May 18 2010
Leading distributed wireless technology vendor Libelium has recently released a Bluetooth module for its wireless sensor network (WSN) platform known as Waspmote.
Libelium Waspmote
The module facilitates WSNs to be connected to portable devices like laptop computers, smartphones and PDAs directly. This feature is ideal for industrial diagnostics and medical applications. In conjunction with Meshlium multi-protocol router, it can support the installation of Bluetooth- and Zigbee-enabled WSNs.
This module is able to expand the Waspmote platform through a new radio communication option. The modular platform enables usage of a broad portfolio of modules for sensors and wireless communications. The users of WSNs will be able to select between a portfolio of ZigBee modules and a Bluetooth module which cover the principal frequency bands of 2.4 GHz, 900 MHz and 868 MHz.
This new module leverages the platform’s key features like power management. The platform’s internal microprocessor switches the radio module on or off at the required intervals for minimizing the consumption of energy. Sensor data frames can be transmitted to those smart phones supporting the Serial Port Profile by this module. Security mode can be implemented through the PIN validation which is configurable like a “Network Key”. It thereby facilitates management of a Trusted Nodes list for the creation of secured networks.
Users of Waspnote can build hybrid networks through ZigBee and Bluetooth subnetworks by utilizing the Meshlium multi protocol router of Libelium for bridging the subnetworks. There could be interference when ZigBee and Bluetooth use the same 2.5 GHz radio band for industrial, scientific and medical (ISM). To counter this problem Waspnote empowers ZigBee and Bluetooth to function in the same environment through the use of adaptive frequency hopping (AFH) that helps Bluetooth enabled radio in the dynamic identification of channels presently being used so as to avoid them.
Users have the ability to change a gadget between Bluetooth and Zigbee for flexibility since every model utilizes the same socket type for supporting the Bluetooth module. This platform incorporates an open source programming environment and API. For supporting the Bluetooth module new libraries are now made available.
Libelium will show case its achievements, namely the Meshlium and Waspmote products, at the 17th International Fair for Sensorics, Measuring and Testing Technologies (Sensor+Test) in Nuremberg, Germany during 18-20 May, 2010.
The company will also demonstrate the wireless sensor network (WSN) every day at the show. David Gascón, CTO of Libelium, will be making a presentation on the sensor gadget platform for installing WSNs.
According to Gascón this module will be ideal for medical applications that need biometric sensors’ integration and have to transmit sensor data to Bluetooth enabled industrial systems. He clarified that current Bluetooth enabled infrastructure users can now extend the same to incorporate Waspmote and its sensors range.
Source: http://www.libelium.com