EnOcean has a new line of energy harvesting wireless modules communicating on the 902 MHz band for the North American market. These new products increase the effective radio frequency range, offer enhanced resistance to interference, and simplify product development efforts due to shorter antenna lengths. The new modules add to the existing 315 MHz Dolphin portfolio and include a self-powered wireless switch module (PTM 210U), a solar powered wireless sensor module (STM 300U), as well as transceiver modules for controllers and gateways (TCM 300U and TCM 320U). Additional 902 MHz solutions, such as a switch transmitter module (PTM 330U) and a solar powered temperature sensor module (STM 330U), will follow. 

EnOcean has identified 902 MHz as the optimal additional, license-free frequency for energy harvesting wireless technology in the North American region, as it meets legal regulation requirements as well as forecasted trends over the coming years. Furthermore, the 902 MHz is in the less crowded sub 1 GHz frequency band which offers reliable, long range wireless communication for numerous batteryless wireless applications in building, home and industrial automation.

Enabling simple antenna design

An essential element of ultra-low power wireless communication is efficient use of energy. The 902 MHz transceiver achieves double the range of common 2.4 GHz devices for the same energy budget. Comparing new 902 MHz products to existing 315 MHz, simple wire antennas are utilized as well to conserve cost, while the shorter length of the new modules allows for integration into very small product enclosures. Interference from co-located devices such as light ballasts and LED drivers is significantly less impactful at 902 MHz. These contribute to enable an effective, robust wireless platform for applications in the building automation sector, for smart home solutions, health care products such as portable emergency buttons, as well as consumer appliances or machine-to-machine communication.

Easy design-in

The new module line retains the same mechanical and electrical interface as EnOcean’s 315 MHz modules, which continue in production. Existing manufacturers (OEMs) can switch to the 902 MHz modules with minimal development effort and without changes in product design. In the majority of cases, the only requirements are an antenna adaption and minor changes in the EnOcean software settings. New OEMs benefit from the high performance of the 902 MHz frequency band and an easy design-in process based on EnOcean’s unparalleled module offering and excellent development tools. The specification of the new modules is publicly available. For the application level, the EnOcean Alliance is providing the standardized EnOcean Equipment Profiles (EEPs) for interoperability of all EnOcean-based products.

The 902 MHz modules are based upon EnOcean’s Dolphin platform which enables self-powered wireless switches and sensors, as well as full wireless networks with receivers and transceivers for building, home and industrial automation. The PTM 210U is a miniaturized batteryless switch module which allows the realization of very slim wall mountable rocker switches or remote controls. Combined with the programmable bidirectional transceiver modules TCM 300U or TCM 320U , the PTM 210U can be integrated easily in operation and control units for the implementation of different application-specific system solutions. The bidirectional energy harvesting wireless sensor module STM 300U complements EnOcean’s 902 MHz suite. Powered by a solar cell, it is suitable for bidirectional temperature sensors, sensors in building services and innovative actuators.