SIMCom’s SIM20 is the company’s latest development in short-range communications, offering fast setup time and low software cost.

There are three frequency bands to choose from, each with four separate channels. Each of these channels is split into 255 individual networks and in each network the user can connect up to 255 standalone transceivers. The SIM20 not only transmits and receives data on its unique network but can also act as a repeater in that network. This allows users to increase the range of their short-range network to as far as 5 to 10 km radius. Each unit within a network can communicate directly to an individual unit in the specified network, or to all units within that network.

With the high demand for in-field manipulation, the user can remotely configure individuals or all units from any one of the modules within the network without having to physically unplug each unit and reinitialise it, reducing network change time for a single network with 255 transceivers down to a matter of a few minutes. Applications for the module include short range asset tracking, multipoint data capture to GSM/GPRS interface, wireless security links, wireless sensors and AMR.

The SIM20 offers a small SMD package with low sleep current. Wake-on-UART or inbuilt timer functionality make the module suitable for many battery-powered applications.

For more information contact Barry Culligan, Otto Marketing, +27 (0)11 791 1033, contact@otto.co.za, www.otto.co.za