Artaflex, Cypress unveil pre-certified WirelessUSB LP modules

Cypress Semiconductor Corp. and Artaflex Inc. have announced new WirelessUSB LP modules that promise easy wireless connectivity to a wide range of applications while eliminating the need for time-consuming RF design and costly agency certification. The complete, agency pre-certified Falcon Series modules enable drop-in wireless capabilities in applications such as automatic meter reading (AMR), wireless telemetry, wireless sensors and remote controls.

Operating in the 2.4GHz ISM band, the new modules are based on Cypress's WirelessUSB LP technology. The modules promise low-power consumption and up to 1Mbps data rates, with under 2ms of average latency, over distances of 30m for print antenna devices and 1km for devices equipped with a power amplifier. The modules are certified with modular grants by the U.S. FCC, the European ETSI and Industry Canada, eliminating the need to test for RF compliance.

"By providing agency pre-certification with our Falcon Series modules, we have cleared the design paths of industrial and home automation manufacturers from the complexity of RF design and the rigors of compliance testing," said Gerry Iuliano, president and CEO of Artaflex. "Artaflex's new WirelessUSB modules deliver outstanding range and reliability, offering a complete solution that can be dropped into a wide range of applications for instant wireless connectivity," said Marcus Kramer, director of the human interface devices business unit of Cypress' consumer and computation division.

Artaflex is offering four different modules:

• AWP24S-122: WirelessUSB LP module with print antenna;

• AWS24S-122: WirelessUSB LP module with miniature SMA for use with external antenna;

• AWP24U-000: WirelessUSB LP and PSoC USB with print antenna for full speed USB dongle; and

• AWA24S-122: WirelessUSB LP and PA module with print antenna

All four modules use Cypress's WirelessUSB radio SoCs. The company said WirelessUSB LP eliminates the need to change the operating frequency band for different end markets and features direct sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) technology, said the offer the most robust immunity to interference from other technologies like 802.11b/g, Bluetooth, cordless phones and microwave ovens.

The Falcon WirelessUSB LP module with print antenna and the Falcon WirelessUSB LP module with miniature SMA are currently sampling and are priced starting at $5.95 per unit in 1,000-unit quantities. The USB Dongle Falcon series module is expected to begin sampling in Q3 2006 with the Falcon series Power Amplifier module expected to sample in Q4 2006.