Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG

"Reliable Signaling", Low power consumption & "super long" signal range ZigBee Module TWE-001 STRONG

TOCOS Wireless Engine is a wireless microcomputer module compliant with ZigBee / IEEE802.15.4, a global standard.

The product is designed to meet the instantaneous start-up, super low power consumption, and long signal range required for ZigBee / IEEE802.15.4 wireless modules at a high level. TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG is a state-of-the-art ZigBee / IEEE802.15.4 wireless module that has been developed featuring especially the long signal range performance.

While the TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG boasts the class world's lowest level of current consumption (Tx Current: 28 mA, Rx Current: 23.5 mA, Stanby Current: 1.3 µA) as a 10 mW class of wireless microcomputer module compliant with ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4, it achieves an amazingly extended signal range of up to 3,110 m (*1). The ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 compliant wireless module satisfies both needs for lower power consumption and longer-distance communications. It is also practical to use batteries to drive the system.

The wireless module comes in handy especially in outdoors monitoring and control systems and in the situation where you need long signal range, or where you do not need a long distance but there are many obstacles.

The feature of super low power consumption helps batteries to drive the system last longer, in the high output ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module where it was extremely difficult to practically use batteries due to the challenge of power consumption. The system powered with AC power supply can also keep the electricity consumption low, allowing you to establish an environmentally friendly system. The wireless module has successfully saved a lot of electricity consumed, which is the primary feature of ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4.

The extended signal range has allowed you to reduce the number of repeaters when used outdoors, or even communicate directly without the use of a repeater. Various positive effects can be expected from cost reduction of the system, improvement in reliability, to installation in a place where it is difficult to wire power supply for a repeater.

The product works very well in data communications from a distribution board or a metal chassis like a cubicle.

As the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG has various built-in I/Os in one small package such as 32-bit RISC processor of low power consumption and high performance, 12-bit AD converter (4 channels), 12-bit DA converter (2 channels), comparator, pulse counter, and general-purpose digital I/O ports, it allows for direct control of sensors, display, LED, switches and so on. The substantial capacity of RAM and flash memory also allows for stress-free installation of applications that use ZigBee PRO, RF4CE, JenNet and other communications protocols as well.

The ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG has integrated in a wireless module a high-performance PCB pattern antenna and highly efficient power amplifier which have been designed with cutting-edge technologies and the signal range extends as far as 1,700 m at line of sight. With an external antenna (2 dBi gain, non-directional) connected to the connector on the wireless module, the line of sight reach will be 3,110m *1 at the maximum. (Please designate the antenna type when ordering.)

As this product has already obtained certification according to the Radio Act of Japan, the ARIB STD-T66 Factory Design Certificate (Technical Regulations Conformity Certification), which is required for the use in Japan, you can start selling them just by incorporating it into your product. You can save the time and money of obtaining the certification. The certification is not limited to any specific firmware, so you do not have to obtain new certification even when you use original firmware created on your side. When using the product, also see Considerations about the Radio Act of Japan.
※ For the status of obtaining certification in other countries, please contact us.

We have an excellent quality control system in place so that a customer feels free to use our products even in the industrial equipment which has to operate in a harsh environment.

This is a RoHS-compliant and environmentally friendly product. We can also make the documentation on various environmental regulations (JAMP-AIS, REACH etc.) available on request.

*1: When measured with a non-directional external antenna of 2 dBi gain, with little impact of extraneous noises, at line of sight distance.

Features

Low power consumption

ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG operates at low current consumption (Tx Current: 28 mA, Rx Current: 23.5 mA, Stanby Current: 1.3 µA) thanks to the successful development of a high-performance, highly efficient power amplifier.

Instantaneous start-up

The quick start-up is also one of the features of the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG. With the short start-up and processing time, it will not consume any excessive electricity.

"Super long" Signal Range

In the past, the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Module was considered exclusive for near field communications, with the signal range of several tens of meters to 100 meters at the best. With such a short signal range, we had to use many repeaters as the reach would be even shorter in the environment affected by obstacles or noise. The increased number of repeaters augmented the background communications to sustain the network, which made the communications unstable. Therefore, developing a system design was extremely difficult. In addition, if you tried to amplify the output using power amplifiers in a bid to extend the signal range, then you would end up having higher power consumption. All those things combined caused misunderstanding that the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 did not have great reach. To overcome the challenge, the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module TWE-001 STRONG has been developed with the view to realizing both low power consumption and long signal range. As a result, while maintaining low power consumption with the addition of a power amplifier, we have secured enough link budget (the budget for connecting communications) that enables long signal range of up to 1,700 m at line of sight with a built-in antenna, and 3,110 m with an external antenna (2 dBi gain). The extended reach will open up the possibility for new applications. Furthermore, you do not have to give up having great reach any more, where you had to because of the limitation in power consumption. Even if you do not need great reach, large link budget will be effective for stable communications in the environment where there are obstacles, e.g. walls. If you do not want the extended signal range, you can attenuate the output in the interval of about -12 db with software control to reduce the signal range.

