WAVECOM: new developments in the wireless communication market

WAVECOM SA, the world leader in the development and manufacture of wireless GSM / GPRS / CDMA modules in early 2004, announced new advanced developments that are unparalleled in the wireless communications market.

WAVECOM SA is a dynamically developing company. Its main business line is industrial wireless data transmission devices in the GSM / GPRS / CDMA standards. The activity of WAVECOM is focused primarily on scientific and technical research and development of new models. The company's main research centers are located in France, China and the US, and production is concentrated in Europe and Asia. The company's shares are quoted on NASDAQ and Nouveau Marche exchanges. Revenues of the market for sales of industrial GSM / GPRS / CDMA modems in 2003 amounted to 130 million euros with a growth of 33% compared to 98 million euros in 2002. In 2004, WAVECOM significantly expanded the range of solutions offered, which will allow it even more To strengthen the leading positions in the market.

Today GSM / GPRS / CDMA-modules WAVECOM are successfully used in ATMs and POS-terminals, in remote control systems of vehicles, in vending machines, at filling stations, in the production of mobile phones and handheld computers, in measuring, security and navigation systems, in telemedicine , Automotive electronics and other applications.

In the current year, WAVECOM has developed and started the production of new innovative wireless devices. One of such devices is the combined GSM / GPRS / GPS module WISMO Quik Q2501, oriented to application in the automotive industry. WISMO Quik Q2501 - a unique device that combines the ability to transfer voice and data in GSM / GPRS mode and GPS functionality in one miniature module. The WISMO Quik Q2501 model with dimensions of only 58 x 32 x 6 mm and weighing less than 15 g does not currently have world analogues. The extended operating temperature range -35 ... + 85 ° C allows the use of Q2501 modems in adverse industrial conditions.

WISMO Quik Q2501 is a two-channel GSM / GPRS module (E-GSM / GPRS-900/1800 MHz), compatible with the ETSI GSM Phase 2+ standard (GSM / GPRS, class 10) with 32 Mbit Flash memory and 4 Mbit SRAM. The built-in 16-channel NMEA-0183 GPS receiver provides high positioning accuracy. Flexible modes of operation allow using GSM / GPRS- and GPS-functions both independently of each other, and together. Offline mode provides direct access to GPS data regardless of the possibility of connecting to the GSM network; The GSM Master mode connects GPS data with GSM. The module is controlled by a set of 550 AT commands, to control the GPS receiver, WAVECOM has developed a special set of AT commands.

The new development contains a built-in TCP / IP stack, which allows you to establish connections such as TCP / IP, POP3 and SMTP without using an additional hardware and software system. The module implements the ability to embed additional user applications in the flash-memory module.

The following conclusions are combined on the 80-pin connector of the Q2501 series modules: power supply, SIM card, parallel (8-bit) audio, keyboard (5 lines / 5 columns), 2 SPI-buses, GPIO interface (6 GPIO / 4 GPO / 1 GPI), ADC / DAC, 1 LED, 2 RS-232 (GSM / GPRS), 2 RS-232 (GPS), navigation numbering, sync. Appearance of WISMO Quik 2501 is shown in Fig. 1.

Appearance of the module WISMO Quik 2501Appearance of the module WISMO Quik 2501
Fig. 1. Appearance of the WISMO Quik 2501 module

Main technical characteristics of the WISMO Quik Q2501 module

GSM Features:

  • Dual-band embedded GSM-modem (E-GSM-900/1800 MHz or E-GSM-900/1900 MHz);
  • Full compatibility with the ETSI GSM 2+ standard;
  • Class 4 (2 W @ 900 MHz);
  • Class 1 (1 W @ 1800/1900 MHz);
  • Power parameters:
    - Current consumption in communication mode - 260 mA (GSM-900);
    - Current consumption in communication mode - 100 mA (GSM-1800/1900);
    - Current consumption in standby mode - 3.5 mA;
  • Built-in temperature sensor (controlled by AT-commands);
  • Voice communication (GSM mode), GSM data transmission / fax, SMS, EMS;
  • Telephone communication, emergency calls;
  • Operating modes FR, EFR, HR;
  • Echo cancellation and noise reduction;
  • Full duplex Hands Free mode;
  • GPRS-transmission of data (class 10);
  • Support for PBCCH;
  • Coding schemes: CS1-CS4;
  • Additional GSM features:
    - call forwarding;
    - Call blocking;
    - multilateral communication;
    - waiting and holding a call;
    - call identification;
    - USSD.

