The Easy-Radio ER900FHTRS intelligent radio transceiver incorporates Easy-Radio technology to provide a high-performance, simple-to-use radio device. This device can bidirectionally transfer serial data over a range of up to 500 m line of sight. It is intended for use in U.S. markets on the 900-MHz frequency band. Using "Frequency Hopping" techniques, it permits greater power outputs—allowable under FCC regulations—than similar fixed-frequency devices. These techniques also provide greater security from "eavesdropping" over fixed-frequency operation.

The Easy-Radio ER900FHTRS Transceiver is a complete subsystem. It combines a high-performance, very-low-power RF transceiver, a microcontroller, and a voltage regulator. The microcontroller programs the functions of the RF transceiver, controls the frequency-hopping algorithm, and provides the interface to the host system via a serial input/output. It also contains programmable EEPROM memory, which holds configuration data for the various transceiver-operating modes. In addition, the microcontroller relieves the host from the intensive demands of searching for signals within the noise. It recovers the received and transmitting data in a suitable format. A received-signal-strength-indicator (RSSI) output can be optionally used to measure received signal levels. The module connects to a 50-Ohm antenna, such as a whip, helical, or printed-circuit-board (PCB) loop.

The transceiver operates from a 3.6-V supply. It is physically pin compatible with other standard devices. The serial input and output simplify the interface to host systems. Plus, the embedded software reduces design and development time significantly.

Features include frequency hopping to meet U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requirements; 120-mW transmit RF power output; high-sensitivity receiver (typically −100 dBm); and serial input and output for transparent data transmission. It also boasts low power consumption (<18 mA receive and150 mA transmit) and industry-standard dual-in-line (DIL) style.

Applications for this device include handheld terminals; environmental sense and control; vehicle-to-base-station data transfer; and remote data acquisition. It also would be well suited for electronic point-of-sale equipment, wireless gaming machines, and industrial controls.

The Easy-Radio ER900FHTRS intelligent radio transceiver is priced at under $30 in OEM quantities. For more information, go to www.easyradiousa.com.

Milpitas, California
Recently, Linear Technology Corp. introduced the LTC1980. This switching-regulator battery charger combines both battery charging and system power-supply functions into a small, 24-lead SSOP. The LTC1980 operates from a regulated or unregulated input supply voltage. It can be put above or below the battery voltage by automatically performing step-up or step-down DC/DC conversion. The versatile LTC1980 is a standalone single- and dual-cell Li-Ion battery charger. Yet it also charges NiCd, NiMH, and lead-acid batteries.

A power path function is integrated into the LTC1980. This function supports simultaneous battery charging and system voltage regulation from an input source, such as a wall adapter. Examples of applications for this simple and compact design include industrial handheld computers, memory backup boards, RAID systems, servers, uninterrupted power supplies, medical equipment, and charging cradles.

Using a current-mode flyback topology, the LTC1980 achieves high efficiency, superior transient response, and design simplicity. It shares the discrete components for both the battery charger and the DC/DC converter. As a result, it minimizes size and cost relative to dual-controller solutions. In addition, the Optional Burst Mode operation and power-down mode allow power density, efficiency, and output ripple to be tailored to the specific application. The integrated circuit (IC) incorporates automatic battery recharging and shorted-cell detection technology. C/10 and wall-plug detect outputs also are provided.

Pricing starts at $3.75 each in 1000-piece quantities. For more details on the LTC1980, please visit the company's Web site at www.linear-tech.com.

The newly released XE5620 from Xecom is a complete, 56-kbps modem that is available in an inexpensive, miniature surface-mount package. This hybrid PLCC (HyPLCC) package meets definite customer needs: small size, low cost, and surface-mount assembly. Priced at under $40 in volume, the XE5620 is useful for remote-monitoring applications in industrial and commercial settings. The modem controller, ROM, analog front end, NVRAM, and telephone-line-interface (or data-access-arrangement) circuitry are all integrated into this one miniature device.

The XE5620 is built into a 20-pin HyPLCC package. This package was first introduced with Xecom's XE2420 earlier this year. Aside from fitting a complete modem into a 68-pin PLCC footprint, it boasts a size of just 1 in.² and 0.290 in. thick. The XE5620 brings high-speed capability to the smallest line of complete modems. It operates on 3.3-V power. This low-voltage operation allows the XE5620 to consume just 300 mW of power during active data transfer.

The XE5620 features control and configuration via industry-standard AT commands. The complete, internal data-access-arrangement (DAA) circuitry includes ring detect, loop current holding circuit, and hook switch. The XE5620 sports UL60950 recognition and user-transferable FCC Part 68 Registration. Data transfer is available at rates from 300 bps to 56,000 bps using the V.90, V.34bis, V.32, V.22bis, V.22, V.23, V.21, Bell 202, Bell 212 A, and Bell 103 protocols. The XE5620 also includes V.42 error correction and V.42bis data compression. These protocols can double or triple the error-free data transfer rate.

The XE5620 complete hybrid PLCC modem is now available for under $40 each in 10,000-piece volumes. For further company and product information, visit the company's Web site at www.xecom.com.