At below $10 in volume, the Hummingbird platform is the lowest cost complete wideband transceiver with microcontroller module on the market today. The HumDT™ is built on this platform and is designed for reliable wireless digital data transfer. It includes a frequency agile protocol and supports versions at 868 and 900MHz with a common footprint and pin out.
In the 900MHz version a frequency agile protocol repeats the packet on up to 4 channels, gaining some of the noise immunity of frequency hopping without the synchronization, timing delays and other overhead associated with FHSS solutions. The number of channels is configurable as well as which channels are used. The 868MHz version supports 68 channels across the 863-870MHz band. This allows the best channel for the application to be selected based on the ETSI regulations. The module automatically handles all of the over-the-air transactions, so no overhead is required by the user.
The HumDT™ transceiver has built-in networking. Each module can act as one of three components in the network, either the Access Point that controls a network, a Range Extender to repeat messages and expand the range of the network, or an End Device. Each Access Point can be joined to up to 50 Range Extenders and End Devices. The Access Point also supports routing so that End Devices can talk to each other through the Access Point. All routing and network maintenance functions are automatically handled by the module.
The AES encryption algorithm is used to encrypt the data and provide a secure wireless channel. The module has a serial UART interface for configuration and data transfer. Everything is controlled by a few serial commands. 8 GPIO lines can be digital inputs or outputs or analog inputs. These are monitored and controlled through the UART and are suitable for simple on/off operations or for connection to sensors.
The HumDT™ module outputs up to 10dBm, resulting in a line-of-sight range of up to 1,600m (1.0 mile), depending on the antenna implementation.
Custom features are also possible with the HumDT™ Series remote control transceiver. Contact Linx for more details on customization.
Benefits
- Low cost (under $10 in volume)
- Simple wireless data transfer
- Optimized for battery powered devices
- Secure AES encrypted link
- Bi-directional operation
- Standard UART serial interface
