lesswire presents solutions for integrating and controlling multiple wireless standards

The lesswire HWC Open Wireless Platform works as a universally configurable communications interface for devices from several manufacturers. Supported protocols include WLAN (IEEE 802.11 b and g), Bluetooth (2.1, 3.0), EDR Class 1+, Wireless M-Bus 868 MHz R/S/T and KNX-RF 868 MHz - the leading building automation standard. Additional USB and Ethernet ports simplify connectivity. HWC is our answer to demands for a universal wireless standard, explains Dr Ralph Meyfarth, Managing Director of lesswire AG.

Multiple wireless systems can be both necessary and appropriate, depending on the application. Where devices operate according to different standards, however, integration has been one of the biggest hurdles to date. This is where HWC comes in: our platform can support both complex industrial application scenarios and applications for use in home automation systems. Since it is an open system, external software developers can implement their own applications for HWC in C# in the mono/.NET4 framework.

Developers are provided with all of the key communication interfaces that they need. The HWC operates at temperatures between -10 °C and 55 °C, with a specialised version also able to handle demanding application environments ranging from -40 °C to 85 °C. Thanks to Internet protocols, the system offers browser-/app-based configuration. SDKs for developers will be available soon after Embedded World.

lesswire will be providing standalone OEM wireless modules for supporting embedded-only applications. Available in a choice of four models, the WiBear11n OEM module features a compact form factor of just 15 mm x 15 mm while supporting WLAN and Bluetooth coexistence. When choosing solutions to match its needs, the automotive sector focuses on achieving cost efficiency and maximum performance, explains lesswire Sales Director Andreas Beierer.

For industrial customers, the decisive factors are ruggedness, reliability and long-term availability. The module supports the leading wireless standards of IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n WLAN and IEEE 802.15.1 Class 2 Bluetooth, operates at temperatures ranging from -40 °C to 85 °C and comes equipped with an SDIO interface to customer systems. The module is superbly suited for integration into existing WLAN systems, states Beierer. It is reliable, highly versatile and comes packaged in a small form factor.

With support for the WM-Bus wireless protocol, the MBear module targets smart metering/smart building applications - such as intelligent electricity, gas and water meters, for example. Also featuring a compact 20 mm x 20 mm footprint, the module is fitted with a UART interface for serial communication and an external antenna port, and complies with the open European standard EN 13757-4 for communication between multiple devices. The MBear can make use of twelve channels in the 868 MHz frequency band. Hardware-based AES encryption and time-synchronised transmission technology guarantee the secure transfer of metering data.

After M2M communications, the future of innovative networking between wireless systems lies in Car-2-Car/Car-2-X applications, comments Meyfarth. We are already taking the first steps in this direction with our networked vehicle - via our Wi2U car hotspots and public hotspots, which enable Internet connectivity in cars and other forms of transport. lesswire AG is actively involved in developing the necessary standards and the full integration of wireless systems in the automotive industry's Car-2-Car Consortium.