VHF modules provide a long-range alternative

Low Power Radio Solutions has extended its range with the addition of a miniature PCB-mounting VHF radio transmitter/receiver pair for extended range data links.

Low Power Radio Solutions has extended its range with the addition of a miniature PCB-mounting VHF radio transmitter/receiver pair for extended range data links.

Operating at 173MHz, the latest versions of the Radiometrix TX1 and RX1 offer potential ranges up to 10km when used with a suitable quarter-wave whip antenna.

Even when used with a shorter 100-150mm antenna, the devices will provide reliable operation at ranges up to 200m, with excellent penetration characteristics when compared with UHF systems.

The modules are fully type approved to EN 300 220-1 for use at 173MHz in the UK, and are designed for EMC compliance to ETS 300 683 with a fully screened construction and internal filtering to minimise spurious radiation and susceptibility.

They are particularly suitable for one-to-one and multi-node wireless links where longer ranges are required at low to moderate data rates.

Datarates up to 10Kbit/s can be achieved, making the devices particularly suitable for applications such as building security, EPOS and inventory tracking, remote industrial process monitoring and data networks.

The TX1 transmitter is a two-stage crystal controlled design, NBFM modulated at up to 10Kbit/s, and runs from a wide supply voltage range from 2.2 to 10V, drawing 9.5mA.

A built-in regulator is incorporated for improved stability and supply noise rejection.

The RX1 receiver is a single-conversion NBFM superhet design featuring an image rejection of better than 50dB.

Running from a single 2.7 to 10V supply and drawing 12mA, it too has a built-in regulator for improved stability and supply noise rejection.

The combination of small size and low power consumption make the TX1 and RX1 particularly suited to compact battery-power portable applications.

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