iDwaRF Radio Modules

The iDwaRF-168 module combines a Cypress WirelessUSB-LR CYWUSB6935 radio transceiver with an Atmel AVR ATmega168 microcontroller. Seperate transmit and receive antennas are already integrated into the PCB and an expansion connector provides a programming interface for the microcontroller and eight IO pins. For larger wireless sensor networks the iDwaRF-Box provides an ATmega128 processor, external memory and external antenna.

Both modules utilize the worldwide unlicensed 2.4GHz ISM frequency band and uses a robust Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) transfer method with a data rate of 62.5kBit/s and a 50m range. The low standby power consumption of <10µA (iDwaRF-168 module) is ideally suited for battery powered wireless sensor networks.

The respective microcontroller is freely programmable an provides flash, SRAM and EEPROM memory as well as powerful peripheral functions like UART, SPI and I2C interfaces, interrupt inputs, timer and PWM outputs and a 10 bit analog-to-digital converter with several inputs.

For quick evaluating the iDwaRF-168 module and demonstrating simple applications, an iDwaRF-HubBoard simplifies connecting the hub module to a PC, whereas the iDwaRF-NodeBoard provides basic sensor functionality, like LED, push-button, temperature sensor, light sensor and battery clip. The iDwaRF-Box can be directly connected to a PC and can even be extended to ethernet connectivity.

Free Wireless Protocol Firmware

To support the simple setup of wireless multipoint-to-point (N:1) networks the royalty-free iDwaRF-Net firmware is available for download. The protocol aims at a reliable bidirectional communication between one hub and many sensors or actuators in N:1 networks and goes far beyond simple point-to-point (1:1) wireless solutions. The full protocol (e.g. error detection and correction, automatic channel selection, etc.) is encapsulated under convenient C-functions and can easily be extended by user-specific functions. The iDwaRF-168 module and the iDwaRF-Box can be set up both as hub, as well as sensor or actuator module.