AeroComm Introduces ConnexRF 2.4GHz Transceivers for OEMs.

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LENEXA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 29, 2000

AeroComm, Inc. announced today the launch of ConnexRF(TM), a family of low-cost 2.4GHz OEM transceivers.

The first product release in the ConnexRF family, the LX2400, is the first to incorporate highly reliable spread spectrum technology at an incredible price of $49. This breakthrough is the result of high-level integration and a revolutionary synchronization method resulting in very efficient data throughput with fewer components and less cost.

The LX2400 is specifically designed for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to integrate into their systems and is ideal for large-volume applications requiring highly reliable communication (even in industrial settings) with superior cost-efficiency. Examples include handheld terminals, security systems, remote controls, lighting control, electronic signs and consumer electronics.

Until now, OEMs requiring cost-efficient RF communication were limited to single-frequency transceivers. These radios are very susceptible to interference, often resulting in unreliable operation. As wireless technology proliferates, interference is an increasing concern among OEMs. The LX2400 uses superior Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology, originally developed to enhance the reliability and security of military communication. FHSS systems transmit data on one frequency then rapidly hop to another frequency. Should interference occur, the data is resent on another frequency. Additional benefits to OEMs include extended transmission range and increased data rates. While spread spectrum has been used for decades, the cost of such solutions has been expensive, typically hundreds of dollars. AeroComm's contribution is the culmination of a multi-year design effort to provide FHSS technology at mass-market prices.

As a leading manufacturer of RF modules, AeroComm consistently receives requests for complete wireless solutions. "With the knowledge gained from over 100,000 2.4GHz radios in the field, we have a unique combination of RF expertise and market access to establish new standards for integration and lower price points," said Michael Varady, Chairman and CEO of AeroComm. "Virtually all OEMs need robust performance at the lowest cost. We listened to their needs and the ConnexRF line is the result."

The ConnexRF line goes much further than simply adding FHSS. It meets the stringent requirements sought after by OEM customers: small size, simple integration, efficient data throughput, long range and low power consumption. "OEMs have long desired spread spectrum transceivers for their superior performance. AeroComm's breakthrough technology meets their needs at an affordable price, enabling many applications to benefit from wireless communications," said Jim O'Callaghan, Vice President of OEM Sales and Marketing at AeroComm. "The LX broadens the range of applications that can take advantage of advanced wireless technology."

The LX2400 is a complete RF module including antenna. All frequency hopping, synchronization, and RF system data transmission/reception is performed by the LX. When compared to integrating an RF chipset, the LX speeds time to market, reduces R&D costs and increases likelihood of success.

The LX2400 addresses the various needs of OEMs as follows:

       OEM Requirement                     LX2400 Features

Operate in RF noisy environments     High frequency 2.4GHz employs
                                     frequency hopping spread spectrum
                                     technology providing resistance
                                     to interference and highly
                                     reliable data communication.

Flexible, fast data transfer rates   Data rates up to 19.2 Kilobits
                                     per second (Kbps) are fast enough
                                     for the majority of OEM
                                     applications and multi-point
                                     networking.

Small Form Factor                    1.65in x 2.65in x 0.2in,
                                     including antenna, smaller than a
                                     credit card, easily fits into
                                     handheld devices or into OEM's
                                     existing enclosures.

Low power consumption                Less than 100 mA average current
                                     draw, the lowest power user in
                                     its category. Ideal for
                                     battery-powered applications.

Industry-standard interface          Commonly used asynchronous 5V TTL
                                     serial data I/O simplifies OEM's
                                     integration to reduce
                                     time to market and cost.

International conformity             2.4GHz transceivers are accepted
                                     around the world as an unlicensed
                                     spectrum. OEMs can design one
                                     system.

Integral antenna                     The integral strip dipole is
                                     optimized for use with the LX.
                                     It reduces connector cost and
                                     line loss, yielding highly
                                     efficient RF coverage for
                                     increased range.  Can enhance
                                     packaging efficiency, eliminating
                                     external antenna connection.

Range                                Effective communication distances
                                     up to 500 feet line of sight, or
                                     up to 100 feet indoors.

The transceivers include useful features typically found only on expensive radios, including Receive Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) and an In-Range indicator confirming a good RF link. The LX2400 employs AeroComm's proprietary ConnexSync(TM) technology, which optimizes data throughput and reduces component cost. ConnexSync(TM) allows LX2400 radios to find other radios quickly, establish and maintain synchronization and minimize RF "overhead" time for hopping. Custom algorithms enable the radios to scan and locate each other in 1/3 the time typically required. As a result, high data rates and very low latency are achieved to make the LX very responsive for control applications. Users can configure the radios on unique channels, enabling independent, co-located networks. Point-to-Point and Point-to-MultiPoint networks are supported. Higher power output, longer-range versions of the LX are possible for specific OEM projects.

