Data Sheet

AC4490
Datasheet
https://www.lairdconnect.com/
5
© Copyright 2022 Laird Connectivity
All Rights Reserved
Americas: [phone]
Europe: [phone]
Hong Kong: [phone]
1 AC4490 RF TRANSCEIVER
The compact AC4490 900 MHz transceiver can replace miles of cable in harsh industrial environments. Using field-proven
frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) technology which needs no additional FCC licensing in the Americas, OEMs can
easily make existing systems wireless with little or no RF expertise.
1.1 Overview
The AC4490 is a cost effective, high performance, frequency hopping spread spectrum transceiver designed for integration
into OEM systems operating under FCC part 15.247 regulations for the 900 MHz ISM band.
AC4490 transceivers provide an asynchronous TTL level serial interface for OEM Host communications, which include both
system and configuration data. The Host supplies system data for transmission to other Host(s). Configuration data is stored in
the on-board EEPROM. All frequency hopping, synchronization, and RF system data transmission/reception is performed by
the transceiver.
To boost data integrity and security, the AC4490 uses Laird’s field-proven FHSS technology featuring optional Data-Encryption
Standards (DES). Fully transparent, these transceivers operate seamlessly in serial cable replacement applications.
AC4490 transceivers can operate in Point-to-Point, Point-to-Multipoint, Client-Server, or Peer-to-Peer architecture. One
transceiver is configured as a server with one or many client-configured transceivers synchronized to it. To establish
synchronization between transceivers, the server emits a beacon; upon detecting a beacon an RF link is established and a
GPIO is toggled to signify to the host that the link is active.
This document contains information about the hardware and software interface between a Laird AC4490 transceiver and an
OEM Host. Information includes the theory of operation, specifications, interface definition, configuration information and
mechanical drawings. The OEM is responsible for ensuring the final product meets all appropriate regulatory agency
requirements listed herein before selling any product.
Note: Unless mentioned by name, the AC4490 module is referred to as the “radio” or “transceiver”. Individual naming is
used to differentiate product specific features. The host (PC / Microcontroller / Any device to which the AC4490
module is connected) will be referred to as “OEM Host”.
2 FEATURES
2.1 Networking and Security
 Generic I/O digital lines and integrated DAC/ADC functions
 Retries and Acknowledgements
 API Commands to control packet routing and acknowledgement
on a packet-by-packet basis
 Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum for security and
interference rejection
 Customizable RF Channel number and system ID
 Dynamic link analysis, remote radio discovery
 Low latency and high throughput
 Hardware Protocol Status monitoring
2.2 Easy to Use
 Continuous 76.8 Kbps RF data stream
 Software selectable interface baud rates
from 1200 bps to 115.2 Kbps
 Low cost, low power and small size ideal
for high volume, portable and battery
powered applications
 All modules are qualified for Industrial
temperatures (-40° C to 85° C)
 Advanced configuration available using
AT commands
3 DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS
Table 1: AC4490 Specification table
GENERAL
20 Pin Interface Connector
Molex 87759-0030, mates with Samtec SMM-110-02-S-D
RF Connector
MMCX jack Johnson Components 135-3711-822