Richardson Electronics to Distribute Radiotronix's Popular Wi.USB-DTS-R(TM) Wireless Base Stations
Development Kits now available for testing plug-and-play wireless transceivers
May 1, 2007-LaFox, Illinois...Richardson Electronics (NASDAQ: RELL) today announced a worldwide partnership to distribute Radiotronix's popular FCC-approved Wi.USB-DTS-R(TM) base station, which allows quick USB PC-connectivity to a Wi.232DTS-R(TM) network. The base station units combine a high-performance wireless DTS transceiver module with a controller to create a wireless solution for wire replacement applications. It is perfect for Wi.232DTS-R(TM) sensor networks requiring PC/laptop interface or point-to-point, long-range PC/laptop communications.
These compact, USB-powered units are interoperable with the full line of Wi.232DTS-R(TM) embedded radio modules, forming a modular-level wireless network for point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, and multipoint-to-multipoint applications. The Wi.232DTS-R(TM) family meets the new Digital Transmission System FCC modulation rules that allow for higher output power without using complex modulation spreading techniques.
This platform of radios is able to communicate with Radiotronix's widely used, cost- and size-optimized Wi.232DTS-R(TM) embedded wireless module. A typical application is Automatic Meter Reading (AMR), where the Wi.USB-DTS-R(TM) can quickly operate as a base station/mobile unit to communicate with a Wi.232DTS-R(TM) embedded wireless utility meter network.
"The Wi.USB-DTS-R(TM) is extremely easy to use, making it very flexible for today's embedded applications," according to Chris Marshall, Richardson Electronics' VP of Wireless and Broadband Communications. "It allows engineers to avoid the cost of design, procurement, and managing a build for low density base station monitors for their wireless sensor and control networks."
The Wi.USB-DTS-R(TM) was designed as a PC interface to low-power, Wi.232DTS-R(TM)-enabled, embedded wireless applications where data needs to be monitored by low-density base stations. With their exceptional receiver sensitivity, a Wi.USB-DTS-R(TM) unit, communicating with a Wi.232DTS-R(TM) module or another Wi.USB-DTS-R(TM), can reach distances of 500-800 feet indoors and 1500-2000 feet outdoors.
Thomas Hoyt, VP Sales and Marketing at Radiotronix, says, "These new base stations are great devices for companies who are embedding our Wi.232DTS-R(TM) radios in their applications, but do not have the time to design and certify a complete base station monitor. These are truly plug-and-play devices! Hook them up to a USB port and they are ready to communicate to the network. No more hardware design is necessary."
The unit operates in two power modes. In high power mode, the transmit power is up to +13dBm, the maximum RF data rate is 152.34kbit/second, and 32 channels are supported. In low power mode, the transmit power is 0dBm, the maximum RF data rate is 38.4kbit/second, and 83 channels are supported.
The new Development Kit (RK-Wi.USB-DTS-R(TM)) contains 2 complete FCC-certified base station units, 2 USB cables and a documentation/software CD. More information is available from Richardson Electronics at http://rell.com/radiotronix.asp.
About Radiotronix
Radiotronix is a leading supplier of embedded wireless radio modules based in Oklahoma City, OK. Its products are value-added and solve real problems through the innovative application of technological advances in radio design, embedded wireless protocol, packaging, and manufacturing processes. Key markets include industrial automation, automated meter reading, asset tracking and management, law enforcement and emergency response management, home automation, and wireless sensor networks. For more information, visit www.radiotronix.com.
About Richardson Electronics, Ltd.
Richardson Electronics, Ltd. (NASDAQ: RELL) is a global provider of engineered solutions and electronic components to the RF and wireless communications, industrial power conversion, electron device, and display systems markets. Richardson designs, manufactures and distributes discrete devices, components, and assemblies used in RF and wireless infrastructure, networks, digital broadcasting, defense, and power conversion. More information is available at www.rell.com.
For details, contact:
David Silvius, Business Unit Manager
Wireless & Broadband Communications
Phone: 630-208-2884
Email : dgs@rell.com
