Latest Telegesis modules based around Ember’s latest ZigBee SOCs

Date: 28/6/2010

Ismosys has released details of the 3rd generation of advanced ZigBee modules from Telegesis.
At launch the Telegesis ETRX3 series will comprise two low power 2.4GHz ZigBee modules, each integrating a 2.4 GHz, IEEE 802.15.4 compliant transceiver with up to 192k of flash and 12k of RAM, complemented by many advanced peripherals. The new modules are based around the EM357 and EM351, Ember’s latest ARM® Cortex M-3 SOCs.

The standard ETRX3 module offers excellent performance with a link budget of 105dB, while the ETRX3-LR caters for higher RF power requirements by providing an extra LNA+PA, which boosts the link budget to 123dB. Both modules will be available with either an on board antennae or a Hirose U.FL connector to allow connection of external antennae. With a footprint of just 19mm x 25mm for both standard and PA/LNA versions, the new modules are 40% smaller than Telegesis’ earlier ETRX2 module.

Ember EM357 and EM351 SoCs
At the heart of Telegesis’ new ETRX3 modules the Ember EM357 and EM351 SoCs exceeds the dynamic range requirements imposed by the IEEE 802.15.4-2003 standard by over 15 dB. The integrated receive channel filtering allows for robust co-existence with other communication standards in the 2.4 GHz spectrum, such as IEEE 802.11 and Bluetooth. The ARM® Cortex M3 microprocessor is optimised for high performance, low power consumption and efficient memory utilization, making it ideal for use in ZigBee applications. To maintain the strict timing requirements imposed by the ZigBee and IEEE 802.15.4-2003 standards, the EM357and EM351 integrate a number of MAC functions into the hardware handling automatic ACK transmission and reception, automatic backoff delay, and clear channel assessment for transmission, as well as automatic filtering of received packets.

Key features
• EM300 series ZigBee SOC featuring 32-bit ARM® Cortex-M3 processor
• Dimensions 19mm x 25 mm x 3 mm
• Up to 192k of Flash, 12k of RAM
• Estimated RX Sensitivity -99dBm (-100dBm Boost)
• Estimated TX Power 3dBm (5dBm Boost)
• 105dB link Budget
• Est Current Consumption: 20% better compared to ETRX2
• 128µS Wakeup
• Improved Hardware MAC Acceleration
• JTAG Interface for Programming and Debugging
• Improved Peripherals (ADC, timers etc.)
• Chip Antenna and U.FL coaxial Connector
• FCC Approval, tested for European Regulations

ETRX3 series modules features all the advanced software already present on other Telegesis ZigBee modules such as the Telegesis AT command set which allows the designer to use the functionality of the EmberZNet stack without the need for complex embedded code. Development is further eased by the addition of an integrated JTAG and debugging interface. ETRX3 series modules work from a 2.1v to 3.6v supply and consume less than 80% of the power consumed by the earlier ETRX2 module. In sleep mode the new modules consume 800nA, which can be reduced to a mere 400nA if the self wakeup feature is not enabled.

As with all Telegesis modules, ETRX3 series are designed to be easily integrated into a wide range of ZigBee applications without the need for RF or embedded expertise. The latest version of Ember’s Znet PRO meshing technology enables designers to add the latest meshing radio technology without complex software engineering.