Mesh networking node goes a long way

The DM2200 is a powerful and versatile embedded module that provides superior performance across a broad range of industrial automation applications.RF Monolithics has announced the DM2200 module for wireless sensor networking. The DM2200 combines low power consumption components and RFM's high-performance third-generation Virtual Wire radio to provide longer range than was previously possible with a battery powered mesh networking node. The DM2200 is a powerful and versatile embedded module that provides superior performance across a broad range of industrial automation applications.

The DM2200 communicates 600m in open air while only consuming 4.5mA in receive mode and 68uA in standby mode.

'RF Monolithics has found that no one wireless connectivity architecture provides adequate performance in all applications, even within a single industrial facility, and that different technologies must be employed to provide satisfactory solutions', said Wayne Stargardt, Director of Marketing for RFM's Wireless Systems Group.

'The DM2200 is an important addition to our portfolio of standard wireless mesh networking products, and it allows us to offer an off-the-shelf solution for industrial applications that must communicate over long range on battery power'.

The DM2200 uses RF Monolithics' VersaMesh mesh networking protocol to provide its powerful communications functions.

In addition to aggressive power management that complements the low power hardware, VersaMesh uses a rules-based routing architecture.

VersaMesh's rules-based routing can be easily modified to optimise performance for low latency, long battery life, high reliability or other requirements of any specific application.

VersaMesh also enables every node in the network to function as a router while also connecting to sensors.

Further, VersaMesh allows any node to communicate to any other node without having to route through a single network master or co-ordinator.

The DM2200 is designed as a solution to a broad range of industrial wireless connectivity applications.

In addition to long transmission range and low power consumption, the DM2200 can be configured to support thousands of nodes in a single network.

The DM2200 is versatile in connecting with machines through its serial port and ten configurable I/O ports.

The DM2200 provides an application environment that supports user applications running on its embedded microcontroller, which can often enable users to avoid an additional microcontroller in their product designs.

The initial version of the DM2200 wireless module operates in the 900MHz unlicensed frequency band, and has already been certified for operation in the USA under FCC 15.247 regulations.

It will be followed by future versions that operate on frequencies for use in other countries.

Samples of the DM2200 are available immediately and production quantities will be available in September 2006.

The DM2200 wireless module is marketed under the brand of RF Monolithics' Cirronet subsidiary.