This blog tells you regarding a brief introduction to different types of Xbee modules available in market, different types of antennas used, different types of Data modes to operate and networks that can be formed.
Introduction to XBee
An Xbee module is a radio device that uses ZigBee or 802.15.4 protocol. They send and receive data via the 2.4GHz or 900MHz band at a relatively low power and can be used to set up simple point-to-point links or complex self-healing networks spread over quite large areas. These XBee modules have extremely varied ranges of applications.
There are several different sub-types of Xbee modules available in market, which have different features. In this each sub-type, you can program modules to have different functions.
Here is a quick guidance for different sub-types of XBee modules
XBee 802.15.4(series 1) – This is the very widely held 2.4GHz XBee module from Digi. These modules use the IEEE 802.15.4 networking protocol for fast point-to-point or point to multipoint networking. XBee 802.15.4 modules are best for low-power, low-cost applications.
XBee-PRO 802.15.4 –This module is nothing but a higher power, longer range version of the XBee 802.15.4.
XBee DigiMesh 2.4 – DigiMesh 2.4 embedded RF modules utilize the peer-to-peer DigiMesh protocol in 2.4 GHz for global deployments. This advanced mesh protocol offers users added network stability through self-healing, self-discovery, and dense network operation, with support for sleeping routers.
XBee-PRO DigiMesh 2.4 – This module is nothing but a higher power, longer range version of the XBee DigiMesh 2.4
XBee ZB(Series 2) – XBee ZB Modules provide economical wireless connectivity to devices in ZigBee mesh networks. These Series 2 modules allow you to form complex mesh networks based on the XBee ZB ZigBee mesh firmware, that is they can run in a transparent mode or work with API commands, but this all depends on what firmware you configure these with. Note: These modules are in no way compatible with the Series 1 modules.
XBee-PRO ZB – This module is nothing but a higher power, longer range version of the XBee ZB.
XBee ZB SMT – XBee ZB embedded surface mount RF modules provide wireless connectivity to end-point devices in ZigBee mesh networks. These modules are ideal for applications in the energy and controls markets where manufacturing efficiencies are critical.
XBee-PRO ZB SMT – This module is nothing but a higher power, longer range version of the XBee ZB SMT
XBee SE(Smart Energy) – The XBee Smart Energy Range Extender provides a simple method for expanding the range of a Smart Energy network. The XBee Smart Energy Range Extender plugs into a standard electrical outlet for quick and easy installation. Once installed, it then establishes itself as a routing node, providing expanded network range and adding redundancy to a Smart Energy network.
XBee-PRO SE – This module is nothing but a higher power, longer range version of the XBee SE.
XBee-PRO 900HP – XBee-PRO 900HP embedded modules provide best-in-class range wireless connectivity to devices. They take advantage of the DigiMesh networking protocol, featuring dense network operation and support for sleeping routers, and are also available in a proprietary point-to-multipoint configuration. Supporting RF line-of-sight ranges up to 28 miles (with high-gain antennas), and data rates of up to 200 Kbps, these modules are ideal for extended-range applications requiring increased data throughput.
XBee-PRO XSC (S3B) – The XBee-PRO XSC 900 MHz RF module features two times the throughput and 20 times less current draw than the previous XSC module, making it ideal for long-range sensor applications. The RF module features an ADF7023 transceiver from Analog Devices, delivering best-in-class distances up to 28 miles Line-of-Sight (LOS), along with low power consumption, drawing less than 2.5 uA in power down. The latest XBee-PRO XSC (S3B hardware) is firmware compatible with the legacy 9XStream® and the legacy XBee-PRO XSC modules. A 900 MHz module compatible over the air with the Digi 9XStream radios.
XBee-PRO 868 – XBee-PRO 868 embedded RF modules are for European applications. XBee-PRO 868 modules are long-range RF modules providing end-point device connectivity, Supporting RF line-of-sight distances up to 80 km. These modules are ideal for challenging wireless environments where RF penetration and transmission distance are critical to the application.
XBee 865/868LP – The XBee 868LP is an 868 MHz RF module for Europe. An 868 MHz XBee module comes in Surface Mount form-factor and uses DigiMesh networking.
Antenna Types
1. Chip: The chip antenna is a low profile device Mounted on the Xbee module, ideally used for application where ins and outs are more important than range, This Chip antenna has been flourished with the PCB antenna, and does not really take up any space.
2. Wire: A wire antenna is a flexible wire antenna, sticks up about 20mm above the surface of the Xbee PCB. It can be moved around to maximize signal strength, correspondingly, it can also be broken off is care is not taken, or the solder connection becomes stressed.
3. u.FL: There is a tiny aerial connector to connect our own external aerial. The u.FL format can be plugged / unplugged only a few times before it starts to fail. We do not recommend it for experimentation / prototyping. This type of modules is well suited if your modules are kept inside the box and you want your aerial outside the box.
4. RPSMA: Again – this is a connector for an external aerial. The whole RPSMA / SMA thing can be confusing, but this is a gold screw-threat connector with a solid, pointy pin in the middle. Aerials similar to the type that is used on PC wifi cards can be screwed in, and it’s possible to use properly matched aerials on longish coaxial leads. This means that the aerial can be changed or positioned easily.
Data modes
XBee’s can operate in two modes that are either in a transparent data mode or in a packet-based Application Programming Interface (API) mode.
1. Transparent data mode:
In the transparent mode, data coming into the Data IN (DIN) pin is directly transmitted over-the-air to the intended receiving radios without any modification. Incoming packets can either be directly addressed to one target (point-to-point) or broadcast to multiple targets (star). This mode is primarily used in instances where an existing protocol cannot tolerate changes to the data format.AT commands are used to control the radio’s settings.
2. Application Programming Interface (API) mode:
In API mode the data is enclosed in a packet structure that allows for addressing, parameter setting and packet delivery feedback, including remote sensing and control of digital I/O and analog input pins.
Network Capability
1. Point-to-Point: This is the simplest type where Data is sent\received between one device and one other device.
2. Point-to-Multipoint: Data is sent\received between one device and many other devices.
3. Mesh Network: It is the combination of the Point to Point and Point to Multipoint types. The key different is that data will often pass through intermediate devices in a manner similar to the way the internet works. Mesh networks are self-establishing and self-healing. They are the most flexible and powerful solution, but potentially the most complex to set up.
Thanks for reading the blog,
For information on the products, you visit the website – http://www.tenettech.com/category/38/basic-components
If you have any queries or doubts, you can a drop a mail to info@tenettech.com
