ZigBee Module Outputs 100 mW From Miniature Form Factor

Based on Freescale Semiconductor’s MC13192 transceiver IC and MC9S08GT60 microprocessor, the FreeStar module from California Eastern Laboratories (CEL) and LS Research is a fully integrated, drop-in RF transceiver solution that is well-suited for office and building automation, applications including HVAC and lighting control, and security systems. Fully FCC and CE-certified and RoHS-compliant, the module features an integrated 100-mW power amplifier and provides up to 4000 ft of line-of-sight range. LSR has also streamlined the communications protocol, resulting in the lowest power consumption in transmit mode of any module on the market, according to the company.

The direct-sequence, spread-spectrum module includes an integrated inverted-F pc-board antenna and fits into a 1.4- by 1.0-in. form factor. It has two 10-bit analog-to-digital inputs, eight general I/O ports, and a simple UART interface. The frequency range is 2400 to 2483.5 MHz, with a software-controlled output power of 10 to 100 mW. Receiver sensitivity is –92 dBm at 1% PER. The module has 16 RF channels with an RF data rate of 250 kbits/s. It runs on 2.4 to 3.6 V, drawing 125 mA at 10 mW and 150 mA at 100 mW. Current draw in receive mode is less than 42 mA and in standby mode is less than 5 µA.

The FreeStar is the first in a series of modules to be introduced for ZigBee and other IEEE 802.15.4 data-transmission applications. Additional products based on transceiver ICs from Ember and Texas Instruments will be introduced in the fall. Manufacturing and supply-chain management of these modules will be the responsibility of CEL. The modules will be available worldwide through CEL sales offices as well as though the company’s representatives and franchised distributors.