LX2400 developer kits are now available. These kits include everything necessary for customer evaluation and integration, including AeroComm's unique Engineering Support Package. Developer Kit customers are assigned a design engineer to provide quick, competent integration assistance to assure a successful implementation. For additional product information or purchase inquiries, contact Tareek Razack, OEM Account Manager, AeroComm, Inc., at 800/492-2320, ext. 203, or [e-mail].

Formed in 1990, AeroComm, Inc. is a leading developer of RF technology enabling wireless communication between commercial and industrial devices and the Internet. The company's ConnexRF 2.4GHz transceivers allow OEMs to integrate wireless faster, at less cost and with higher confidence than designed internally. Connex Internet Access devices bridge wireless networks to the Internet, interfacing with modems and DSL routers. The company's award-winning GoPrint line of retail printer sharing devices is distributed in retail channels. AeroComm has a long history with RF, it was the first to gain FCC approval for 2.4GHz DSSS transceivers in 1994. In addition to standard products, Aerocomm has developed custom RF solutions for several major OEMs. Further information is available at www.aerocomm.com.

Background information

The Benefits of Wireless

Wireless communications is fast becoming recognized as a flexible and reliable method for data telemetry applications. It offers numerous benefits over hard-wiring, including:

Lower Cost -- Transceivers eliminate the need for expensive wiring, including the high cost of installation in both new sites and retrofitting existing sites.

Less Environmental Impact -- Burying cable and stringing wire is environmentally invasive, requiring a large investment to bring the area back to its original state. Transceivers significantly reduce the footprint in these installations, reducing the impact and damage to the area.

System Protection -- Transceivers allow for the isolation of sensitive equipment. This reduces the chance of system-wide failure due to a power surge or lightning strike. In addition, transceivers eliminate the chance of broken connections due to damaged or severed cables.

Greater Flexibility -- Sensors and controllers are no longer tied to the location of the hardwired terminal. This offers flexibility in relocating equipment within a building or over large distances outdoors.

Spread spectrum was developed during World War II by the US military to provide secure battlefield communications. It is still used today for secure military and civilian communication. Spread spectrum transceivers spread their signal over a range of frequencies. There are two types of spread spectrum: Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) and Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS).

AeroComm's OEM products are FHSS transceivers. FHSS transceivers transmit their signal by sending a small burst, or packet, of data on one frequency and then "hopping" to another frequency to transmit another burst. This hopping continues throughout the transmission. For this transmission to be successful, both transceivers must be synchronized, constantly hopping to the same frequency and remaining on it for the same amount of time. This provides for reliable, interference-resistant communication. In the event that a packet of information cannot be sent on one frequency due to "jamming," the packet will be sent on the next frequency.

AeroComm transceivers employ revolutionary new ConnexSync(TM) technology, which optimizes data throughput and reduces component cost. To achieve faster throughput, the ConnexSync(TM) enables radios to find other radios as quickly as possible, establish and maintain synchronization and minimize RF "overhead" time for hopping, re-syncing. Custom algorithms enable the radios to scan and locate each other in 1/3 the time typically required. Resulting benefits are high data rates and very low latency.

Direct sequence transceivers spread their signals over a wide range of frequencies. Data bits are mapped into chips by the transmitting transceiver and then the chips are mapped back into a bit at the receiver. DSSS transceivers provide for higher data transfer rates than FHSS transceivers do. However, DSSS transceivers are more vulnerable to interference and multipath problems since they use many frequencies at once. While AeroComm's first offering was a DSSS transceiver, the company's focus has been redirected to FHSS transceivers to provide lower cost and interference and multipath resistance.

The LX2400 enables users to create co-located independent networks through the use of System ID numbers or by specifying one of ten different frequency-hopping patterns. Transceivers communicate only within their assigned group, isolating other networks of LX2400s as well as other transceivers.

Data transmission rates are determined by the efficiency of the hopping and synchronization methods that include both hardware and software components. Historically, expensive filters were employed to gain the precision required for high data rate transceivers. Fast 2.4GHz radios cost upwards of $1,000 each. As an alternative, throughput was decreased to accommodate lower-precision componentry resulting in low-speed, less-expensive transceivers. AeroComm has solved this problem with ConnexSync(TM).

The 2.4GHz to 2.4835GHz band has been reserved virtually worldwide for industrial applications, without the need for individual site licensing. OEMs can design one transceiver usable worldwide. The LX2400 falls under FCC part 15.249 rules and Industry Canada Specification

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