Wide or narrow wireless band operation for speed or distance

LPRS has introduced the latest generation of its market leading low power wireless modules, easy-Radio Advanced. eRA continues to offer simple to use, out-of-the-box wireless communication as previous versions, but with a number of new, innovative, features while still offering back compatibility with earlier easy-Radio modules if required.

Key new features of eRA include the ability for users to change the bandwidth of the radio from 150KHz down to 12.5KHz, providing narrow-band performance at a wide-band budget. Internal temperature measurement of the wireless modules ensures less than 1.5KHz frequency drift from ambient 20ºC over a range of -40 to +85ºC. This new feature may also be used as a thermometer to measure the temperature of the end user equipment, accurate to within 1ºC.

Modes of data transmission include the proven easy-Radio protocol with 16-bit encryption and anti cross talk software (DCS) and a new raw data mode that allows customers more flexibility to use their own coding system on any frequency they choose, enabling direct compatibility with other ISM raw data modules from any manufacturer. With the addition of three more (total 4) separate data buffers, easy-Radio performance and data throughput has been greatly improved by up to 25% when compared to 02 versions.

Other new features of LPRS’s eRA include digital RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication), accurate internal level measurement of signal strength removing the requirement for the host system to handle A-D measurement. A simple command for either the current RSSI level or the signal strength of the last received data packet is used. Temporary channel selection is another new command allowing the user scan other channels if required without storing the settings in the internal EEPROM, maximising its life.

easy-Radio Advanced features a crystal controlled synthesiser for frequency accuracy < +/- 1KHz over full temperature range, a high sensitivity receiver (-117dB @ 12.5KHz Bandwidth), up to 10mW transmission power (at 434MHz) and user programmable frequency (up to 132 channels), bandwidth (down to 12.5KHz) and RS232 data rates up to 115200. easy-Radio Advanced can be powered using a 3V lithium cell or a regulated supply up to 5VDC. Measuring just 38x14x4mm it has been tested to meet European radiated and conducted standards. eRA continues to use the same pin-out arrangement as before allowing seamless integration into existing products wanting to take advantage of the new technology. John Sharples, Managing Director of LPRS comments: "The new easy-Radio Advanced transceiver is a complete sub-system that combines a high performance very low power RF transceiver, a microcontroller and a voltage regulator all in one simple to use package. e-RA continues to offer our customers the fastest and easiest way to get wireless enabled products to market. We are also making available to our customers free flash firmware upgrades ensuring updates and new features can be quickly programmed-in, making easy-Radio Advanced a truly future proof solution.”

Typical applications for the LPRS e-RA wireless modules include hand-held terminals, vehicle to base station data transfer, remote data acquisition, industrial control and communications and wireless security.