Science & Technology 
Science and Technology
Science and Technology 
Wed, January 7, 2009
RFM Launches Multi-Function 900MHz Frequency Hopping OEM RF Modules
DALLAS--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--RF Monolithics, Inc. ("RFM") (NASDAQ: RFMI), a leader in machine-to-machine (M2M) wireless communications, today released the DNT900, the first product to be introduced in an innovative new line of highly configurable, low-cost, long-range frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) modules for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Operating in the 900 MHz ISM band, the DNT900 is a multi-purpose, multi-function OEM RF module suitable for wide variety of applications including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) applications, Industrial Automation and Control, and Wireless Sensor Networking. The RFM advanced networking features and robust proprietary frequency hopping technology found in the DNT900 provide an extremely reliable radio with sophisticated features at a remarkably low single piece price of $69.
"The release of this inventive new line of highly configurable OEM RF modules couldn't be more timely," said Tim Cutler, Director of Product Marketing for RFM. "Now, more than ever, OEM design engineers are looking for OEM RF module alternatives with great performance and low unit prices."
In addition to its low unit price, Cutler cited the DNT900 high configurability feature as a key cost-saving benefit, "The DNT900 provides the OEM designer complete flexibility over the radio's performance. This configurability feature lets the designer fit the radio to the application rather than having to fit the application to the radio." As a result, design engineers no longer have to be familiar with or stock multiple radio modules, saving precious design time and production costs.
Starting with multiple RF data rates and RF transmit power, the DNT900 provides total flexibility in how fast the radio hops, how bandwidth is allocated between remotes and the base, support for co-located networks, and a variety of sleep modes, to name but a few of the configuration options available. When designers have multiple products needing different radio performance, they can use the DNT900 for all their products by simply configuring the DNT900 for the desired performance.
Over-the-air data rates vary from 38.4 to 500 kbps while the transmit power can be adjusted from 1mW to 1W. At 38.4 kbps and 1W transmit power the DNT900 can achieve line-of-sight ranges in excess of 40 miles.
The DNT900 provides a TDMA mode for guaranteed bandwidth as well as a CSMA mode that supports networks of unlimited numbers of nodes. RFM's advanced networking features and robust frequency hopping technology along with a full 24-bit CRC and ARQ error detection and correction scheme provide an extremely reliable radio with sophisticated features.
For WSN applications, the DNT900 provides the ability to collect sensor data directly from devices using its analog and digital I/O to wirelessly transmit sensor data. With both a standard UART serial port supporting standard baud rates as well as a collection of 3 ADC inputs, 2 DAC outputs and 6 GPIOs, the DNT900 is well suited for any sensor application. The DNT900 is also suitable for battery operation with its ability to auto-report sensor data and to sleep in between reports.
RFM offers a developer kit - the DNT900DK - to help design engineers fast track their designs. The DNT900DK developer kit will be available by the end of January from RFM distributors Avnet, Digi-Key, Mouser Electronics, and Nu Horizons.
RFM offers one of the broadest range of wireless sensor networking platforms in the RF module and boxed radio product categories in the market. RFM has earned a reputation for outstanding support of the integration of their OEM RF modules by customers with little or no RF expertise. Design engineers looking for RF module solutions look to RFM first. The RFM OEM RF module portfolio includes ZigBee® / 802.15.4, Proprietary Mesh, Proprietary FHSS, Bluetooth®, and 802.11 b/g RF modules and boxed radios.
About RFM
RF Monolithics, Inc., headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a provider of solutions-driven, technology-enabled wireless connectivity for a broad range of wireless applications – from individual standard and custom components to modules for comprehensive industrial wireless sensor networks and machine-to-machine (M2M) technology. For more information on RFM, please visit the Company's website at [ www.RFM.com ].
Forward-Looking Statements
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