Wireless programmable micro-controller uses Zigbee

Featuring Zigbee wireless networking, which operates at the 2.4GHz, licence-free IEEE 802.15.4 international standard, the ZB108 provides secure and robust two-way communications up to 100m between nodes, with routing over multiple nodes for larger networks and longer distances. Additional security and redundancy is provided with encryption and alternative routing of messages in the event of a single node failure.

Complementing its embedded micro-controller, the ZB108 integrates four PNP Digital Inputs, four FET short circuit protected outputs, and RS232/RS422/RS485-selectable serial connection with extensive LED diagnostics. The unit accepts 12-24V DC to cater for both mobile and fixed plant control and monitoring applications, and has an IP65 enclosure with cage clamp termination for sensor wiring. The ZB108 is a central component in the IDC family of ZB modules, which includes Ethernet and serial gateways, routers, micro-controller and handheld devices. All of the modules offer a 64-bit MAC identifier, embedded intelligence, battery management and very low power consumption.

For server-based applications all the ZB modules are networked together using IDC's ZBGateway software, a Visual Studio .net component that enables predefined Zigbee templates to be configured in a Windows-based software tool via a ZB104 Ethernet Gateway.

Typical applications for IDC's Zigbee-based systems range from simple remote monitoring to eliminate cabling, mobile plant monitoring and tracking, remote control and monitoring of automatic guided vehicles to full-blown telemetry systems for site-wide distributed control applications with hundreds of sensors and actuators.