Zigbee Network Processor Provides Choice In Microcontrollers

(Product News, 10 Jul 2005)

Ember has introduced EM260, a network processor version of the ZigBee-on-a-chip solution for OEMs that prefer to build ZigBee applications using third-party microcontrollers (MCUs). The network processor provides all ZigBee wireless networking features and functionality in conjunction with application microcontrollers from Atmel, Texas Instruments and others. The platform enables a ZigBee-compliant network node, which allows commissioning, management and network sub-segmentation. It also has RF characteristics and low power consumption along with an integrated hardware AES 128-bit encryption engine using a true random number generator. The EM260 features: EmberZNet 2.0 that supports application profiles for home controls as well as user-defined network applications; Transport layer to provide wireless communication between nodes and enable distributed bindings; and a WorkBench that provides tools for developing and debugging embedded ZigBee applications.