RFM offers a full set of custom embedded wireless networking solutions like Zigbee wireless mesh sensor networks, RF modules, IC transceiver, IC transmitters and IC receivers. RFM, Inc. manufactures low power wireless and RF radio modules, wireless mesh nodes for distributed sensing on distributed sensor networks. Low Power radio, n../arrowband and short range devices, front end saw filters, active RFID, RFIC, coupled resonator filters, single silicon chips in the 70MHZ and 300-1000Mhz range.
Q) How do I obtain the latest firmware for the DNT Series Modules?
A) Click on the Firmware tab above to locate all firmware downloads.
Q) The DCD LED appears to be on even though the module is asleep.
A) In order to achieve the lowest sleep current possible the DCD will de-assert during sleep mode. This can be changed using the I/O Sleep State command under the I/O Setup bank.
Q) The module will no longer communicate when I connect it to my PC program.
A) Make sure that your program is asserting DTR. If you cannot determine this create a three wire serial cable (only pins 2, 3 and 5 should be connected).
Q) What is the highest power setting for the over the air rate of 500kbps?
A) The maximum power according to the FCC for this setting is 19dBm.
Q) Can the DNT900 be used in Europe?
A) The DNT900 can be used in North America and Austrialia/New Zealand. The DNT2400 can be used worldwide.
Q) Will I damage the radio if I do not have an antenna connected to it?
A) Yes, the module can be damaged especially at the higher power settings if an antenna is not connected.
Q) When should I use CSMA mode versus TDMA mode?
A) TDMA should be used if there are a few number of remotes, but these remotes must send information back to the base at the same time. You should also TDMA mode if you need deterministic arrival of data. In most other cases CSMA will work better.
Q) Are the two DNTs fully compatible with each other?
A) Yes they are drop in replacements for each other however the DNT900 transmitting more than 100mW of RF power will consume more power than the DNT2400 which has 100mW as the maximum RF power.
Q) Do I need to connect all the grounds on the module for it to work correctly?
A) Yes, all the ground need to be connected
Q) What is the latency of this radio?
A) The worst case latency will be twice the hop duration. Using the default values this would be 20ms.
A) Yes, but you must purchase the development environment from TI.
Q) Is the module still FCC/ETSI certified if I write my own code?
A) Yes it is.
Q) What is the difference between the LPR2405 and LPR2430?
A) There is no difference except the physical footprint of the module. The LPR2430 design is the more recent design.
Q) What is the maximum serial throughput of the module?
A) The RF data rate is 250kbps, but the actual serial throughput rate is around 50kbps full dulex..
Q) Do I really need a 50 ohm trace from the module to the antenna connector?
A) Yes, if not the range will greatly be reduced.
Q) Will the LPR series module talk to another vendors 802.15.4 radio?
A) While the physical layer is the same for both modules, the network layer is different so the module will not be able to communicate with each other.
Q) What is the maximum power allowed in Europe for the LPR radio?
A) The maximum EIRP for the radio in Europe is 14 dBm (this includes the gain from the antenna)
Q) If I am streaming data to the radio, must I use the flow control pins (CTS/RTS)?
A) Yes. If you do not, there is a possibly that some data will be lost.
Q) Will the module change RF channels if it detects RF interference?
A) No, the module will do a clear channel assessment at bootup and will pick a clear channel from the channels enabled in the channel mask, but then it is up to the user to change channels.
Q) The module will not auto report. What am I missing?
A) Make sure that you have the Periodic Report Timer enabled which is located under the I/O Report Trigger located in the I/O Setup bank.
Q) Do I need to use a protocol to send serial data from one module to another module?
A) No, the module supports a transparent mode of operation where any data received from one module will be transmitted automatically to the other module
Q) I cannot find the module using the discover button on the WSNConfig utility.
A) Some programs block UDP broadcast messages, so make sure that there are no other programs running on the PC such as a firewall. If this still does not help change the IP address of the PC to 192.168.3.200.
Q) I cannot read the I/O of the module.
A) Make sure the module is awake by either pressing the WAKE IN button or installing a jumper on the ALWAYS ON header. Also make sure that the IP address of the module is entered into the IP Address field of WSNConfig
Q) Can I write my code for the module?
A) Yes, but you must purchase the development kit from Gainspan and use their API.
Q) Is the SPI operational?
A) The SPI port is operational on all modules revision F or later.
Q) Does the module support Ad Hoc Mode?
A) Yes, modules revision F or later support Ad Hoc mode.
Q) Will the module work with 802.11n router?
A) Yes, as long as the router is configured to only operate on a single RF channel.