GPS Features:

  • Receiver: 16 channels, L1 frequency, C / A-encoding;
  • Positioning accuracy - 3 m;
  • Start time:
    - hot start - 3,5 s;
    - warm start - 33 s;
    - cold start - 41,5 s;
  • Synchronization period <1 s;
  • Protocols:
    - NMEA-0183 Input / Output;
    - UBX;
    - RTCM;
    - Built-in active GPS antenna (3 or 5 V).

WISMO Quik Q2501 module connectors:

  • 2 separate antenna coaxial connectors for GSM / GPRS and GPS or one universal;
  • Connector for supply voltage supply 3.6 V;
  • 80-pin connector, on which are displayed GSM and GPS-interfaces.

GSM-interface:

- interface for SIM-card;
- connectors for connection of 2 microphones / 2 speakers;
- 2 SPI-buses;
- 10 inputs for connecting the keyboard 5 lines x 5 columns;
- 1 output for buzzer;
- 1 LED;
- ADC / DAC;
- general inputs / outputs (6 - inputs / outputs, 4 - inputs, 1 - output);
- 2 RS-232 interfaces (transmission speed up to 115 kbit / s).

GPS-interface:

- 2 RS-232 interfaces (transmission speed up to 115 kbit / s);
- navigation numbering of the path;
- Sync pulse.

The WISMO Quik Q2501 module is a fully optimized platform suitable for use in telemetry systems, vehicle tracking systems, vehicle monitoring systems, security systems, security systems and many others.

A new development, announced by WAVECOM in 2004, was also the Q2400 module, complementing the WISMO Quik family (Figure 2). The WISMO Quik Q2400 module is designed for use in simple applications that do not require the transfer of large amounts of data, and for use in Wireless Local Loop (WLL) wireless access systems. The Wireless Local Loop system is a terrestrial radio communication system that implements fixed or limited-mobile wireless access of subscribers to the public switched telephone network switch.

Appearance of the WISMO Quik Q2400 moduleAppearance of the WISMO Quik Q2400 module
Fig. 2. Appearance of the WISMO Quik Q2400 module

Many countries are dissatisfied with the demand for telephone services. Russia as a whole has an underdeveloped telecommunications structure: there are only 19 subscriber lines per 100 inhabitants. For comparison, in America this number is several times larger. Therefore, more and more often wireless technologies are used to provide new subscribers with high-quality telephone services at reasonable prices, especially in regions where wired telephone infrastructure is overloaded, outdated or does not exist. Wireless Local Loop phones allow landline operators to expand their networks, and cellular operators to provide services that meet the needs of subscribers.

WISMO Quik Q2400 is a dual-channel GSM module (E-GSM-900/1800 MHz), which is ideal for WLL applications, as well as for simple point-to-point applications. Developed by WAVECOM on the basis of a reliable GSM protocol stack, the Q2400 module guarantees trouble-free operation in GSM networks.

Dimensions of the module 58.4 x 32.2 mm allow it to be built into small devices. The module supports functions such as battery power, calendar and real-time clock, echo cancellation and noise reduction, color display, full stack of GSM protocols. The 60-pin connector of the Q2400 series modules combines the following conclusions: power supply, SIM card, serial interface, audio, keyboard, LCD.

To simplify the development process, WAVECOM offers a unique Reference Design Package, which includes a Q2400 module, a complete set of recommendations for hardware development and a description of software features. With the help of the open reprogrammable OpenAT platform, users are able to create flexible, cost-effective solutions for specific tasks and integrate them into the Flash memory of the module. The WISMO Quik Q2400 module is an economical and reliable solution for Russian consumers.

