NEC launches ZigBeeT-ready wireless network module

NEC Engineering Ltd., in cooperation with NEC Electronics Corp . and Chipcon AS , has introduced a module compatible with IEEE 802.15.4 and ZigBeeT wireless network standards for use in industrial, commercial, and residential applications. The module includes Chipcon’s CC2420 RF transceiver and NEC Electronics’ 78K0/KF1+ low-power 8-bit Flash microcontroller.

This module enables wireless communication via a physical (PHY) layer and media access (MAC) layer that comply with existing specifications, so system developers and OEMs can more easily develop ZigBee prototypes and products. The module is controlled by NEC Electronics’ 78K0/KF1+ 8-bit single chip Flash microcontroller, in which IEEE 802.15.4-compliant MAC software is embedded. The module includes Chipcon’s CC2420 2.4GHz RF transceiver chip, and it also supports Flash programming and debugging of the 78K0 microcontroller via USB connection to PC, without added hardware.

“We’re seeing increased demand in the wireless sensor network market and expect ZigBee products to occupy a significant portion of it,” says Hiromichi Kono, GM of NEC Engineering’s Device Solutions division. “This collaboration by NEC Engineering, NEC Electronics, and Chipcon enables us to offer a vehicle for low-power, cost-efficient wireless sensor networks. The three companies will continue to cooperate to proactively pursue the worldwide wireless sensor network market.”

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

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