminating the need to test for RF compliance.

"By providing agency precertification with our Falcon Series modules, we have cleared the design paths of industrial and home automation manufacturers from the complexity of RF design and the rigors of compliance testing", said Gerry Iuliano, President and CEO of Artaflex.

"Cypress's WirelessUSB LP technology provides the performance and robust immunity that our customers have come to expect".

"Artaflex's new WirelessUSB modules deliver outstanding range and reliability, offering a complete solution that can be dropped into a wide range of applications for instant wireless connectivity", said Marcus Kramer, Director of the Human Interface Devices Business Unit of Cypress's Consumer and Computation Division.

"We see high growth potential for wireless applications targeting the industrial market, and the Falcon series of WirelessUSB modules are well positioned to meet the needs of the market".

Artaflex is offering four different modules: the AWP24S-122, a WirelessUSB LP module with print antenna; the AWS24S-122, a WirelessUSB LP module with miniature SMA for use with external antenna; the AWP24U-000, a WirelessUSB LP and PSoC USB with print antenna for Full Speed USB dongle; and the AWA24S-122, a WirelessUSB LP and PA module with print antenna.

All four modules use Cypress's award-winning WirelessUSB radio system-on-a-chip devices.

Operating in the universal 2.4GHz industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) band, WirelessUSB LP eliminates the need to change the operating frequency band for different end markets.

Additionally, WirelessUSB LP features direct sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) technology, which provides the industry's most robust immunity to interference from other technologies like 802.11b/g, Bluetooth, cordless phones and microwave ovens.

The modules feature a data transmission rate of up to 1Mbit/s with an average latency of below 2ms.

The Falcon WirelessUSB LP module with print antenna and the Falcon WirelessUSB LP module with miniature SMA are currently sampling and are priced starting at $5.95 per unit in 1000 unit quantities.

The USB Dongle Falcon series module is expected to begin sampling in Q3 2006 with the Falcon series Power Amplifier module expected to sample in Q4 2006.

Production is scheduled for Q4 2006.