FROM EDN EUROPE: Add wireless nets to industrial systems
By Graham Prophet -- EDN, May 13, 2004
With a range of compatible modules, you can set up a variety of systems—such as access control, point-of-sale, RFID readers, medical devices, and industrial automation—to be upgradable and interchangeable from wired connection to wireless-connected. Digi Connect Wi-ME and Digi Connect Wi-EM are customisable and secure, 32-bit 802.11b wireless embedded modules. Based on 32-bit Net+ARM-processor technology, the modules add wireless connectivity, pin-compatibility, and interchangeability to Digi Connect wired embedded modules (Picture).
You can minimise design risk and reduce time to market by catering to both wired and wireless functions in one product design. The modules, which are also software-compatible with existing products and Net+ARM processors, provide a straightforward migration to a chip-based option, further improving return on software investment across multiple products.
The modules also include WEP/WPA (Wired Equivalent Privacy/WiFi Protected Access)-compliant software encryption and authentication to implement security requirements with true device-server plug-and-play firmware.
Digi Connect Wi-ME is a pin-compatible replacement for the Digi Connect ME in an enclosed RJ-45-based module form factor. The Digi Connect Wi-EM is a pin-compatible replacement for the Digi Connect EM in an embedded-board form factor. The royalty-free NetSilicon Net+Works development kit provides integrated building blocks and tools. Samples are available now, and production begins in June.
Digi International, +44 1454 643444, www.digi.com.
