CEL's MeshConnect™ EM357 Module Delivers Best-in-Class ZigBee Performance

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- California Eastern Laboratories (CEL) is now shipping its new MeshConnect™ EM357 module, built on the industry's leading integrated circuit (IC) for ZigBee, the EM357 from Ember Corp.

True ZigBee and Better Range

Designed for ZigBee Pro™ applications, the module runs the full ZigBee Pro software stack and Smart Energy profile, enabling applications such as smart meters, smart grid, building automation, remote control, and HVAC. With its strong transmit power, the new module delivers superior range and performance even compared to other Ember-based modules.  At +20 dBm power output, the new MeshConnect module provides extended range measured in miles, better in-home penetration for smart meters, and overall increased link reliability for all devices.

Convenient Over-the-Air Field Upgrade Capability

Unique among modules in its class, the MeshConnect EM357 module includes generous on-board external flash memory to enable convenient over-the-air software upgrades in the field, saving what would be thousands of hours of manual field upgrades in many instances.

"We're thrilled to partner with Ember to bring such leading edge ZigBee technology to market," said Rich Howell, Director of Business Development for CEL.  "We feel confident that the engineering excellence that Ember brings to market at the IC level along with CEL's expertise in module design will produce a winning combination for our customers.  We're already hearing positive feedback on the excellent range and over-the-air programming features of this module," continued Howell.

Expanding MeshConnect Family

The new EM357 module adds breadth and depth to the expanding family of MeshConnect products, which include the MeshConnect System on Chip IC, the original MeshConnect module for simple 802.15.4 applications and the MeshConnect Extended Range module.

Pricing and Availability

The MeshConnect EM357 module is sampling now. Mass Production is available Nov. 2010.  Part number is ZICM357P2-1.  Pricing is <$19 in thousand-piece quantities.

For more information, please visit: http://www.cel.com/static.do?command=MeshConnectEM357&group=5

Please contact Rich Howell at [email protected] for further information or to arrange a detailed briefing.

About CEL

California Eastern Laboratories (www.cel.com) develops the MeshConnect™ line of IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee radio modules and transceiver ICs and is a member of the ZigBee Alliance (www.zigbee.org).  CEL is also the exclusive sales and marketing partner in North America and Latin America for products made by the Compound Semiconductor Devices Business Division (CSDBD) of Renesas Electronics Corporation, formerly NEC Electronics Corporation. 

SOURCE California Eastern Laboratories