The iDwaRF-168 module combines a Cypress WirelessUSB-LR CYWUSB6935 radio transceiver with an Atmel ATmega168 microcontroller. Separate transmit and receive antennas are integrated into the PCB. An expansion connector provides a programming interface for the microcontroller and eight I/O pins.

The CYWUSB6935 radio transceiver uses the worldwide unlicensed 2.4-GHz ISM frequency band. It uses a robust DSSS transfer method with a data rate of 62.5 kbps and a 50-m range. The low standby power consumption of less than 1 µA is ideally suited for battery-powered wireless sensor networks.

The royalty-free iDwaRF-Net firmware supports the process of setting up wireless multipoint-to-point networks. The protocol aims at a reliable bidirectional communication between one hub and numerous sensors or actuators in multipoint networks. The full protocol (error detection and correction, automatic channel selection, etc.), which is encapsulated in convenient C functions, can be extended with user-defined functions. The iDwaRF-168 module can be set up as a hub, as well as a sensor or actuator module.

The iDwaRT-168 costs $35. The iDwaRF-StarterKit-S starter kit, which includes three 168 modules, two SensorBoxes, and a HubAdapter, costs $148.

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