07/31 Embedded Wireless Modules for Serial and Sensor Networks
If engineering companies decide to create a wireless serial system engineers have to decide if they will make the system from the ground up or take advantage of already made solutions such as wireless modules. It is important to keep in mind that designing from scratch requires many complex tasks, and will also require the design to pass wireless regulatory requirements such as FCC or ESTI testing. Complex engineering tasks such as circuit board layout and impedance matching are very important, which will be challenging even for experienced electrical engineers. Other than the technical challenges, designers must approve the product through the FCC which can take many months or even years.
A wireless sensor module can provide many more benefits and advantages over designing a wireless solution from the ground up. Wireless modules provide reduce the time to market, and allow engineers to incorporate wireless without the usual frustrations. Wireless modules integrate both the complex wireless radio hardware and the software to ensure a reliable system. The general principle of these modules is to reduce the frustration with complex wireless development, allowing companies to focus on the bottom line for a new product. Some wireless modules offer simple drop-in networking where users can replace existing cables or wires with ease. These wireless modules can can transfer analog, digital, or even serial signals. Many embedded wireless modules will require no configuration and work right out of the box. These wireless transceivers are called wireless cable replacements and can often be treated like a standard wire. Modules such as these are usually certified by the FCC and allow companies to bypass further wireless testing from the government. All of these advantages reduce frustration, cost, and time in developing new wireless products.