Date: 19/12/2008

Zigbee radio module with Ember's EM260 transceiver

California Eastern Laboratories (CEL) announced that they started shipping a high-end ZigBee radio module, adding to its line of ZigBee/802.15.4 transceiver solutions. Based on Ember Corporation's EM260 transceiver platform, the Apex LT Module runs the entire ZigBee suite of applications and profiles as specified by the ZigBee alliance.

The Apex LT module supports both ZigBee and ZigBee Pro Certified software stacks and full mesh networking as well as the ZigBee Alliance Smart Energy profile. It is FCC, CE, and IC certified eliminating costly and time consuming regulatory testing. The module is a complete hardware and software solution that helps customers to get to market much faster than raw ICs or hardware modules that are neither certified nor support ZigBee profiles.

A system deployed with the Apex LT can enable simple and low cost installations of sophisticated security, irrigation, and other building systems. The module fits well into Automated Meter Reading and Automated Meter Infrastructure (AMR/AMI) systems, making it an ideal choice for electrical and gas utilities to install devices that monitor and reduce energy use, saving ratepayers money by taking advantage of off-peak utility rates while reducing the burden on already-stretched electrical grid systems.

Some of the key features are listed below:

1. Cutting Edge Engineering Design Delivers Range and Flexible Output Power in a Small Form Factor
2. It features +20dBm output power and over 4,000 feet of range in a typical deployment.
3. The in-built EM260 network co-processor IC combines a transceiver with a flash-based network processor.
4. The module's native low power processor handles the radio and network management functions, off loading these tasks from the host controller.
5. An onboard power amplifier with software-configurable output from 1mW to 100mW
6. At 100mW, power consumption is only 170mA, making it a good choice for battery-powered applications.
7. It is designed to deliver constant RF output across its full 2.1 to 3.6V voltage range
8. An integrated antenna helps to reduce system size and cost while an interface for an external antenna allows various antenna options.
9. Ideal for applications such as automated heating, lighting, air conditioning and ventilation systems in commercial and residential buildings.

Size: Apex LT modules have a footprint of just 25mm x 33 mm.
Pricing: $15 per module in volume quantities

For more details visit: www.cel.com
www.zigbee.org