Product category:
Wireless Communications
News Release from: MaxStream | Subject: XBee
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 21 December 2004
ZigBee modules promise simple wireless
integration
MaxStream has adopted the Freescale Semiconductor platform for an assortment of ZigBee wireless products.
MaxStream has adopted the Freescale Semiconductor platform for an assortment of ZigBee wireless products In the first quarter of 2005, MaxStream will introduce the FCC and CE-type approved XBee family, which incorporates Freescale's ZigBee-ready and 802.15.4 chipsets onto MaxStream's RF modules
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 1 Aug 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
ZigBee radios support serial and USB interfaces
Stand-alone XBee-Pro radios allow for quick connections to both RS232 and USB enabled devices.
Development kit speeds wireless prototyping
A new version of the XBee development kit offers OEMs and systems integrators the ability to easily load their own code to the XBee and XBee-Pro RF module's processor.
The XBee line of RF modules and stand-alone connectivity solutions will allow OEMs to add wireless capabilities to their products easily and quickly.
The ZigBee wireless standard is a cost effective solution for connecting electronic devices in a short-range wireless mesh network.
MaxStream will offer two versions of the XBee ZigBee module, allowing OEMs the choice between either low-cost or high-performance modules.
Further reading
Development kits offer three routes to ZigBee
Because wireless ZigBee technology is designed for a variety of applications, MaxStream has created three different XBee development kits to meet the diverse needs of OEMs and systems integrators.
ZigBee modules are RoHS compliant
MaxStream's XBee and XBee-Pro OEM RF ZigBee modules are now compliant with international RoHS compliance standards.
Firmware upgrades wireless data acquisition
A firmware upgrade for all 802.15.4-enabled XBee and XBee-Pro products permits features such as analogue-to-digital conversion, digital input reading and encryption.
The low-cost XBee module measures less than 1in2, whereas the 100mW high performance XBee-Pro module is only two-thirds of an inch larger and achieves up to three times the range of standard ZigBee modules.
Both module designs are network and form-factor interchangeable, allowing the modules to be easily upgraded or reconfigured to meet the changing needs of each ZigBee network.
RS232, USB and Ethernet interfaces will also be available in 2005, creating simple connectivity solutions to computers and other electronic devices.
Additional ZigBee based products, including a wireless bridge that permits ZigBee networks to connect to long-range MaxStream radios, will be made available to complement the capabilities of both ZigBee and MaxStream proprietary networks.
"ZigBee is an emerging standard that will facilitate networking for a key segment of electronic products in industrial and commercial markets", said Brad Walters, President and CEO of MaxStream.
"We are excited to develop products that present such innovative possibilities".
"Combining the expertise of Freescale and MaxStream represents a significant advancement in wireless design engineering".
Freescale's ZigBee enabled platform includes the MC13193 2.4GHz RF chip, a low voltage, low power HCS08 MCU, and the Z-Stack ZigBee software, for a robust, cost effective, and easy to deploy solution.
The MC13193 on-chip features and enhancements reduce external components and total bill of materials cost while providing battery type flexibility with lifetimes up to several years.
"ZigBee addresses a significant spectrum and market need, delivering low cost and low power wireless networks", said Brett Black, Commercial Wireless Operations Manager for Freescale.
"MaxStream's ZigBee module helps serve this demand and our relationship enables OEMs to quickly integrate ZigBee technology into their monitoring, control and sensing applications".
The XBee module operates in the 2.4GHz ISM bandwidth and will come with the necessary software to create ad-hoc ZigBee networks.
The modules are designed to transmit at power-efficient levels, and power-down sleep modes help conserve additional energy when data transmission is intermittent.
The IEEE802.15.4 and ZigBee wireless compatibility standards have been established by a coalition of companies creating solutions for wirelessly enabled residential, commercial and industrial automation applications.
ZigBee applications include everything from security systems and HVAC monitors, to lighting and entertainment centre controls, making these systems easier to manage and automate.
MaxStream offers unlimited free technical support for all of its wireless technology via telephone, email and online chat, making it easy for customers to integrate ZigBee technology into each specific design.
• MaxStream: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Electronicstalk email newsletter
• Electronicstalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