Modems WAVECOM are produced not only in the form of modules, but also in the form of complete ready-to-use products in the case. This is already familiar to Russian developers of the model series Integra, Fastrack. The Fastrack line models are Plug & Play devices. Fastrack modems developed on the basis of WISMO Quick module are equipped with LED indicator, antenna switch, RS-232 driver, power supply with advanced capabilities, which allows you to connect the modem directly to the COM port of the personal computer. Modems of the Fastrack series for more than 5 years now demonstrate stable and reliable operation in wireless networks all over the world.

In place of popular models Fastrack M12XX WAVECOM proposed a new miniature model Fastrack M1306B. (Figure 3) The dimensions of the terminal are only 73 x 54 x 25 mm, which is 25 mm smaller than the models of the previous generation. The weight of the device is 82 g. The modem is housed in an airtight, shock-resistant metal casing, which allows it to be used in harsh industrial conditions. In addition to the new form, new features are added to the device. The M1306B Fastrack is equipped with 2 general purpose inputs / outputs that can be multiplexed with an I2C bus for connecting external devices. Also in the modem is implemented the property of automatic power off by signaling to the serial port. This feature makes it possible to program the energy conservation mode, which is especially important for solutions that use an external battery.

Appearance of the module Fastrack M1306B
Fig. 3. Appearance of the module Fastrack M1306B

Fastrack M1306B is a dual-band device (E-GSM 900/1800 MHz) supporting GPRS class 10. The modem is equipped with a built-in TCP / IP protocol stack. Also in the model, the OpenAT support function is implemented, which allows the user to embed additional applications into the flash memory of the module.

The Fastrack M1306B has been successfully tested within the standards of such organizations as: Radio and Telecommunication Terminal Equipment (R & TTE), Global Certification Forum-Certification Criteria (GCF-CC), EMC.

Main technical characteristics Fastrack M1306B:

  • Dual-band GSM-modem (E-GSM-900/1800 MHz or E-GSM-900/1900 MHz);
  • Full compatibility with the ETSI GSM 2+ standard (Normal MS);
  • Class 4 (2 W @ 900 MHz);
  • Class 1 (1 W @ 1800/1900 MHz);
  • Power parameters:
    - Current consumption in communication mode - 140 mA (GSM-900);
    - Current consumption in communication mode - 100 mA (GSM-1800/1900);
    - Current consumption in standby mode - 5 mA;
  • Voice communication (GSM mode):
    - telephone communications;
    - emergency calls;
    - modes of data compression FR, EFR, HR;
    - DTMF code set;
  • GSM data transmission / fax:
    - Transmission speed up to 14 400 bit / s;
    - support for the standard MNP2, V42.bis;
    - fax (class 1, class 2);
    - text and protocol PDU;
    - MT / MO communication;
  • Additional GSM features:
    - call forwarding;
    - Call blocking;
    - multilateral communication;
    - waiting and holding a call;
    - call identification;
    - USSD;
    - the closed list of users;
    - Direct call forwarding;
  • Other features:
    - Open reprogrammable platform OpenAT;
    - service of phone book ME + SIM;
    - fixed numbers;
    - SIM-card with the possibility of blocking on one provider of communication services;
    - Real-time clock (RTC);
    - alarm clock;
    - the ability to update the program through the Xmodem protocol;
    - a set of UC32 characters;
  • Interfaces:
    - SIM interface (3V or 5V SIM)
    - RS-232 and audio through the 15-pin mini sub-D connector, which supports: auto power off by signaling to the serial port; Speed ​​from 300 to 115200 baud; Automatic speed detection;
    - 2 GPIO / I2C plus the power supply, connected with the micro-FIT connector (4 contacts);
    - Antenna connector SMA.

Fastrack modems have a wide range of applications: from security systems and telemedicine to telemetry systems. The new compact modem Fastrack M1306B is ideal for fast integration into applications of this kind.

Conclusion

Modems WAVECOM have proven to be reliable, trouble-free devices for wireless data transmission in GSM / GPRS / CDMA-modes. Such success, of course, is provided by the advanced rates of development of scientific and technical developments of the company WAVECOM. More information about WAVECOM products can be found at http://www.wavecom.com.