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RFID Radio Frequency Identification — RFID systems fall in to two major categories, passive and active. Passive RFID tags contain no power source and rely upon a magnetically induced energy from the reader for power. As a result, passive tags do not have the ability to communicate until a reader is within range, typically several feet or less. Passive RFID tags are a good choice for supply chain management of lost cost goods, but may prove inadequate for high value asset tracking applications where additional information and range have value. Active RFID tags are battery powered and have ranges of 30 feet or more and may use sensors that allow the tag to communicate alarms based upon some event, i.e. broadcast an alarm when a box has been dropped or opened. Panasonic’s tiny footprint in combination with power efficient designs make Panasonic RF modules good choices as active RFID tags. Panasonic broad line of part numbers will satisfy nearly all range and bandwidth requirements. |
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Security Systems — The core of all security systems is a network of sensors placed throughout a business or residence used to monitor specific events – door or window opening, water and motion detection. Adding a conventional wired security system to an existing structure can be both disruptive and expensive. Wireless modules replace conventional wired detectors with low power radios that may operate on a single coin cell for years. Long battery life is achieved by allowing the radios to sleep until needed. Radios require only minute amount of power when sleeping. Panasonic offers many module choices in the Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) spectrum to meet the special needs of secure proprietary networks. |
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Motor Control — Remote motor control may be implemented using pulse width modulation (PWM) found in Panasonic’s PAN4555 and PAN4561 series of RF modules. Motor monitoring may also be accomplished using the communication capabilities of these products. In a typical monitoring configuration, RF modules are connected to multiple axis angular rate sensors or gyros. These sensors are used to establish a vibration profile for a specific motor. The embedded microcontroller on the RF module periodically compares the current vibration profile against the established profile. When the deviation exceeds some predetermined limit the RF module will transmit an alarm. Panasonic’s SNAP series of RF modules contain both the hardware and firmware needed to control and monitor complex functions. |
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Home Automation — Home Automation applications controlling lights, pumps, sprinkler systems typically require low bandwidth, wireless products which are flexible, economical and carry worldwide agency approvals. Panasonic RF modules are available in both low cost, transceiver only devices – ideal when a microcontroller is already present in the application and transceiver / microcontroller devices that give the system designer full access to the power of the microcontroller’s command set. Panasonic’s experience as a worldwide leader in the manufacture of consumer goods allow it to offer some of the most cost competitive modules on the market. Many Panasonic modules are approved for use in both North America and Europe. Approvals for additional countries are available on request. |
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Asset Tracking — High value mobile asset tracking may be accomplished using a number of network protocols. Ideally those that have both communication and location capabilities. Combining GPS with other network protocols is one method. Another is a unique solution offered by Panasonic, known as Relative Position Awareness or RPA. RPA modules have extended range communication capabilities – thousands of feet – plus the added benefit of location awareness within the boundaries of the network. This solution works in locations where GPS signal is unavailable, such as underground or within buildings. See the datasheet on the PAN5375 RF module for more information. |
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Patient Monitoring — Wireless patient monitoring improves patient mobility and reduces risk of cable entanglements and electric shock. Many network protocols are used in the medical market today with little very interactivity amongst medical equipment manufacturers. The Continua Health Alliance is drafting a protocol for wireless patient monitoring and medical equipment communication. Panasonic is a founding member of the Continua Alliance and is one of the very few module manufacturers that will soon have hardware capable supporting the Continua Alliance protocol. Visit www.panasonic.com/rfmodules frequently to keep abreast of new product offerings. |
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Inventory Management — If the objective is to determine the presence or absence of products or goods inventory control may be inexpensively accomplished with passive RFID systems. Passive RFID tags contain no power source and rely upon a magnetically induced energy from the reader for power. The result is long life, although passive tags do not have the ability to communicate until a reader is within range, typically several feet or less. When inventory environment monitoring is needed wireless sensor networks monitor and report temperature, humidity, shock, smoke and more. Panasonic modules with integrated SNAP firmware allow engineers to quickly test different protocols – ISM, 802.15.4, Bluetooth -- and determine the best solution for a specific application. Panasonic offers nearly fifty different modules to build a wireless sensor network fine tuned to specific application requirements. |
