Milpitas, CA ? Cermetek Microelectronics, Inc. today announced the CH4390 modular radio for wireless sensor networks. The CH4390 simplifies wireless sensor network design and operation. Any CH4390 module can serve as network coordinator, remote sensor node, or repeater node. At the remote sensor node all sensors and actuators connect directly to the CH4390. Applications for the CH4390 include process controls, infrastructure monitoring, and environmental monitoring.

The CH4390 is a 900 MHz, frequency hopping, spread spectrum, transceiver. It uses a proprietary scheme, developed in cooperation with Sandia National Laboratories, specifically for remote sensor networking. The CH4390 is optimized for rapid synchronization, extended battery life, and maximum range. The CH4390 has earned FCC Part 15 modular approval.

The Cermetek patented SensorOnAir feature simplifies operation of the sensor network. SensorOnAir allows the sensors connected to a remote CH4390 to be read and actuators controlled with simple serial commands to the network coordinator. The remote sensor node needs no added intelligence. Each CH4390 supports up to five, twelve-bit analog inputs and twelve programmable digital inputs/outputs.

With its simplified networking the CH4390 radio module enables a wide variety of applications. Highway departments can monitor the stresses on bridges on key transportation routes. Food processing plants can watch every stage of the process from raw material input to completed product. Nuclear and chemical plants could use the CH4390 in a perimeter monitoring system to detect and track the occurrence of any leaks or emissions.

?With the CH4390 we focused on simplifying the process of building and operating the wireless sensor network,? stated Cermetek Marketing Manager, Steve Clary. ?The simplified implementation permits system developers to easily incorporate wireless remote sensor networks.?

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