Drop-in Wireless Modules Allow Design Engineers to Easily Build Button-cell Powered Wireless Links

(Product News, 14 Feb 2008)

Using pre-approved modules developed by U.S.-based RF specialist RF Digital, designers without specialist RF knowledge can now build an Ultra-Low Power (ULP) ISM-band wireless link into a product or application within hours. Because all the RF development work has been done, the modules only require a digital I/O, power (+V) and ground (GND) connection.

Based on five Nordic Semiconductor Ultra-Low Power transceivers, the modules feature Nordic Semiconductor's reference designs and sample protocol code, require no specialist RF expertise to design-in, and can be replaced by standalone Nordic Semiconductor transceivers if and when required.

The modules are designed to work in almost any operating environment or product design with the exception of sealed metal enclosures, which the laws of physics dictate will act as an electromagnetic shield to RF.

Seven radio-only modules based on the following existing Nordic transceivers are being offered: the Nordic Semiconductor 2.4GHz nRF24L01 (RF Digital Modules RFD21010, RFD21676, RFD21677), nRF2401 (RFD21006), and nRF24E1 (RFD21018); plus the 433/868/915MHz nRF905 (RFD21002), and nRF9E5 (RFD21014). The modules based on the Nordic "E" transceivers (nRF24E1 and nRF9E5) also include on-board EEPROMs.

RF Digital has also developed six off-the-shelf application modules ready for instant drop-in. All application modules are FCC and IC-approved with no further approvals required. European CE approval will be granted shortly.

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