User Manual

CompactRF

Operating Manual: Chapter 1 Introduction. 1

1. Introduction

1.0 Product Overview

The CompactRF

is a high-performance embedded wireless data

transceiver. Operating in the 902-928 MHz ISM band, this frequency-

hopping spread-spectrum module is capable of providing reliable wireless

data transfer between almost any type of equipment which uses an

asynchronous serial interface. The small-size and low operating current of

this module make it ideal for mobile and battery powered applications.

Typical uses for this module include:

n Automated Meter Reading (AMR);

n Vending Machines;

n Point of Sale Devices;

n Fleet Management;

n Telemetry;

n Remote Camera/Robot Control;

n Security Systems; and,

n Display Signs.

While a pair of CompactRF

modules can link two terminal devices (“point-

to-point” operation), multiple modules can be used together to create a

network of various topologies, including “point-to-multipoint” and “repeater”

operation. Multiple independent networks can operate concurrently, so it is

possible for unrelated communications to take place in the same or a nearby

area without sacrificing privacy or reliability.

1.1 Features

Key features of the CompactRF

include:

n transmission within a public, license-exempt band of the radio

spectrum

– this means that it can be used without access fees

(such as those incurred by cellular airtime);

n a serial I/O data port with handshaking and hardware flow

control, allowing the CompactRF

to interface directly to any

equipment with an asynchronous serial interface.

902-928 MHz, which is license-free within North America; may need to be factory-configured

differently for some countries.