Innovative
Technology
for a
Connected
World
900MHz Radio Module
AC4490
THE FASTEST WAY TO WIRELESS
Laird Technologies’ compact AC4490 900MHz radio modules replace miles of cable in
harsh industrial environments. Using field-proven FHSS technology that needs no
additional site licensing*, AC4490s reject interference, enable co-located system
operation, provide a full range of output power, and maintain data integrity.
The AC4490 features include drop-in installation and a number of on-the-fly control
commands, providing OEMs with a versatile interface for any application. They can be
used as direct cable replacements, requiring no special host software for communication.
All frequency hopping, synchronization, and RF system data transmission/reception is
performed by the module.
This radio module can achieve open field ranges in excess of 20 miles, has high
propogation in the 900 MHz band, and includes options for 1W power transmission
and a sensitive low noise amplifier in the receive chain.
AC4490 modules are socket-compatible with Laird Technologies’ 2.4GHz AC4424
modules, enabling OEMs to design once and subsequently interchange radios to
accommodate new markets, regulations, and environments. Developer tools and
comprehensive technical support are available to aid integration. Contact
Laird Technologies to help you find the best fit for your application.
FEATURES
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Lowest cost one-watt module available
“Long range” mode enables 20 miles
High 900MHz data rate: 32 kbps
Small form factor: 1.65 x 1.9 inches
Operates in –40ºC to +80ºC temp range
Variable output power: 5mW to 1000mW
Simple Configuration
MARKETS
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Recreation
Utility Management
Commercial Buildings
Fleet Telemetry
Field Surveillance
global
solutions:
local
support
USA: +1.800.492.2320
Europe: +44.1628.858.940
Asia: +852.2268.6567
wirelessinfo@lairdtech.com
www.lairdtech.com/wireless
TM
900MHz Radio Module
Innovative
Technology
for a
Connected
World
FLEXIBLE RF PROTOCOL
Laird Technologies’ embedded transparent protocol simplifies the OEM’s integration process by utilizing drop-in installation. As
each radio module receives raw data, it manages its over-the-air protocol to assure successful communication. Headers, data packet
length, and CRCs are not required. The RF232 supports simple cable-replacement to complex peer-to-peer configurations, broadcast
communication to all radio modules or address packets to a specific destination using unique MAC addresses embedded in
each radio module.
AC4490
SPECIFICATIONS
Parameter
Interface
Frequency (software selectable)
Modulation
Serial interface options
Serial interface data rate
Output power (w/ 3dBi antenna)
Current consumption††
Channels
Security
Voltage
Sensitivity
Range
Temperature
Humidity (non-condensing)
Dimensions
Weight
Antenna
RF PROTOCOL MODES
AC4490–200
20-pin mini connector
902-928 MHz (U.S)**
FHSS FSK
3V or 5V TTL
Up to 115.2 Kbps
5mW-200mW variable
68 mA typical
Up to 48 (U.S.)**
One-byte system ID, DES
3.3V-5.5V
-110 dB in
“long range” mode
Up to 4 miles (6.5 km)
-40º to +80ºC
10% to 90%
1.90 x 1.65 x 0.20”
(49 x 42 x 5 mm)
< 0.75 oz (< 21 g)
Integral or external dipole
AC4490–1000
20-pin mini connector
902-928 MHz (U.S)**
FHSS FSK
3V TTL
Up to 115.2 Kbps
5mW-1000mW variable
650 mA typical
Up to 32 (U.S.)**
One-byte system ID, DES
pin 10: 3.3V-5.5V
pin 11: 3.3V +/-3%
-110 dB in
“long range” mode
Up to 20 miles (32 km)
-40º to +80ºC
10% to 90%
1.90 x 1.65 x 0.20“
(49 x 42 x 5 mm)
< 0.75 oz (< 21 g)
External dipole
a) Communication
Unicast (one-to-one addressing)
Broadcast (one-to-multiple addressing)
b) Acknowledgement mode (ACK)
API with hardware and/or software
ACK indication
c) One-beacon mode
d) Dynamic radio data table:
Retains data from up to
12 radio modules
INTERFACE PROTOCOL
*The 900MHz frequency band is approved in the Americas and Australia as an unlicensed spectrum subject to
approval by device.
**For products and specifications suited to non-U.S. countries (e.g. Australia and Europe), please contact Laird
Technologies directly.
†Although AC4490 radios will not talk to AC4424 radios, socket-compatibility allows for interchanging the
modules network-wide.
††Current consumption assumes 50% transmitter on-time.
The details contained within the document are
subject to change. Download the product specification
from www.lairdtech.com/wireless for the most current
specification.
a) On-the-fly radio module configuration:
Destination address
RF transmit power
Co-located servers
RF channel
Broadcast/addressed
b) Raw data or transmit/receive API
c) 9-bit serial interface mode
d) Long range mode, enables
sensitivity control
e) Generic A/D, D/A generic I/Os
f) Variable baud rate
g) RF packet size, timeout control
h) Onboard temperature sensor
i) Handshaking, CTS/RTS,
full modem-mode available
j) In-range indicator
k) Error detection
Onboard CRC
Duplicate packet filtering
l) Data encryption standard (DES)
LWS-SPEC-AC4490 0109
Any information furnished by Laird Technologies and its agents is believed to be accurate and reliable. Responsibility for the use and application of Laird Technologies materials
rests with the end user since Laird Technologies and its agents cannot be aware of all potential uses. Laird Technologies makes no warranties as to the fitness, merchant-
ability, or suitability of any Laird Technologies materials or products for any specific or general uses. Laird Technologies shall not be liable for incidental or consequential
damages of any kind. All Laird Technologies products are sold pursuant to the Laird Technologies terms and conditions of sale in effect from time to time, a copy of which will
be furnished upon request. For further information please visit our website at www.lairdtech.com. Alternatively contact: wirelessinfo@lairdtech.com. Bluetooth
®
is a trademark
owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., USA and licensed to Laird Technologies.
© 2009 All Rights Reserved. Laird Technologies is a registered trademark of Laird Technologies, Inc..