Intelligent Distributed Controls (IDC) has extended its range of Zigbee wireless-communication products with the introduction of the ZB111 Wireless Switch Interface. Designed to mount directly onto standard push buttons and pull switch enclosures in place of the normal cable-gland entry, the unit will accommodate up to 16 inputs. The ZB111 requires just two AA internal batteries and is designed to act as a wireless end node in Zigbee wireless networks.
These operate at 2.4GHz on a licence-free IEEE 802.15.4 international standard, providing secure and robust two-way communications up to 100m, with network extension via routing over multiple nodes for longer distances. Typical applications for the ZB 111 include push-button stations, pull-cord operation for Andon call and progress monitoring in manufacturing operations, level monitoring in bunkers and tanks, traffic-light control and mobile-plant interlocking.
The ZB range of modules includes Ethernet and serial gateways, routers, micro-controller and handheld devices, providing a comprehensive single source for complete wireless solutions. These range from simple cable elimination to large-scale, site-wide telemetry systems in a distributed control-system architecture.
All of the modules offer a 64-bit MAC identifier, embedded intelligence, battery management and extremely low power consumption. To support the development and integration of the product range, IDC has also developed client-server applications, which include the ZBServer for web-services integration, over-the-air programming, data logging and OPC connectivity for Scada integration.
