Radiocrafts Introduces Wireless M-Bus RF Module
Oslo, Norway - Radiocrafts AS will present their new compact Wireless M-Bus RF module for use in Automatic Metering Reading (AMR) and Smart Meter applications at the Metering Europe exhibition in Amsterdam, September 22-24 2008.
This is the first compact all-embedded module compliant with the Wireless M-Bus standard available in the market, supporting two-way communication in S and T modes. The module is the perfect solution for customers who want to go into production soon with low risk. Meter manufacturers, system integrators and AMI providers can now get a complete Wireless M-Bus solution in a small compact module form-factor that is easy to integrate into meters and gateways.
The Wireless M-Bus standard (EN 13757-4:2005) specifies the communication between water, gas, heat and electricity meters or concentrators. The standard is becoming widely accepted in Europe as a basis for new Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), or Smart Metering, installations.
The RC1180-MBUS RF Transceiver Module is a compact surface-mounted high performance module measuring only 12.7 x 25.4 x 3.3 mm including shielding, replacing tens of components compared to a discrete design. The module is delivered on tape and reel for volume production.
The module is very easy to use having a UART interface for serial communication and configuration, and a one-pin antenna connection. The new module supports two-way communication, enabling not only meter reading but also valve control and data acknowledgement. It meets the Wireless M-Bus specification for all S1/2, T1/2 and R2 modes, and operates at 12 channels in the 868 MHz frequency band.
The RC1180-MBUS module is pre-certified for operation under the European radio regulations for license-free use. When used with quarter-wave antennas a line-of-sight range of 500-600 meter can be achieved. The module is designed for use in battery operated systems with up to 20 years of battery lifetime.
"By launching the first Wireless M-Bus module we have again demonstrated our technological leadership in embedded wireless solutions. The emerging AMI market and the new standard have created a huge demand for this product, and the new module is already designed into meters and gateways by our pilot customers", says Peder Martin Evjen, Managing Director of Radiocrafts.
"Radiocrafts is the first company to implement a complete Wireless M-Bus solution based on TI's low-power RF ICs," said Mark Grazier, manager of TI's Low-Power RF Developer Network . "Radiocrafts' module simplifies design and speeds time to market for customers looking to develop a Wireless M-Bus solution."
The module and Demo Kits are available now.
SOURCE: Radiocrafts AS