08 April 2008

Telit Harnesses Atmel ARM9 Based Chip For M2M Comms

Telit Communications has confirmed that the GE863-PRO(3), the first product in its dual-processor range, is to incorporate an Atmel AT91SAM9260 ARM9-based processor running the application in tandem with a dedicated processor for GPRS communication.

The move is lined up to revolutionise Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Communications System Design for processor intensive applications.

"By selecting a dual processor approach and using a high performance standard microcontroller supported by an extensive eco-system to run the application layers, integrating future demand becomes less time consuming, lower risk and less costly. With its core values of investment protection, easy integration, high quality and scalability, Telit is focusing precisely on the aspects that will be in the future the key determinants of success in the M2M market," said Jacko Wilbrink, Atmel's ARM Product Marketing Director. "This makes Telit an ideal partner to help us to become established in this market."

"The outstanding results of this cooperation and the availability of a high performance ARM9 Embedded Microprocessor in a 10x10 mm BGA package were the foundation of our decision to integrate Atmel's AT91SAM9260 in our PRO(3) professional dual-processor range too," added Dominikus Hierl, President of Telit Wireless Solutions. "The successful launch of the GE863-PRO(3) confirms our decision to continue relying on Atmel processors."

The core of the GE863-PRO(3) is the AT91SAM9260, an ARM9-based embedded processor from Atmel that delivers processing power above 200 MIPS. Whereas in the past just one sub-50 MIPS microcontroller took care of alternate communication and application tasks, the additional AT91SAM9260 processor now controls only real-time applications, while the second GPRS processor handles time-critical GPRS communications transactions, Telit explained.

The GE863-PRO(3) has been design as a small footprint platform that can be easily adapted to rapidly changing demand in the M2M market without the need to re-design the hardware. This is assured by a standard form factor, tried-and-tested BGA (Ball Grid Array) assembly and sufficient integrated memory for software applications, according to Telit.

Dual-processor range can be adapted to the particular needs of specialist areas via a number of expansion options. The WiFi add-on WA100-DUAL, for example, looks after the wireless connections over short distances that are needed for fleet management. Hand-held devices and scanners on the loading ramp can therefore transfer information on stock management or push through data transfer with lorries.