Communications: RF Modem Delivers 1-W Conducted Power And 256-Bit Encryption Keys

Oct. 18, 2004

Get the maximum FCC-allowable radiated power output of up to 4 W with the 9XTend, a 900-MHz OEM RF modem module. That's possible thanks to its selectable power output, which ranges from 1 mW to 1 W conducted. The modem delivers up to twice the range of the company's previous long-range versions, six times the data throughput, and 256-bit data encryption in a tiny module. The 9XTend consumes only 780 mA from a 5-V supply. Users can receive transmissions up to a half-mile in urban environments, 15 miles with line-of-sight, and 40 miles with high-gain antennas. When set for maximum throughput, over-air data rates of 120 kbits/s are possible with a receiver sensitivity of 103 dBm. When set for the longest range, the data rate drops to 10 kbits/s with a receiver sensitivity of 110 dBm. Contact the company for quantity pricing.

MaxStream Inc.www.maxstream.net

About the Author

Dave Bursky

Technologist

Dave Bursky, the founder of New Ideas in Communications, a publication website featuring the blog column Chipnastics – the Art and Science of Chip Design. He is also president of PRN Engineering, a technical writing and market consulting company. Prior to these organizations, he spent about a dozen years as a contributing editor to Chip Design magazine. Concurrent with Chip Design, he was also the technical editorial manager at Maxim Integrated Products, and prior to Maxim, Dave spent over 35 years working as an engineer for the U.S. Army Electronics Command and an editor with Electronic Design Magazine.