Magnet Sensor enables batteryless, wireless security.

EnOcean GmbH Nov 07, 2005

Press Release Summary:

Solar-powered Model STM250 requires only ambient indoor or outdoor light to operate continuously and to store energy for up to 6 days use in total darkness. Embedded RF transmitter sends signal across 300 m outdoors and 30 m indoors through walls. Entire transmission is initiated, undertaken, and completed in 1/1000 of a second. Sensor serves as ready-to-install switch for security system contractors, or as OEM product for integration into doors and windows.

Original Press Release:

EnOcean's New Energy Harvesting Magnet Sensor Enables Batteryless, Wireless Door/Window Contacts

Munich, Germany and Boston, MA USA, November 1, 2005 - EnOcean, global pioneer in energy-harvesting wireless technologies, introduces the STM250 solar-powered radio frequency (RF) magnet-contact sensor. STM250 eliminates the principal deficiency of wireless security systems: the dependence upon batteries. By doing away with the burdens of battery monitoring and replacement, the new magnet contact can operate virtually forever without costly maintenance.

"The security industry has long had a need for simplified magnet-contact sensor installation and operation. Wireless seemed to provide the answer, yet the cost and consistency of battery power has been a recurring concern," said Jim O'Callaghan, Vice President of EnOcean. "By combining solar power with robust RF technology, EnOcean has effectively merged all the benefits of wire - affordability, stability and reliability - with the convenience of wireless."

Whereas a typical wireless security system achieves long life through the use of expensive high quality Lithium Ion batteries, STM250 requires only ambient indoor or outdoor light. The amount of light typically available in homes or offices is sufficient to both operate STM250 continuously and in addition to store energy for up to six days use in total darkness.

Even though the STM250 uses surprisingly little energy - which it gathers via its tiny surface solar cell - it generates sufficient output power to communicate throughout an entire house. The unit's embedded EnOcean RF transmitter will send a signal across 300 meters outdoors and 30 meters indoors through walls. The secret is in its signal duration: the entire transmission is initiated, undertaken and completed in approximately 1/1000 of a second.

Not only does each module offer comfortable range; it also assures dependable communication. Its suite of sophisticated RF protocols includes multiple broadcasts, fast data rates, error detection and unique addressing. STM250 automatically transmits its signal immediately when the contact is opened/closed. What's more, a periodic presence signal is sent on the quarter-hour to indicate that the node is operating properly, using stored energy.

Packed into a small 109 x 17 x 16 mm inch device - smaller than a standard doorbell - the STM250 consists of the following (a separate magnet is provided):
a) A solar cell energy generator.
b) An energy reservoir.
c) A reed contact switch.
d) A microprocessor for sensor control.
e) A radio transmitter & antenna.

STM250 will serve either as a ready-to-install switch for security system contractors, or as an OEM-level product for integration into doors and windows. Thanks to its intrinsic stability, it can even be permanently embedded inside impossible-to-reach places, such as between panes of window glass.

Out of the box, it quickly acquires sufficient energy to run-ten minutes under normal indoor light. The system provides unmatched simplicity through an ingenious "learn-in" programming feature that doesn't require time-consuming PC programming or personnel training. Due to its fast transmission rates, hundreds of magnet contacts can be connected to a single receiver without system degradation.

The STM250 is suitable for other applications:
- To conserve energy, HVAC equipment automatically shuts off if a window is opened.
- To disable exhaust emitting equipment such as indoor grill ovens, stoves, heaters, etc. unless a window is open.
- Warning indicator that cargo containers or trailer cargo doors have been opened.

To simplify the OEMs development of their wireless network, EnOcean provides a family of receivers and transceiver/repeaters compatible with all our switch and sensor modules. The proprietary radio technology is approved for use in Europe (ETSI), US (FCC) and Canada (IC). STM250s are available in OEM quantities for less than $30 each.

About EnOcean www.enocean.com
Headquartered in Oberhaching, near Munich, EnOcean GmbH was founded in 2001 as a spin-off from Siemens AG. Investors include 3i, BayTech Venture Capital, SAM Private Equity, Siemens Venture Capital, and Wellington Partners. The company's groundbreaking technology enables wireless sensors and switches that operate without batteries or external power sources. These self-powered modules convert process energy from light, push-buttons, vibration, or temperature gradients into useable electrical energy. The company's advanced power management architecture enables the operation of sensors and radios off miniscule amounts of available energy. End products "enabled by EnOcean - no batteries, no wires" are employed in a diverse range of market segments, e.g. building automation, industrial manufacturing, security and automotive technology. Approximately 100,000 EnOcean sensors and switches are deployed.