Product category:
Communications ICs (Wireless)
News Release from: Xemics | Subject: XE1203
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 22 October 2004
Transceiver chip enables compact
embedded wireless
Radiotronix has just released its popular Wi.232DTS embedded wireless module in a European version, operating in the unlicensed 868MHz band.
Radiotronix has just released its popular Wi.232DTS embedded wireless module in a European version, operating in the unlicensed 868MHz band The Wi.232DTS module offers a simple, cost-effective way to make any wired application wireless, and is based on a transceiver from Xemics
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 8 Sep 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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The built in WiSE (Wireless Serial Engine) contains a MAC layer protocol, with CSMA, and a wireless RS232 application.
Using the module is as simple as connecting it to a UART-enabled microcontroller and adding an antenna.
The module is completely transparent and can operate out of the box with no configuration.
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In fact, a pair of modules can be connected to a couple of PCs through RS232 convertors and can be used as wireless modems, supporting any RS232 application such as Hyperterminal.
Although the module is very simple to use, it offers exceptional performance and flexibility.
With a 114dB link budget at the maximum datarate, a pair of modules can communicate over distances in excess of 365m.
Some customers have reported 4.8km line-of-sight communication.
Other key specifications are 15mW transmit power, 152.34Kbit/s maximum RF datarate, 24mA receive and 45mA transmit current consumption.
Using a special command mode, the user can change the UART/RF datarate, set the networking modes (master/slave or multipoint to multipoint), set the networking group, change the output power and read the unique 48bit MAC address.
A unique feature of the Wi.232DTS is its built-in carrier-sense-multiple-access with collision avoidance (CSMA-CA) mechanism that uses a proprietary scoring system to promote contention-free communications and to ensure that each node has fair access to the network.
"This is just another example of the value of our partner relationships", said Steve Montgomery, President of Radiotronix.
"Using the XE1203 from Xemics, with TrueRF, we were able to build a very high performance, very inexpensive RF module that was scalable".
"Now it is available in an 868MHz version, opening up new European markets".
"And, with Future Electronics as a worldwide distributor, it will be readily available to customers abroad".
Xemics, a partner of Radiotronix, sells the XE1203 integrated RF transceiver, which is the core of the Wi.232DTS module.
With its TrueRF technology, the XE1203 requires fewer filter components, reducing the overall size and cost of the module.
"Through our partnership with Xemics, it is less expensive for an OEM customer to purchase a Wi.232DTS module than to attempt to build a similar solution in-house".
"Xemics has undisputed leadership in high-performance ISM-band transceivers and our customers demand the best".
"Radiotronix has now redefined the price-performance boundaries for compact high- performance RF modules, and our close working relationship with Radiotronix has enabled them to meet and exceed customer expectations", said Rob Whittaker, Xemics' Transceiver Range Product Manager.
The built in MAC protocol of the Wi.232DTS supports masterless multipoint-to-multipoint networking, making the module suitable for any embedded wireless application including automated meter reading, wireless sensing, building and home automation and asset tracking.
A unique feature of the Wi.232DTS is its built-in carrier-sense-multiple-access with collision avoidance (CSMA-CA) mechanism that uses a proprietary scoring system to promote contention-free communications and to ensure that each node has fair access to the network.
The modules are available in a surface-mount, manufacturing friendly package that supports automated assembly and IR reflow.
The overall size of the module is 21 x 25 x 2mm, making it the smallest self-contained spread-spectrum embedded wireless module in the world.
The Wi.232DTS module is available in 868-870 and 902-928MHz versions for the European and North American market, respectively.
The European version has 15 channels, whereas the North American version has 32 channels.
A complete evaluation/development kit is available for the Wi.232DTS.
The kit includes two evaluation boards, each with RS232 and USB ports, two evaluation modules, cables, batteries, antennas and documentation.
Modules and kits can be purchased directly from Radiotronix or from franchised distributors Future Electronics or Mouser Electronics.
They are in stock and shipping now.
Kits are US $349, and 10,000-off pricing is $20.33.
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