News and New Products

Interchangeable modules ease embedded connectivity

By Warren Webb -- EDN, 5/13/2004

Digi International recently announced the Digi Connect Wi-ME and Digi Connect Wi-EM customizable and secure wireless 802.11b embedded modules for access-control systems, point-of-sale systems, RFID readers, medical devices, industrial-automation systems, and similar applications. The company based the modules on 32-bit Net+ARM-processor technology, and they are pin-compatible and interchangeable with wired embedded modules, instantly providing manufacturers with wireless functions. The company ships the modules with FCC approval, eliminating the need to perform product certifications (Picture).

Both modules offer device-server plug-and-play firmware functions as well as the flexibility of custom application development based on the Net+Works development platform. The modules also include wireless-network-security features, such as WEP/WPA (Wired Equivalent Privacy/WiFi Protected Access)-compliant software encryption and authentication. The modules range in price from $99 to $130, depending on the model, population options, and volume. Production quantities will be available in June 2004.

Digi International, 1-877-912-3444, www.digi.com.