FHSS

New FHSS Sensor Networking Module

We’ve just received a press release announcing RFM’s new proprietary FHSS 2.4 GHz OEM radio module for sensor networking. The three key story points for this release:

highly configurable, low-cost, long-range frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) modules

1) Unique in its flexibility and versatility compared to other FHSS modules on the market: DNT2400 is unique in its configurable RF data rates and transmit powers, analog and digital I/O in addition to serial interfaces, and auto-reporting and sleep modes.

2) Unprecedented low-price FHSS module: @ $69 single unit price there is now a VERY low-cost FHSS alternative for wireless sensor monitoring in industrial networking. Most FHSS modules on the market are double and triple in cost for the same reliability found in the the DNT2400.

3) World-wide acceptance: this 2.4GHz member of the DNT series brings the same highly configurable, multifunctional performance of the DNT900 release two months ago to applications needing world-wide acceptance.

RF Monolithics announced at the Sensors Expo 2009 today the release of DNT2400, the second product in the company’s new innovative line of highly configurable, low-cost, long-range frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) modules for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM band, the DNT2400 is a multi-purpose, multi-function OEM RF module suitable for wide variety of applications including Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) applications, Industrial Automation and Control, and Wireless Sensor Networking. The RFM advanced networking features and robust proprietary frequency hopping technology found in the DNT2400 provides an extremely reliable radio with sophisticated features at a remarkably low single piece price of $69.

“This 2.4GHz member of the DNT series brings the same highly configurable, multifunctional performance of the DNT900 to applications needing world-wide acceptance. With configurable RF data rates and transmit powers, analog and digital I/O in addition to serial interfaces, and auto-reporting and sleep modes, the DNT2400 offers incredible flexibility and versatility at a price that allows it to be used in a wide array of products.”

Over-the-air data rates vary from 38.4 to 500 kbps while the transmit power can be adjusted from 1mW to 100mW. Additionally, the DNT2400 provides total flexibility in how fast the radio hops, how bandwidth is allocated between remotes and the base, support for co-located networks, and a variety of sleep modes, to name but a few of the configuration options available. When designers have multiple products needing different radio performance, they can use the DNT2400 for all their products by simply configuring the DNT2400 for the desired performance. The DNT2400 is pin-for-pin compatible with RFM’s DNT900 giving designers the option of 2.4GHz or 900MHz operation in a single design.

The DNT2400 provides a TDMA mode for guaranteed bandwidth as well as a CSMA mode that supports networks of unlimited numbers of nodes. RFM’s advanced networking features and robust frequency hopping technology along with a full 24-bit CRC and ARQ error detection and correction scheme provide an extremely reliable radio with sophisticated features.

For WSN applications, the DNT2400 provides the ability to collect sensor data directly from devices using its analog and digital I/O to wirelessly transmit sensor data. With both a standard UART serial port as well as a collection of 3 ADC inputs, 2 DAC outputs and 6 GPIOs, the DNT2400 is well suited for any sensor application. The DNT2400 is also suitable for battery operation with its ability to auto-report sensor data and to sleep in between reports.

RFM offers a developer kit – the DNT2400DK – to help design engineers fast track their designs. The DNT2400DK developer kit will be available in early July from RFM distributors.

About RFM
RFM, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a provider of solutions-driven, technology-enabled wireless connectivity for a broad range of wireless applications – from individual standard and custom components to modules for comprehensive industrial wireless sensor networks and machine-to-machine (M2M) technology.