Linx Technologies has introduced new pre-certified remote control and sensor transceiver modules. The HumRC Series transceiver is built on the popular Hummingbird platform, and is a frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) transceiver designed for reliable bi-directional remote control and sensor applications. It is availale in two frequency configurations 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz with up to 10 dBm output power resulting in a line-of-sight range of up to 1600m (1.0 mile).
This Low Cost Remote Control and Sensor Transceiver has been developed for the Internet of Things. The HumRC Series module is a completely integrated RF transceiver and processor designed for bi-directional remote control. It employs a fast-locking FHSS system for noise immunity and higher transmitter output power as allowed by government regulations. The transceiver has 8 status lines that can be individually configured as inputs to register button presses or as outputs to drive application circuitry. A selectable acknowledgement indicates that the transmission was successfully received. Primary settings are hardware-selectable, which eliminates the need for an external microcontroller or other digital interface.
The transceiver also has two Analog to Digital (ADC) inputs for sensors or circuits that output an analog voltage. The module can automatically respond to a command with these values, so a sensor node does not need an additional microprocessor.
Along with low cost being a key design feature, the Hummingbird Series modules were designed for ease of use. Focusing on a core Linx value, the HumRC Series wireless remote control module is designed for simplicity, compared to other designs that add unnecessary features, complexity and cost to their design. Housed in a compact reflow-compatible SMD package, the transceiver requires no external RF components except an antenna, which greatly simplifies integration and lowers assembly costs. No programming is required for basic remote control operation, but it has a serial UART interface for more advanced operation. This interface allows configuration of everything that can be done in hardware plus advanced features. Everything is controlled by a few serial commands.
The HumRC Series have pre-certified modules reduce the design cycle, cost and implementation of a wireless solution in 900 MHz. Available in two approaches to antenna connectivity – castellations or through a u.FL connector – the product is available as two different products.
