Redpine Signals Launches First 802.11n Single Stream Module for Wi-Fi Based Real Time Location Systems (RTLS)

Redpine's Find-iT CCX-compliant Wi-Fi 802.11n RTLS Tag Offers Versatility, Ultra Low Power, High Data Rates

SAN JOSE, Calif., April 20 /PRNewswire/ -- A new module for supporting WiFi(R) RTLS tags from Redpine Signals(R), Inc., offers the first 802.11n single stream solution for asset tracking. Redpine's Find-iT(TM) module provides all the control and wireless functionality required to build and deploy tags for advanced two-way communicating real-time location systems (RTLS) in industrial and enterprise applications. The module is also the first 802.11n solution to meet Cisco Compatible Extensions (CCX) tag specifications for system designs for the Cisco Location Solution. Redpine is a leading developer of ultra low power multi-standard OFDM and MIMO silicon-based solutions for Wi-Fi, mobile WiMAX(TM) and 3GPP LTE.

Redpine's Find-iT module is based on the company's ultra low-power Lite-Fi(TM) 802.11n technology to offer higher throughput at lower power. This opens up opportunities for new applications, such as transfer of large image data from an asset to the central station, that were not possible in the traditional RFID space where the high data rates and two way communication were not present. Redpine's participation in Cisco's CCX-certification program enables developers using the Find-iT (RS9110-N-11-51) module to take advantage of innovations in accuracy, telemetry and network management delivered by Cisco and its technology partners.

The Find-iT module is a complete foundation for solutions targeting the fast-growing field of standard Wi-Fi based asset tracking and identification called WFID. The use of Wi-Fi for Active RFID tags enables enterprises that deploy them to make use of available wireless infrastructure, while simultaneously providing higher operational range and positional accuracy. The module is built for extremely low power consumption using system-level and profile-driven fine-grained power control, a microcontroller with an ultra low-power mode working off a low-frequency clock source, and a WLAN subsystem with multiple power modes.

The module's versatility lies in its ability to work with various RTLS mechanisms such as 1) waking up at periodic intervals, receiving packets or beacons from different Access Points and sending the RSSI of each beacon to a central server; or 2) transmitting a predetermined data packet at periodic intervals so that customized receivers can calculate RSSI or time of arrival/ time difference of arrival (TOA/TDOA) of these packets for further processing. Apart from sending preset data, the Find-iT module can also process and send out data received on its various interfaces - including analog, SPI, I2C, and GPIO lines. Its extremely low average power consumption is aided by the ability to continue in a sleep mode until awakened by events such as a time-out or a sensor input.

The Find-iT module implements standards compliant 802.11 functionality and is able to connect to standard Access Points in open or secure modes. It provides a network stack that originates or terminates TCP/IP and UDP connections with IPv6/IPv4 capability. The integrated microcontroller implements a small footprint embedded operating system on which multiple applications can be built. The 31mm x 44mm QFN module also includes a built-in antenna, frequency reference, power management, and flashed-in firmware, with overall configuration made available through UART or wireless.

"Our Find-iT module is the ideal platform for building emerging location solutions," said Venkat Mattela, CEO of Redpine Signals. "As enterprise and industrial networks rapidly embrace the 802.11n standard, universal client adoption of the 802.11n protocol is required to take advantage of enhanced throughput in 11n networks. It just doesn't make sense today to design Wi-Fi RTLS solutions using legacy 802.11 b/g protocols," he added.

With a single 3V, 2000 mAh battery, and uploading location data every two minutes, the module can achieve over five years of battery life in a CCX-compliant infrastructure. The high-performance WLAN subsystem in the module further enhances range and effectiveness of data transfer, at the same time providing energy savings.

The Find-iT module is sampling now; and a fully implemented evaluation board with configurable software is also available.

The Find-iT module will be demonstrated at Redpine Signals' booth # 4Q13 at the RFID World Asia 2009 Conference being held at Suntec Convention Center, Singapore, from April 22 to April 24, 2009. Interested parties may schedule a private demo and meeting with Redpine executives at the conference or at a later date by sending an email to info@redpinesignals.com.

About Redpine Signals, Inc.

Headquartered in San Jose, California, Redpine Signals, Inc. is a wireless solutions company founded in 2001 with a mission to create ultra-low-power and high-performance products for next-generation wireless applications. Redpine was the first in the industry to launch a single-stream 802.11n chipset for mobile handsets in late 2007. Subsequently, it has launched several modules and sub-systems focusing on specific vertical market segments including industrial, wireless sensor, wireless audio & video, Voice over Wi-Fi, and high-end consumer. It has also announced the availability of multi-stream 802.11n along with mobile WiMax (802.16e) and 3GPP LTE technologies. For more information on the Redpine products, visit www.redpinesignals.com or contact Redpine at info@redpinesignals.com.

Lite-Fi and Find-iT are trademarks and Redpine Signals is a registered trademark of Redpine Signals, Inc; WiMAX is a trademark of WiMAX Forum; Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

    Press Contact Information      Redpine Contact Information
    Barbara Kline                  Dhiraj Sogani, GM & Sr. VP, System Products
    Breakthru Communications, LLC  Redpine Signals, Inc.
    +1 505-899-8578                +1 408-748-3385 x209
    bkline@breakthrucom.com        dhiraj@redpinesignals.com

SOURCE Redpine Signals, Inc.

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