Compact modules embed GSM for M2M comms

A Spectre (Communications) product story

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Mar 3, 2005

The latest remote telematics solutions from Spectre allow OEMs to simply integrate cellular communications into a range of machine-to-machine (M2M) applications.

The latest remote telematics solutions from Spectre allow OEMs to simply integrate cellular communications into a range of machine-to-machine (M2M) applications.

Spectre is introducing Telit Trizium modules: small, lightweight, and low power consumption devices in SMD format that facilitate digital communications services using GSM 900, DCS 1800 or PCS 1900MHz networks, or GPRS class 10 services.

Introduction of Trizium follows Spectre's recently announced agreement with Vodafone UK, to stock and supply SIM cards to users of GSM modules, and support them with Spectrenet, a package of M2M managed services.

As a result, data from the modules can be integrated into a dependable established IT infrastructure.

Spectrenet provides live data streaming capabilities, enabling data from remote devices to be uploaded to a PDA, Internet or Intranet or other established IT and communications infrastructure.

Billing for the whole package, including airtime, will be handled by Spectre.

The Telit Trizium is a line of surface-mountable wireless telecommunications modules, specifically designed and developed for M2M wireless applications such as remote meter billing, vending machines, automotive applications and fleet management, emergency services, security systems, environmental monitoring, POS terminals, handheld devices.

Trizium modules build on long experience with the established GM862 module family, giving OEMs a space-saving solution in a format that does not require connectors and can reuse existing software investment.

As well as GSM cellular network functionality, the modules feature GPRS for always-on data transfer, voice and circuit-switching capability, fax, phonebook and text message (SMS) support.

Embedded Easy GPRS provides a built-in TCP/IP stack and DNS query protocol, so developers just need to add AT commands to establish Internet connection through the GPRS network.

Trizium includes a dedicated set of AT commands to scan (even without a SIM) all the 900/1800/1900 GSM channels, reporting all available parameters.

This makes it extremely simple to install Trizium-based products.

Also included is Easy Camera support, enabling direct connection to a colour camera and management via AT commands.

With Easy GPRS and Camera the process of taking a snapshot, sending it through the Internet or to another system is as easy as implementing few AT commands in software.

Future versions will add GPS capability for location and positioning, together with Bluetooth support.

Dimensions of the module are just 41.4 x 31.4 x 3.6mm, and the 52-pin BGA package make it ideal for miniaturised designs.

What is more, they use less than 19mA in standby mode, whilst RF transmitter power is 2W (+33dBm) for GSM, and sensitivity is specified as better than -102dBm.

To ensure the fastest time to market, Spectre offers a reference board and comprehensive evaluation kit, which interfaces the Trizium appropriate power supply, external SIM card reader, RS232 serial port, handset and hands-free connections.