Cirronet introduces ZigBee-ready wireless products

Cirronet Inc . introduced three new ZigBee -ready wireless modules and sensor products at the recent Wireless Sensing Show in Rosemont, IL, near Chicago. The company manufactures wireless transceivers and broadband Internet products. General availability is expected in 4Q2004. Atlanta, GA-based Cirronet’s new products include:

ZMN-900 868/900MHz, ZigBee-ready, wireless mesh networking module;

ZB-9001 ZigBee-ready, 100 mW, wireless signal conditioning board; and

ZN-9001 ZigBee-ready, 100 mW, wireless sensor modem.

“Unlike unproven start-ups or companies that have only recently entered the RF arena, Cirronet has been developing industrial-strength RF technologies for more than 15 years with great success,” says Tim Cutler, Cirronet’s sales and marketing VP. “Because of our reputation for unsurpassed technical support, we expect this new family of ZigBee-ready products to achieve rapid adoption and penetration in the marketplace.”

Cirronet adds that research firm On World’s Industrial Wireless Sensor Networking report, June 2004, projects that deployed industrial wireless sensor network nodes worldwide will increase from 330,000 in 2004 to 85.9 million in 2010, translating to end-user revenues of $2.9 billion. In 2010, ZigBee nodes are projected to comprise 85% of the total, or 72.6 million nodes.

Cirronet reports that its wireless mesh networking module, ZMN-900, is ideal for low-data-rate applications, including industrial sensors, building, home automation, and any others requiring low-power consumption, RF communications. Occupying less than 1 square inch, ZMN-900 is fully 802.15.4- and ZigBee-compliant, so it can be upgraded to ZigBee’s latest firmware revision. ZMN-900 can operate as a reduced-function device (RFD) for end-devices consuming the least amount of power, or as a full-function device (FFD) to act as a base radio in a star network or as a router in a mesh network.

ZMN-900 has a -40 °C to +85 °C operating range. Even though it’s a complete RF module, ZMN-900 is treated just like other integrated circuits. It is reflow soldered to the host PCB, with no need for connectors. Cirronet built ZMN-9000 to allow FCC certification as a module, so devices into which it’s integrated don’t need additional FCC testing.

Meanwhile, ZB-9001 wireless sensor interface board is built around ZMN-900 and has electronics needed to add wireless mesh networking functions to any 4-20 mA sensor. ZB-9001 is also ZigBee firmware upgradeable; is designed for industrial sensing applications; and provides inputs for four 4-20 mA sensors and two 4-20 mA transmitter outputs. ZB-9001 also operates over an industrial temperature range, and can be powered from a 9-24 V dc+ power supply. The small footprint PCB allows easy integration with a variety of sensors. The board’s mesh networking capabilities provide redundant RF paths, as well as a way to avoid obstructions. To increase its versatility, ZN-9001 adds a 100 mW power amplifier to add range, especially in outdoor installations.

ZN-9001 wireless sensor modem adds wireless mesh functions to any 4-20 mA sensor, is Class I Div 2 certified, and provides inputs for four 4-20mA sensors and two 4-20 mA current outputs. Similar to ZB-9001, ZN-9001 also operates via the same industrial temperature range, and can be powered from a similar power supply. The modem’s DIN-rail enclosure allows easy installation in close proximity to the sensors, and detachable field device wiring connectors allow ZN-9001 to be changed out without requiring complex rewiring. Upgradeable to the latest ZigBee firmware revision, and also built around ZMN-900, ZN-9001 adds a 100 mW power amplifier to provide added range outdoors.

—Jim Montague, news editor, Control Engineering, jmontague@reedbusiness.com

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