Toumaz Launches World's Low-Power Transceiver SoC Chip

Ultra-low power RF radio developer Toumaz Limited has launched a new ultra-low energy wireless radio system-on-a-chip (SoC) for two-way communications. Called TELRAN, Toumaz said that it has already received its first orders for the product and will commence shipment in February. Meanwhile, the maker is in the process of inking an agreement with a worldwide distributor. However, no details were provided by the company. 

Built on Toumaz’s proprietary AMx low-voltage, mixed analog and digital signal technology, TELRAN is the lowest power sub-1 GHz complete radio currently available and addresses the wider low-energy wireless communications market, delivering much longer life from low-voltage, battery-based systems without compromising on performance, said the manufacturer. 

According to Toumaz, the device is simple to use and does not need specialist programming tools, substantially reducing the cost of system development. Target (News - Alert) applications include the development of two-way communication remote controls for consumer electronic devices; wireless sensor networks based on TELRAN sensor nodes and base stations, environment monitoring and room temperature control; remote control toys and games; and smart metering using TELRAN wireless sensor networks to connect multiple meters for the two-way transmission of data.

In a statement, Chris Toumazou, Toumaz chief executive, said, “With this important addition to our ‘Connected Consumer’ portfolio, we are harnessing our strengths in ultra-low energy wireless healthcare to create solutions for high-volume consumer markets with the world’s lowest power radio.” He added, “We are excited by the product opportunities that TELRAN enables, as it is well placed to take advantage of the huge growth in wireless devices beyond the mobile phone and healthcare space.”

According to a report in EE Times, the Toumaz radio has a range of 10 to 100 meters and operates in four, license free sub 1 GHz ISM bands. Operating down to 1 V, the SoC consumes less than 3 mW in continuous mode. It also allows sensors and other functions to be operated from 1.2 V button cell. The maker claims that the receive current is nearly five times better than competing low power Bluetooth and ZigBee, writes EE Times.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications & technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO East 2011, taking place Feb 2-4, 2011, in Miami. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. To register, click here.