AeroComm's Mesh-ready AC4790 Peer-to-Peer Transceivers Smooth Data Flow, Boost Range

April 7, 2005
Lenexa, Kansas, USA

AeroComm eases networking for a wide variety of industrial control applications with true peer-to-peer technology, embedded into new AC4790 transceivers. AC4790s remove the server from an RF communication system, facilitating fully expandable mesh networking. The wireless solution complements AeroComm's popular server-client based AC4490 transceivers, giving any OEM the flexibility to choose the protocol that best suits the application.

By utilizing a dynamic addressing scheme, AC4790's protocol supports independent communication between any two in-range transceivers in an RF network. Each transceiver "node" knows exactly which other nodes are within talking distance, as well as the signal strength of each one. The OEM is able to design routing sequences that optimize the network without bogging down system performance.

"Both flexibility and reliability are vital to a vast array of network architectures," said Mike Varady, CEO of AeroComm. "In AC4790's intelligent addressing mechanism, we embed software 'hooks' so an OEM can have complete control of the routing schemes. This maximizes the efficiency of the network, while allowing the OEM to alter the architecture as necessary."

Multiple node groups may also communicate simultaneously, supporting system scalability. Traffic is forwarded seamlessly from node to node, across a virtually endless range. An optional API command processor controls packet delivery and acknowledgment (on a packet-by-packet basis) and reports to the host device, greatly reducing OEM software development. Additionally, AC4790s feature industry-leading 25ms sync times and SenseAdjust-a software-controlled RF desensitizer that wards off interference.

As with all AeroComm 900MHz transceivers, the AC4790 family utilizes field-proven FHSS technology, employs data-encryption standards and supports transmit-power levels of up to one watt, providing for extremely long range between nodes.

AC4790 supports hundreds of industrial applications, including those where devices must be able to communicate with one another seamlessly. Some examples are automatic meter reading, industrial automation, vending control, and utility monitoring. AC4790 Developer Tools are available from AeroComm, Avnet, Mouser and premier distributors worldwide for $199.00. Quantity pricing for 1000 units starts at $39.00 for a 200mW device.

About AeroComm

Formed in 1990, AeroComm Inc. has played a major role in the short-range RF industry for over a decade with consistent technological advances in both performance and price. The company made waves in 1994 by gaining FCC approval for the first 2.4GHz spread spectrum transceivers. Soon after, it introduced its groundbreaking $200 digital sequence commercial module. In 1996 AeroComm shifted to frequency hopping for greater interference immunity in any environment. Its innovative design techniques resulted in superior modules using inexpensive materials-producing a cost-per-module that suited vastly more applications. AeroComm broke the $100 price barrier in 1998. Responding to the growing demand for affordable yet versatile wireless, it quickly developed the first complete line of 2.4GHz OEM RF transceivers. These products were backed by the company's own fully-automated radio testing system, measuring all critical parameters and assuring the highest quality.

Today the company continues to support a myriad of applications where wireless was previously cost-prohibitive. Its robust proprietary technology, manufacturing and testing guarantee reliable communication, while lower frequencies and fewer parts allow for reduced prices. Additionally, AeroComm has adopted the motto of "Instant Wireless"-a commitment to facilitate fast and easy RF integration. Its comprehensive development tools and personal engineering support help OEMs reduce R&D schedules, expenses and uncertainties while accelerating time to market. The company's breakthrough RF232 transparent protocol further simplifies the wireless effort by making transceivers perform as wires. Visit www.aerocomm.com for more.

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