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New Chips Enable 2.4 GHz Sensor Networks

Posted by michael on from the background-chatter dept.

mindless4210 writes "Oki announced today that the world's first fully compliant IEEE 802.15.4 and ZigBee chip has been developed. The technology promises to start a new generation of wireless sensor networks, utilizing the unlicensed 2.4 GHz spectrum. The new IC integrates the digital circuit-based MAC and PHY with the analog circuit-based RF onto a single chip. The company also developed a kit which enables fast production of sensor networks which could control air conditioning, lighting, fire alarm systems, and many other applications. The low power consumption of the chip enables multi-year operation with only dry-cell batteries."

6 of 104 comments (clear)

  1. Split by DiscordOfFive · · Score: 4, Insightful

    In one way I'm scared for how this could be used to trample privacy rights, or abused in myriad ways. On the other hand, the implications for my home media, climate control, and the like is certainly enticing....
    I guess it's just a matter of who makes it, and what it's made/marketed for....

    --


    Only the purest of souls seek enlightenment. Everyone else just wants power.
    1. Re:Split by NonSequor · · Score: 2, Insightful
      I'm afraid of how waffle irons might be used to invade my privacy.

      This technology is only useful for networking large numbers of simple devices.

      From the IEEE 802.15.4 page
      The IEEE 802.15 TG4 is chartered to investigate a low data rate solution with multi-month to multi-year battery life and very low complexity. It is intended to operate in an unlicensed, international frequency band. Potential applications are sensors, interactive toys, smart badges, remote controls, and home automation.


      Low data rate and low complexity mean that this is most likely a poor choice for bugs or other surveillance devices. The only potential application for it of any possible relation to privacy issues is smart badges, but this doesn't sound like it will provide much that RFID smart badges wouldn't be able to provide.
      --
      My only political goal is to see to it that no political party achieves its goals.
  2. Re:This is news for nerds? by Nasarius · · Score: 3, Insightful

    That's called Kuro5hin.

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    LOAD "SIG",8,1
  3. Alternate power sources? by Joe+Random · · Score: 2, Insightful

    The low power consumption of the chip enables multi-year operation with only dry-cell batteries.

    Would it be possible, I wonder, to have solar-powered sensors, or even sensors powered by storing vibrational energy (for use in, say, air ducts)? Of course, sensors placed in easily accessible locations probably wouldn't benefit too much from never needing battery replacements. However, I can think of a few applications where you'd want to have a sensor in locations that are not readily accessible for maintenance. Perhaps even inserting the sensors during construction of the building, in locations that will be completely unaccessible once construction us complete.

    Anyway, it's just a thought, and probably one that someone working on the project has already had.

  4. Great by ThePeices · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Just what we need, more usage of the 2.4GHz spectrum, as if its not used enough. We need more unlicenced spectrum set aside for the ever increasing amount of wireless devices. 2.4 is pretty much saturated in most populated areas.

  5. Re:Subdermal anyone? by Homology · · Score: 2, Insightful
    Just me or does this seem like the perfect chip for a subdermal implant. Seriosly, stick one of these babys next to a pacemaker and you can control your heartrate via the TCP/IP...

    Seriously, you would never do that. A pace maker uses advanced technology (inluding the surgery) to make it simple and reliable, to just work as long as possible, What is at stake is the lifespan and medical health of the patient. A TCP/IP is not part of that.