High-speed communications mode

In addition to the 250 kbps, which is compliant with IEEE802.15.4, it can be switched to the turbo mode of 500/667 kbps, our original standard. Using the turbo mode will achieve further power saving as the data transfer time is shortened. Switching to the high-speed communications mode will not change the power consumption. (When using the high-speed mode, the receiving sensitivity will drop by about 2 dB, which may shorten the signal range.)

Protocol stack

The standard protocol stacks of ZigBee PRO, RF4CE, and JenNet are available without any loyalty. All you need to do is download them in the wireless module. The ZigBee PRO, RF4CE, and JenNet protocol stacks have been developed by NXP (Jennic). It is also possible to implement an original protocol stack on IEEE802.15.4 instead of using a standard protocol stack.

32-bit high performance CPU and large capacity memory

The 32-bit RISC CPU built in the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module TWE-001 STRONG, which operates at the maximum 32 MHz, can easily deal with any complicated data processing and control of peripheral devices. What is used here is an OpenRISC based high-performance CPU core tuned to the utmost limit, with the current consumption amount per clock as low as 8-bit CPU. By making the most of 32-bit processing, it can process in a shorter time, contributing to more power saving. The operation clock can be switched between 4 MHz, 8 MHz, 16 MHz, and 32 MHz, so that you can choose the most suitable consumption current. The software for operating a wireless module is implemented with C language using API, so a software developer does not have to think about CPU register and architecture. With large capacity RAM of 128 KB, it can comfortably address a highly functional protocol stack and a multiple-node environment.

Software Development Environment (SDK)

The software development environment for the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module TWE-001 STRONG is made available for free. There is no limitation in duration of use or available functions. The development environment contains a gcc tool chain, Eclipse Integrated Development Environment, ZigBee PRO/JenNet protocol stack library, and various sample programs. With the use of the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Module Evaluation and Development Kit, you can download it in a wireless module and start development activities right away. No additional costs are required.

Temperature characteristics

The ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Module TWE-001 STRONG boasts the temperature characteristics that meet an industrial purpose and can be used in -40 C to 85 C. It will maintain stable communications quality both in cold and hot environments.

Power supply voltage

The operating voltage for the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module TWE-001 STRONG is about 2.0V to 3.6V, so the product can be also driven by batteries.

Antenna

The ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module TWE-001 STRONG can be chosen from built-in board pattern antenna design and external antenna design. There are plenty of options available for external antennas according to your purpose.

Compatibility with TWE-001 pins

The ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module TWE-001 STRONG is compatible with the TWE-001 in terms of pins and the position of attachment holes, which allows you to combine the two in a clever way, such as selecting the TWE-001 STRONG only where you want stronger radio waves. The software is also common except for the initialization process and others. (The difference is that TWE-001 STRONG has omitted the DIO2/3, SPI is 3 selects, the total outline length is 2.0 mm - 5.5 mm longer, and the distance engine cannot operate.)

Quality of industrial equipment grade

The ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Module TWE-001 STRONG, which we, with more than 50 years of experiences as an electronic component professional manufacturer, are proud to offer, has been designed in consideration of resistance to heat impact, vibration, and static electricity, and manufactured under a strict quality inspection in our factory. If any defect or failure should happen, you can rely on our strengthened response and failure analysis system, which gives you a sense of security in choosing our product for mass production. In the case that you need long, stable supply of more than 10 years as well, we are happy to talk about it with you. (Certified with ISO9001:2000 and ISO14001:2004.)

Total support

We have made ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Module Evaluation and Development Kit, which is helpful in evaluation and development of the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Module TWE-001 STRONG, and dedicated JTAG Debugger, which will surely facilitate software debugging, various antennas, and ready-made software available, so you can totally count on our technical support.

TWE-001 STRONG Outline

The ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Module TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG measures 42 mm x 20 mm x 3.5 mm (for external antenna design), and 45.5 mm x 20 mm x 3.5 mm (for built-in antenna design), very small in size.

It weighs 4.6 g.

For more detailed outline dimensions, please see Outline and Pinout of TWE-001 STRONG.

Structure of TWE-001 STRONG

The ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG has integrated a wireless segment compliant with IEEE802.15.4, a power amplifier, 32-bit microcomputer part, memory, and a peripheral circuit.

A difference from TWE-001 is that a power amplifier is built in. The power amplifier strengthens the transmission output and receiving sensitivity, thus extending the signal range.

Antenna

There are two types of ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Module TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG depending on the antenna used: a built-in antenna type (on the left) and an external antenna connector type (on the right).

