ZigBee Technology from Motorola Provides Interoperability between Multiple Sensors for Automation, Control, Monitoring and Maintenance
September 23, 2003 - Motorola, Inc.'s Semiconductor Products Sector is offering acceleration and pressure sensor integrated circuits (ICs) which are designed to enable sensor networks with the convenience and reduced installation expense of wireless technology, through their compatibility with the ZigBeeTM protocol. These ICs are designed to help enable the deployment of wireless sensor networks in environments as diverse as a factory floor to a game console in the family living room.Sensors compatible with the ZigBee wireless standard offer convenience and cost savings by enabling easy re-configuration and eliminating the need for re-wiring once installed. Wireless sensor networks should obtain real-time data on systems or devices without requiring physical contact, enabling remote monitoring and reduced labor costs. These sensors use MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems), a micron-sized mechanical technology, to sense, process and/or control the surrounding environment.
ZigBee is a wireless networking technology based on the newly defined IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.15.4 standard. Designers of wired sensor networks should benefit from using Motorola's flexible ZigBee technology to develop wireless sensor networks. Adoption of the ZigBee protocol as a single wireless standard helps original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) realize cost reductions and speed time to market versus current proprietary wireless or wired sensor networks.
Availability
Motorola's acceleration and pressure sensors are currently available. Engineering samples of the ZigBee products from Motorola are expected to be available in November.