Q) Does the module support TCP/IP?
A) We are currently working on a firmware update that will support TCP/IP
Q) Does the module have an Ethernet interface?
A) The module currently has a UART interface; module versions F or later also have a Master/Slave SPI port.
Q) Does the module support over the air (OTA) upgrades?
A) Yes the module supports both OTA and serial upgrades.
Q) Can the module receive RF data while it is asleep?
A) The module must be awake to receive RF data.
Q) Can the module work with just an Access Point and not a router?
A) Yes the module will work fine with just an AP, but there must be a DHCP server present at first, so the module can obtain an initial IP address.
AN1800-1 2.3 DM1800 V2.2 and V2.3 Application Programming, provides an overall discussion of application software development for a DM1800 MESH network using V2.2 or V2.3 firmware, plus an example thermistor temperature sensor application.
AN1800-1 2.4 DM1800 V2.4 Application Programming, provides an overall discussion of application software development for a DM1800 MESH network using V2.4 firmware, plus an example thermistor temperature sensor application.
AN1800-2 DM1800 Poll, allows users to poll nodes, read and write to digital output and display input and output commands.
AN1810-1 2.4 DM1810 V2.4 Application Programming, provides an overall discussion of application software development for a DM1810 MESH network using V2.4 firmware, plus an example thermistor temperature sensor application.
AN1810-1 2.5 DM1810 V2.5 Application Programming, provides an overall discussion of application software development for a DM1810 MESH network using V2.5 firmware, plus an example thermistor temperature sensor application.
Lightning and Surge Protection Because wireless systems are typically located out of doors and have components located on towers and tall buildings, they are especially susceptible to damage from lightning. This paper explores the proper design and implementation of a communications surge protection system to reduce down time and lower liability for people and property. (~ 152 KB, Adobe PDF format.)
RF Power Options in ZigBee™ Solutions While ZigBee is a "low power" standard, "high power" product versions are much needed — and are very much ZigBee standard. This paper explains how the the availability of ZigBee radios with high and low RF power options is key to ZigBee's appeal in industrial settings, allowing design engineers to tie radio selection directly to an application’s requirements for range and resistance to multipath fading.
WaveBolt System Description The WaveBolt™ system is a fixed wireless point-to-multipoint Internet access system designed specifically for residential and small business customers in areas where DSL and cable modem access are unavailable, unaffordable or otherwise undesirable. The WaveBolt system provides data speeds comparable to ADSL. Simple to install, the WaveBolt CPE in many cases will be installed by the end user. And, where customers choose to have the CPE installed, a single, short site visit is all that is required to complete the installation. (~ 162 KB, Adobe PDF format.)
Wireless Communications for Industrial Applications This paper examines the unique requirements and challenges of wireless communications in an industrial setting and provides an overview of RFM wireless products designed specifically for these applications. The information presented serves as a guide for systems integrators and end users responsible for factory floor automation, industrial/PLC control, SCADA, telemetry and related data communications applications. (~ 136 KB, Adobe PDF format.)
Wireless Transceivers—Make or Buy? In choosing to add wireless data capability to a new or existing product, every designer faces a critical decision: whether to engineer the functionality in-house or buy a ready-made module for the application. This paper provides a cost analysis to explore the relative merits of each approach. (~ 160 KB, Adobe PDF format)
ZigBee Wireless Transceiver Engineering Options ZigBee's mesh networking capability, which compensates for obstructions and reduces range requirements, is especially prized in industrial applications. But with a technology this new, how can the RF designer best realize a successful ZigBee implementation? This white paper provides a brief, realistic assessment of ZigBees value in industrial environments, examines the types of components available today at the chip and module level, and discusses the practical considerations to be weighed in deciding to pursue ZigBee mesh networking in a specific application.
Contains 4 XDM2140 modules, 4 XDM2140 development boards, 1 XG2400E gateway, 1 Ethernet and 5 Serial cables, 9 V batteries and wall-mount power supplies, Antennas and RF cables, Program CD with software and manuals, Quick Start Guide
Effective October 31, 2009, RFM no longer distributes DPAC 802.11 RF Modules by QuaTech. See the table below of the affected parts.
REPLACEMENT PARTS. RFM offers no replacement parts for these discontinued products because QuaTech is NOT obsoleting these parts. They are still available from QuaTech. Please contact QuaTech to order.
LAST-TIME BUY. RFM is not offering a last-time-buy for the DPAC 802.11 parts as they are still available from QuaTech and their other sales channels.
Please contact RFM with any questions, concerns or issues related to this discontinuation notice.