The compact built-in antenna performs very well, but using an external antenna will extend the signal range even more. You can choose the antenna type according to your purpose. For various external antennas certified with Technical Regulations, please see product lineup of antennas.

For the specifications of the connector for an external antenna, please see connector for an external antenna.

Connector for shipping inspection

The ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Module TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG has a connector on the built-in antenna side, but this is a connector for probing to measure radio output at a shipping inspection. We conduct 100% inspection for radio waves performance at our factory (* Note 1) using a dedicated inspection equipment before shipping.

* Note 1: Certified with ISO9001:2000 (quality management system) and ISO14001:2004 (environmental management system)

Connector for I/O

The ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Module TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG is equipped with a 40-pin connector as an external interface so that various I/O signals can be connected, which can keep the number of external circuits around the wireless module at a minimum.

For more details on I/O signals, please see pinout.

The reliability of a connector for connection is very important. To prevent a trouble such as contact failure, tough contact is used here.

- Resistant to vibration and impact.
- Resistant to corrosive gases.
- Not affected by foreign materials getting caught.
- Digital signals are not susceptible to performance deterioration.
As for the information on a 40-pin connector on the reception side, please see connector on the reception side.

The 40-pin connector uses a narrow pitch (0.4 mm). If it is necessary to convert the pitch to 2.54 mm, a conversion board TWE CARRIER is available.

Screw holes for fixing

The ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Module TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG can be fixed on a base board with 2 screws. You do not have to worry about coming off due to vibration and impact.

For more information on screws, nuts, and spacers for fixing, please see screws, nuts, and spacers for fixing.

Connection Example of TWE-001 STRONG

The ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Module TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG is a microcomputer module with wireless functions. The CPU is 32-bit RISC and operates at 32 MHz. There are various I/Os equipped that you may find in a general type of microcomputers.

Here is a connection example for the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG. As shown in the illustration, various peripheral devices can be directly connected and controlled.

It is possible to conduct all the processing with the microcomputer built in the module so that you can save on additional cost for external microcomputers and memory, or as another option, you can use an external microcomputer and connect it with UART and SPI.

For more details on connecting a peripheral device to the wireless module please see the reference circuit examples.

Architecture of TWE-001 STRONG

Here is architecture for the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG.

The TOCOS ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Module features a wide variety of functions, unlike a single-function wireless modem. The TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG is a highly functional 32-bit microcomputer module that integrates the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 wireless function.

A peripheral circuit and memory extension etc. can be structured in the same way as an ordinary microcomputer. The application software is stored in the rewritable flash ROM, expanded in the RAM at the time of start-up and implemented. A boot loader and IEEE802.15.4 MAC are stored in the ROM.

For details of I/O signals, please see pinout.

Network of TWE-001 STRONG

The ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG can be assigned a role of coordinator, router, or end device on the network with common hardware just by changing the software to download in the built-in flash memory.

It can also be mixed with TWE-001 in the same network.

Software Implementation Method of TWE-001 STRONG

The ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Module TOCOS Wireless Engine is a microcomputer module that integrates the wireless function, so to operate it, software is required. There are two ways of implementing software. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Make a choice according to your purpose.

Create custom software on your own.

Advantage: You can include whatever functions you want as you like.
Disadvantage: It takes man-hours to develop software.

For the sequence of software development, please see Programming Information.

For the method of using Software Development Kit (SDK), please see ZigBee Development Kit (Introduction).

We make a useful tool for efficient software development, JTAG Debugger (JTAG ICE), available as well.

Use ready-made software.

Advantage: It does not take man-hours to develop software. Prearranged standard functions are available.
Disadvantage: You need to make the product specifications match with the standard functions.

For ready-made software, please see TWE-ZERO series.

Wireless Specifications of TWE-001 STRONG

Here are wireless specifications for the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG.

Wireless standard	Compliant with IEEE802.15.4
Frequency band	2.4 GHz
Number of channels	16 channels (The ch26 is not available at this point due to limitation by API)
Modulation method	O-PQSK, DSSS
Communications Speed	250 kbps (IEEE802.15.4) / 500 kbps / 667 kbps
Transmission output	+9.08 dBm (25C, 3V, Typ, SWG connector)
Receiving sensitivity	-100 dBm (25 C, 3V, Typ, SWG connector)
Encryption	AES-128 bit
Certificate for radio waves	ARIB-STD-T66 Factory Design Certificate (Technical Regulations Conformity Certification)

Signal Range of TWE-001 STRONG

One of the features of the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Module TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG is signaling performance.

This is the measurement results to find out the maximum signal range for the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG.

With propagation of radio waves influenced by various conditions, the signal range will also vary. Therefore, the measurement in a straight-line distance at line of sight in the environment with very little noise is often cited as a performance indicator of a communications module. From the measurement, the actual performance value of link budget (the budget for connecting communications) can be obtained.

The ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module TWE-001 STRONG achieves excellent reach of up to 1,700 m at line of sight with a built-in antenna, and 3,110 km (* 1) with an external antenna (2 dBi gain, non-directional) with the maximum output of 10 mW. In this way, the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module TWE-001 STRONG has secured substantial link budget while compliant with the Radio Act of Japan.

Next, here are measurement results of a signal range in dense bush, not at line of sight. Compared with the measurement at line of sight, the condition is greatly disadvantageous to conduct wireless communications. As you can see from the picture, the measurement zone is completely blocked with trees. There are only limited areas where people can step in. Even in such brutal conditions, the communications is very stable with no packet error up to a range of 100 m. The experiment uses extreme conditions, so you can expect an extended signal range if trees are not that thick.

In the conditions of an urban area where there are a lot of noise such as wireless LAN, the communications up to 200 m is possible. These signal ranges are achieved thanks to the amazing signaling performance (excellent actual performance of link budget) of over 3 Km at line of sight. In addition, securing enough reach at such low power consumption (power saving) will be a great advantage for wireless communications.

In this way, the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module TWE-001 STRONG has made it possible to communicate even in the conditions where it was difficult to conduct wireless communications with ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 before.

The signal range will be shorter indoors and where there are obstacles, but the ability to perform long signal range at line of sight contributes to extending the range indoors and where there are obstacles as well. This is because if it has large link budget (the budget for connecting communications) in the first place, a budget enough for communications will be left even after spending it with obstacles. Thus, the performance of the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module that enables long signal range at line of sight is very important to obtain stable communications in other kinds of conditions. The ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module TWE-001 STRONG comes in handy especially where you need long signal range in a monitoring or control system outdoors, or where you do not need great reach but there are many obstacles. Even where you do not need such a great reach, the product offers more stable communications, allowing you to enhance the reliability of a system.

The signal range of the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module TWE-001 STRONG will vary depending on the difference in conditions such as obstacles and noise, just like other ordinary wireless modules. Therefore, an actual range may differ from the measurement results. In designing application, it is recommended to use the Communications Quality Measurement Tool that comes with the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Module Evaluation and Development Kit, and measure the range in the actual environment where you intend to use the product.

* 1: When measured with a non-directional external antenna of 2 dBi gain, with little impact of extraneous noises, at line of sight distance.

Power Consumption (Current) of TWE-001 STRONG

Another feature of the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Module TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG is super low power consumption.

To realize low power consumption as an ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module, it is imperative to suppress consumption current at each processing, but it is equally important to shorten the start-up and processing time. If it takes time to process, it will eventually consume large electricity even with small consumption current at a unit time.

The ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG has achieved super low power consumption with the class world's lowest current consumption, instantaneous start-up, and high-speed processing.

Here is an example of power consumption (consumption current) of the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG from the time of warm booting from the sleep state to starting communications. The example has been measured in the application where the sensor data created with the use of 802.15.4 API are transmitted. The measurement results include the power consumption (consumption current) for the wireless segment and the microcomputer part.

In the first half of the diagram, the processing is underway, such as start-up of the microcomputer and obtaining the temperature sensor data. Then, the wireless circuit starts up and implements the receiving circuit with CCA (clear channel assessment), followed by the consumption current during packet transmission. For transmission with ACK, the receiving circuit is also at work to receive ACK.

As shown in the measurement results, the wireless module boasts the very short processing time of only 5 msec - 10 msec to complete the sequence from starting up from the sleep state, transmitting about 32 byte including header, receiving ACK to getting back to the sleep state including the microcomputer processing. (The time depends on the processing contents and the amount of data. In this case, it is 8 msec.)

The data transfer speed for ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 is 250 kbps. You can obtain the transfer time to send 1 data frame using the following equation.
Header size = 15 - 31 byte
Data size = 1 - 112 byte
Data transfer time (ms) = (Header size + Data size) × 8 / 250
During the transfer, 28 mA current will be flowing.

While it outputs about 10 mW, TWE-001 STRONG operates at super low power consumption as an ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module.

Radiation Pattern of TWE-001 STRONG Built-in Antenna

This is the radiation pattern of the built-in antenna of the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Module TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG.

When using the built-in antenna, please refer to Guideline for built-in antenna.

Use of Product outside of Japan

To use the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Module TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG outside of Japan requires certification according to the radio law of the country. For assistance, please contact us.

To export the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 Module TOCOS Wireless Engine TWE-001 STRONG outside of Japan, it is necessary to determine whether the product is applicable or not according to the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act and relevant acts (e.g. Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Control Law). If you need a compliance certificate, please contact us.

Materials

Related Products

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