11 July 2008

CEL Debuts 32-Bit ARM-Based ZigBee Radio Module

California Eastern Laboratories (CEL) has expanded its family of IEEE 802.15.4 transceiver solutions with the addition of the FreeStar Pro, the company's first 32-bit ARM-based ZigBee radio module.

Based on the Freescale MC13224V 32 bit ARM Platform-in-Package (PiP), the FreeStar Pro is designed to leverage the extensive processing capability of the MC13224V with its extremely low power consumption, CEL explained.

FreeStar Pro modules are targeted at remote sensing, AMR/AMI, home and building automation, industrial control, and security applications. With +20dBm output power and a range of over 4000 feet, they can be used for mesh, point-to-point, and point-to-multipoint networks. In addition, with their low current consumption, they can be utilized in battery-powered designs.

FreeStar Pro modules have a footprint of 23 x 31 mm. An integrated antenna helps to reduce system size and cost, while an interface for an external antenna can be optionally specified, the company said. Modules support the Freescale BeeStack software. The modules will be FCC, IC and CE certified, eliminating the need for certification processes.