ZigBee transceiver in a USB Stick form factor

October 30th, 2008 • Related • Filed Under

The ETRX2USB is based on the Ember EM250 2.4GHz ZigBee compliant radio transceiver and features mesh networking using the latest EmberZNet 3.1 ZigBee PRO software. The Telegesis ETRX2USB is a high performance, low power 2.4GHz ISM band transceiver in a USB Stick form factor. It complies with the IEEE 802.15.4 wireless standard, providing a cost effective method of adding wireless sensing to any device which employs USB. This USB stick is a perfect complement to the Telegesis range of Zigbee mesh networking modules and provides an easy route to Zigbee enable a PC or any USB device to monitor and control a ZigBee network.

The ETRX2USB module is a full speed USB2.0 device. Powered by the USB bus, the module supports low power modes and can be configured as a ZigBee coordinator, router, or end device. The new stick is also available as a ‘PA’ version offering boosted output power. To accompany the Telegesis ETRX2 wireless mesh networking modules the ETRX2USB universal serial bus stick offers an easy way to ZigBee enable personal computers. Using a virtual com port the Telegesis AT-Command interface – based on the EmberZNet meshing stack – can be easily accessed by the application software. Custom firmware development is also supported. For faster production development the device carries the Telegesis AT Style Command line interface which allows the quick integration of meshing radio technology without complex programming or RF design experience.

Telegesis designers have succeeded in reducing all critical dimensions of the assembly allowing a new slimmer, smaller module to be produced making it ideal for applications where physical size is important or where the ETRX2USB must reside in close proximity to other USB peripherals. The height of the new USB stick has been reduced by over 30% and overall volume is reduced by over 40%. Additionally, a new redesigned light pipe in the casing allows a clear visual indication of ZigBee network activity via an on board LED.

To reduce time to market and simplify design the ETRX2USB module utilises the Telegesis ‘AT’ style command line interface which allows a designer to quickly integrate ZigBee meshing radio technology into a design without the need for complex programming or RF design experience. The USB stick acts effectively as a USB2.0 to serial bridge module and by using a virtual COM port the ‘AT’ command set can be easily accessed by host application software.

As a starting point for designers, Telegesis supplies its ‘Telegesis Terminal’ software with the ETRX2 USB stick. This application is specifically designed to let designers quickly gain an understanding of how the Telegesis AT command set is used to manage a network of Telegesis ZigBee ETRX devices and helps in connecting to Telegesis wireless meshing modules by sending commands and viewing responses received from remote ETRX ZigBee devices

Designers aiming to develop custom firmware are also well supported by the addition of an in-circuit Programming/Debugging header accessible under a small rubber seal on the side of the USB stick. For high volume applications Telegesis can also supply the ETRX2USB as an OEM product. Options include USB stick without case, without the Telegesis AT command set for custom firmware applications and the plastic casing can also be supplied in a wide variety of colours with custom Logo’s.

USB FEATURES

  • ETRX2USB acts as a USB2.0 to serial bridge connected to an ETRX2 module.
  • Driver Support for Windows 98SE/2000/XP, MAC.
  • OS-9, MAC OS-X, Linux.
  • USB 2.0 Full Speed Device, backwards compatible to USB1.1 hosts.
  • Telegesis Terminal support for Windows.
  • Allows access to the module’s AT-Command line interface via a virtual com port.
  • In circuit Programming/Debugging Headers allow for custom firmware development based on the ETRX2 platform.
  • USB bus powered.
  • Supports Low power Modes.
  • Form factor: USB Stick L80mm x W26mm x H8.5mm.
  • On Request application specific firmware can be developed.
  • Operating Temperature range -40C – +85C.

ETRX2 FEATURES

  • ETRX2USB is based on the ETRX2 Ember EM250 single chip ZigBee / 802.15.4 solution with on die 16-bit XAP2b microprocessor).
  • No need for RF design experience or expertise.
  • 2.4GHz ISM Band digital direct sequence spread spectrum transceiver.
  • Hardware acceleration for IEEE802.15.4 operations.
  • Can be configured to act as a ZigBee coordinator, router or end device.
  • Hardware supported encryption (AES-128).
  • Ideal for use as a commissioning tool when setting up networks.
  • Pre-programmed with Telegesis AT-Command interface.

Related products

Post a Response