Originally Published MPMN October
2004
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Company Builds Bridge to Wireless Connectivity for OEMsEmbedded bridge module is designed for easy integration
Norbert Sparrow
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| An embedded bridge module developed by DPAC Technologies simplifies adding wireless connectivity to products with a built-in serial interface. |
The first in a family of embedded bridge modules designed to provide drop-in
wireless connectivity for OEM applications includes an RS-232 interface and
manufacturer-specific command set. DPAC Technologies (Garden Grove, CA)
designed the device to reduce the time and effort involved in adding 802.11
connectivity to products with a built-in serial interface. The medical device
sector is one of the firm’s core markets.
Built on the company’s small-form-factor Airborne Wireless LAN Node Module,
the Airborne Serial Bridge Module supports multiple industry-standard serial
interface protocols and is fully IEEE 802.11b compliant. Baud rates from 300
to 921.4 Kb/sec can be accommodated, and the device can operate in full- or
half-duplex mode. A key design element, notes director of wireless applications
Mike Grobler, is its easy integration.
“Programming and configuration couldn’t be simpler,” says Grobler.
A built-in Web server provides full configuration using a standard browser.
In addition, an onboard communication processor includes a full TCP/IP protocol
stack, eliminating the need to set up network software in the host system. “There
is no need to develop a driver or firmware, or to wrestle with radio-frequency
engineering,” notes Grobler. The use of standard components also benefits
customers, adds director of engineering Vince Cuomo.
“Many competing solutions use proprietary technology,” says Cuomo.
“We use a standard 802.11b protocol, widely deployed proven hardware and
connectors, and a Web browser interface. All of the firmware is in standards-based
code. In other words, you won’t be stuck with a DPAC product now or in
the future,” he says.
To further simplify the OEM design process, the company offers a reference design
kit. The kit provides all of the hardware, software, and documentation needed
to quickly implement a serial-to-wireless interface with an OEM product. A Windows-based
virtual communications port driver is included to enable rapid conversion of
existing serial-port application software.
“Many companies won’t give the time of day to OEMs who don’t
have huge production quantities,” says Grobler. Not so at DPAC, he stresses.
“We typically work with customers that make a few hundred to 10,000 products
a year. Our goal is to make wireless connectivity available to companies that
don’t always have access to the technology.”
DPAC Technologies
7321 Lincoln Wy.
Garden Grove, CA 92841
714/898-0007 (P)
714/897-1772 (F)
[email protected]
www.dpactech.com
Copyright ©2004
Medical Product Manufacturing News
