"easy-Radio"
What is it and why use it?

There are many standards on the market these days for wireless applications, Bluetooth, 802.11, DECT etc but for general purpose Short Range Devices (SRDs) there is no standard protocol. The user has therefore to write unique wireless communications software for their application - this is not an easy task. There is usually pressure to get to market as fast as possible ahead of competition and many engineers are new to this skill.

Writing software for a "piece of wire" is one thing, doing the same with no wire present simply doesn't work. There are many, many problems to overcome the first time this exercise is undertaken and there may be little time to acquire this new skill.

In our experience the % of customers who have a genuine need for a wireless solution and who actually succeed in putting a product on the market is less than 5%!

In response to this problem LPRS created a protocol, which would take care of all the communications requirements of the "link" - we called it

The software takes care of Tx encoding and Rx decoding as well as RS232, TTL or whatever standard data the user wishes to input. A true data-in - data-out, result is achieved. In the case of transceivers data is buffered on chip and retries are programmed in. It is in transceiver applications that the software really comes into its own as two-way wireless communication is particularly difficult to achieve - reliably.
The "easy-Radio" software converts inputted data into what we refer to as an "efficient over air format" which results in less missed data and extended range.

The software is available with most of our range of modules in particular our NEW ER400/900 "S" series of Tx, Rx and Txcvrs. These not only have the ER protocol already embedded but also offer the user unparalleled flexibility in choosing

• Power output levels
• Data rate
• And most useful - frequency selection.

Most users are aware of the overcrowding in the 433-4MHz band especially in mainland Europe. Nearly all applications use the spot frequency of 433.92MHz. To use another frequency it is usually necessary to use another module set at a different frequency. This is far from ideal, as several modules may have to be used.
Not so with the ER400.
Up to 10 different frequencies in the 433-4MHz band can be user programmed at point of final test. What's more the unit can be reprogrammed many, many times. One useful application would be where the user has 418 & 433MHz products in the field. Only one module needs to be purchased and stocked and the user can then decide whether it is to be 418 or 433.92MHz.

With the introduction of the 868-870MHz band in Europe many customers have been tempted to consider moving from the crowded 433 band only to find that there are several sub bands with different power levels and duty cycles etc. The ER900 allows several frequencies to be selected and the power output adjusted for the specific sub-band. With the customisation facility available from LPRS it is also possible to set up the allowable duty cycles.

And that's not all…

The ER900 has a frequency range from 860-920MHz which offers the added flexibility to use the same module for either the 868-870MHz European band OR the USA 902-928MHz - the same module no changes of components just a simple software command at final test.

Other modules embedded with "easy-Radio" include our own AM 2000 Rx with matching 2 button keyfob and the Circuit Design range of high performance narrow band Tx, Rx & Txcvrs.

If it's long range you need the CDP range can offer ER flexibility together with ranges in excess of 1km. In fact one of the Rx/Tx combinations fitted with ER software actually extended the usual range of 1km to 1.5km just by using the software!

How is the software provided?

In the case of the ER400/900 and AM products the software is embedded on a MicrochipÔ PIC. No external processor is needed all the required components and functions are internal to the module.

The CDP long-range narrow band modules can be supplied with the PIC neatly "slung" under the existing module or as a separate programmed chip or software licence.

Select "easy-radio" (don't forget the -) from the search box on the website or look for the ER versions of the standard modules.