The ZigBit Module Evaluation kit containing the ZigBit Extension board for the Atmel Xplained PRO HW Evaluation platform can be used to develop FW using the Atmel Studio and evaluate using the Wireless Composer. Compared to a custom RF/MCU solution, a module-based solution offers considerable savings in development time and NRE cost per unit during the HW/FW design, prototyping, and mass production phases of product development. Moreover, the modules is fixed with an EMI shield to ensure compliance to emission and immunity rules. This shield is galvanic and not air tight. Humidity protection coating (conformal) will cause deviated RF behavior and coating material being trapped inside EMI Shield. So this should be avoided. For products requiring conformal coating, it is advised to suitably mask the ZigBit before applying the coating to rest of the ZigBit carrier board. To protect ZigBit from humidity, the housing of the product should ensure suitable Ingress Protection standards are complied with.
The module is designed for wireless sensing, monitoring, control, data acquisition applications. This may also be integrated for use in HVAC monitoring and control, security system,water metering and industrial applications. This ZigBit module eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming RF development, and shortens time-to-market for wireless applications. The module has an MS-147 RF connector that can be used as an RF test port. The built-in chip antenna is designed and tuned for the ZigBit design to enable quick integration of the ZigBit into any application.
