Adaptive Modules

The ZigBit Evaluation Kit (ZEK) provides all the hardware and software tools you need to assess range performance and power consumption of the ZigBit module in required environment and evaluate a possibility of building a module-based wireless solution to your needs.

The ZigBit Evaluation Kit gives you an opportunity to explore the advantages of the ZigBee technology at a low cost and with maximum efficiency.

With this Evaluation Kit you can:

• Evaluate the ZigBit IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee module's performance and power consumption
• Test communication range between modules with the kit's Range Measurement Tool (other vendor modules' rf performance testing support is availalbe upon request)
• Evaluate basic eZeeNet embedded software functionalities
• Test data transmission over AT-commands
• View network topology with WSN Monitor application
• Run free 45 day evaluation of the ZigBit Development Kit software with limited programming support. Once you have finished your evaluation you can upgrade the Evaluation Kit to a fully functional ZigBee development tool - ZigBit Development Kit - via acquiring ZigBit development software license.

The ZigBit Evaluation Kit Content:

• 3 x MeshBean evaluation sensor boards with battery holders
• 3 x ZigBit OEM modules mounted on MeshBean boards
• 3 x AC power adaptors with cords
• 3 x USB cables
• 2 x serial cables
• 1 x software & documentation CD

MeshBean Evaluation Sensor Board

The MeshBean evaluation boards with sensors making part of the ZEK hardware set serve for the evaluation of the ZigBit module’s performance. The ZigBit module with the embedded eZeeNet software enables the board’s wireless connectivity and makes it function as a node in the ZigBee network. The board can be configured to operate as a network coordinator or a router either by DIP-switch settings or via AT-commands.

At the heart of the board is the ultra-compact (13.5 x 18.8 mm), low-power, high-sensitivity ZigBit module, based on the Atmel 802.15.4 hardware platform. Operating on two AA batteries, the versatile module-based evaluation board comes preset with 2 frequently used sensors - temperature and illumination. The board features PCB antenna, three Status LEDs, power on/off button and two programmable buttons. An interface to connect external sensors is provided with the kit, along with a mechanical module sample.

The MeshBean Evaluation Board:

• Features ZigBit OEM module with PCB-printed antenna
• Supports standard extension connectors
• Includes temperature, light sensors and other peripheral

eZeeNet: A Robust IEEE802.15.4/ZigBee Software Stack

MeshNetics’ eZeeNet networking stack contains 802.15.4 MAC and ZigBee Network layers with a simplified programming interface. A sample application monitors temperature and illumination. Supporting Tree and Mesh network options, eZeeNet is tailored for easy-to-use networking in sensing, control, applications and allows network management, network formation control, addition/deletion of network nodes, channel selection, data exchange, and network-wide power management.

SerialNet: Serial AT Commands for Easy Application Development

• Layered on top of eZeeNet IEEE802.15.4/ZigBee software
• Allows configuring the board through AT-commands over UART
• No need to program the MCU directly
• Easy evaluation of eZeeNet stack functionality via AT-commands
• Available as a firmware image

WSN Monitor: Software for Sensor Networks Visualization

MeshNetics’ Wireless Sensor Network Monitor is a powerful application, which enables users to easily monitor wireless sensor networks. The WSN Monitor automatically generates network topology diagrams as network nodes are discovered and added to the system.

These nodes are then regularly monitored, with any sensor data received automatically displayed in charts and tables on a PC screen. MeshNetics WSN Monitor features an XML-based framework for rapid customization of user interfaces and measured sensor parameters. The sample application included in the kit demonstrates a building monitoring application featuring real-time capture and display of temperature and light levels read from remote sensors.

WSN Monitor:

• Visualizes typical data acquisition scenario
• Allows easy evaluation of range and network performance,
• Supports visualization of network topologies
• Allows remote network configuration from your pc
• The embedded WSN controller is available as a firmware image

ZigBit Evaluation Kit: Benefits

• Fast and easy evaluation of ZigBit mesh-networking module
• Rapid network set-up and testing
• Reduced development costs
• Faster time-to-market
• Out-of-the-box data acquisition solution
• Single source of support for HW and SW
• AT commands
• Extended interfaces (USB, UART, I2C, 4-channel ADC, USART/SPI)