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MeshNetics unveiled its new amplified ZigBee / 802.15.4 2.4GHz RF module at the Productronica show in Munich, Germany. RF modules can use amplifiers to extend their operating range, but the tradeoff has always been an increase in power consumption.

The new ZigBit Amp module from MeshNetics is the first to successfully combine the seemingly incompatible qualities of high range and low power. Range tests showed the new ZigBit Amp module achieved a best-in-class outdoor line of sight range of 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) while keeping power consumption at a remarkably low level: only 10 µA in the sleep mode, 23 mA in receive mode, and 60 mA in transmit mode. The ZigBit Amp module’s impressive performance is attributed to its unique RF design and the outperforming link budget of 124 dB, boosted by the use of the low-power amplifier.

The ZigBit Amp module is based on Atmel’s innovative Z-Link hardware platform, and enhanced by an output power amplifier and a low noise amplifier. The easy-to-integrate ZigBit Amp modules are designed for wireless sensing, monitoring and control, and data acquisition applications. Eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming RF development, these tiny modules with 100 mW power output, shorten time to market for wireless products with extended range requirements.

The ZigBit Amp modules are ideal for use in a variety of application areas, including, but not limited to, building automation, energy management and efficiency, industrial automation, asset tracking, remote control and more. Operating in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz ISM band, the ZigBit Amp modules feature the eZeeNet networking software stack, conforming to the latest ZigBee 2006 specifications. This stack enables multipoint, multi-hop communications over thousands of square meters at moderate data rates without expensive infrastructure support.

Occupying less than a square inch of space, the ZigBit Amp module supports a wide variety of both analog and digital interfaces. The built-in U.FL antenna connector enables rapid design-in, and provides flexibility in using a different external antenna for every application. The eZeeNet embedded software includes UART bootloader and AT command set for the easy commissioning. The ZigBit Amp modules are to be manufactured by Sanmina-SCI at the state-of-the-art facility in Gunzenhausen, Germany. MeshNetics and Sanmina-SCI have been cooperating on the module design to ensure the highest performance of the product.

Samples of the ZigBit Amp (Part# ZDM-A1281-PN) are available immediately, and can be ordered online at www.meshnetics.com/zigbee-modules/amp. Development Kits will become available by Mid-December 2007, and mass production is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2008. By then, ZigBit Amp modules are expected to have both FCC and CE certification. As a single-source provider of hardware and software solutions, MeshNetics provides software updates, dedicated design-in support, and RF design assistance.