Transceiver features transparent protocol.
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Press Release Summary:
Model AC4424 industrial-temperature 2.4 GHs FHSS transceiver utilizes RF-232 technology. As each transceiver receives raw data, RF-232 manages over-the-air protocol to gain acknowledgements, send retries, and check errors. Unit supports point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, and multipoint-to-multipoint configurations. Use of 32 channels enables independent, co-located non-interfering networks. AC4424 operates in acknowledgement (ACK) or streaming (STRM)RF protocol modes.
Original Press Release:
New RF-232(TM) Protocol Enables Drop-in Installation of Industrial 2.4GHz Transceivers
Press Release Date: 10-08-02
Representing a breakthrough in industrial RF communication, AeroComm's unique transparent protocol simplifies the wireless integration process by allowing for true plug-and-play installation. This new 'RF-232' technology is embedded into compact AC4424 industrial-temperature 2.4GHz FHSS transceivers.
RF-232 guarantees successful communication while making the process invisible to the OEM. As each AC4424 transceiver receives raw data, RF-232 manages over-the-air protocol to gain acknowledgements, send retries, check errors, and other features unique to RF that newcomers to the discipline typically forget about. Headers, data packet length and CRCs are not needed.
The transceiver supports point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, and multipoint-to-multipoint configurations. Accordingly it is able to broadcast data to all transceivers, or it can 'address' packets to specific destinations using unique MAC addresses embedded into each radio. The use of 32 channels enables independent, co-located non-interfering networks.
AC4424 operates in two RF protocol modes: acknowledgement mode (ACK) or streaming mode (STRM):
In ACK mode, successfully transmitted packets are acknowledged back to the sender. If not, they are re-sent until successful, up to a user-selectable number of retries. Error detection is used and duplicate data is filtered out before sending data out to the host interface. ACK is extremely valuable to data-applications where integrity of information is paramount. A 'full duplex control' option allows equal time for transmitting and receiving data at the RF level, keeping a single transmitter from dominating the system bandwidth.
STRM mode is useful for audio/video or other applications where occasional missed data is allowed. STRM enables high speed, continuous transmission of data without the delay of waiting for ACK.
To establish a secure communication link, AC4424 employs a user-selectable identification number embedded into the firmware. Any company can protect the integrity of its industrial network by assigning a unique ID to its transceivers; only modules with identical ID numbers will synchronize.
No other off-the-shelf radio can eavesdrop on an AC4424 transceiver; further, other AeroComm products cannot establish synchronization unless the ID numbers of the radios are identical.
AC4424's product line includes both commercial-temperature (0° to +60°C) and industrial-temperature (-40° to +80°C) transceivers with sophisticated compensating hardware and software to adapt across the entire range. The result is a highly reliable system that facilitates problem-free radio communication, even between outdoor equipment operating at -40°C and indoor equipment operating at +80°C.
The transceivers are available with output power ratings of 10mW, 100mW and 200mW, operating from a 5V power supply. Power-saving modes allow manufacturers to put AC4424s to sleep and conserve power while still maintaining synchronization, a useful feature for handheld devices.
AC4424 is approved by the FCC (USA), IC (Canada), and ETSI (Europe) and is available with a number of antenna styles to suit various applications. The modules will be introduced at list prices starting $89 (1000 unit price for 10mW commercial unit) from AeroComm, Avnet, Future, and premier distributors worldwide. Development tools and engineering support back every AeroComm RF product. Please visit www.aerocomm.com/oem/applications.htm for a long list of suggested uses for AC4424s.
Formed in 1990, AeroComm was the first manufacturer to gain FCC approval for 2.4 GHz spread spectrum transceivers. Since then, AeroComm has become the leading developer of high-performance, cost-effective 2.4 GHz FHSS solutions for OEMs. The company's proprietary technology enables OEMs to integrate wireless communication into their systems faster, more reliably and at lower total cost than to design internally. The ConnexRF line of standard transceivers, custom solutions, and development tools was designed to help OEMs replace bulky, costly wiring in applications where low cost, high reliability and fast data throughput are essential. An award-winning line of consumer/commercial packaged transceivers (GoPrint(TM), ConnexLink(TM) and ConnexModem(TM)) are also available. For more information visit the company online: www.aerocomm.com.
