MeshNetics ZigBit Modules Based on Atmel’s Chipset Achieve ZigBee 2006 Certification

San Jose, CA, March 27, 2007 - MeshNetics, an award-winning ZigBee technology provider, today announced that it has successfully obtained ZigBee 2006 certification for its family of ZigBit 802.15.4/ZigBee OEM modules that are based on a chipset from Atmel® Corporation (Nasdaq: ATML). MeshNetics’ ZigBeeNet becomes the first ZigBee-certified stack for the Atmel AVR® Z-Link® hardware platform, consisting of an ATmega1281 AVR Flash microcontroller and an AT86RF230 RF transceiver. The robust testing process performed by a ZigBee qualified testing lab, ensures the interoperability with other ZigBee compliant products.

ZigBee modules help OEMs bring ZigBee 2006-compliant products to market faster by eliminating costly and time-consuming RF development. Areas of application include building automation, HVAC, automated meter reading, predictive maintenance, transportation, and asset tracking. The MeshNetics ZigBit modules feature best-in-class sensitivity, long range and low power consumption while occupying less than a half square inch of space. The ZigBit modules are the first to utilize Atmel’s new AT86RF230 radio. Thanks to its 104 dBm performance, its range is almost 3 times that of its competitors.

“Achieving ZigBee certification comes as an important milestone to MeshNetics, as we are seeing an increased adoption of ZigBee technology in the market and interoperability becoming a pivotal factor,” said Mr. Vasiliy Suvorov, CEO of MeshNetics. “Now we are able to offer OEMs not only a combination of best-of-breed hardware and software, but also a guarantee of the future interoperability of their products. We worked on this certification in partnership with Atmel, a world leader in advanced semiconductors, and we look forward to continuing to serve the rapidly growing ZigBee market together.”

“The ZigBee-certified platform represents an important building block in the fast developing ZigBee market,” said Magnus Pedersen, Atmel’s Director of Product Marketing AVR RF. “With the ZigBee certification process in place, we are pleased to see MeshNetics being the first company to qualify on the AVR Z-Link platform.”

Availability
MeshNetics’ ZigBit modules are available with two antenna options: dual-chip antenna and balanced RF output for use with PCB antenna. All ZigBit modules come bundled with networking stack firmware that enables the module-based wireless sensor devices to form self-healing, self-organizing mesh networks. Using MeshNetics firmware, developers can fully manage ZigBee networks via either C API or a set of AT-commands. ZigBit evaluation kits and development kits present easy-to-use tools for the module testing and application development, and include evaluation boards, software, accessories, documentation and technical support over e-mail.

MeshNetics will offer hands-on training sessions using the ZigBee 2006 certified platform during the ZigBee Developers’ Conference in San Jose, CA on April 3 - 5, 2007. For more information please see www.meshnetics.com.

 
About Atmel
Atmel is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of microcontrollers, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and radio frequency (RF) components.  Leveraging one of the industry’s broadest intellectual property (IP) technology portfolios, Atmel is able to provide the electronics industry with complete system solutions.  Focused on consumer, industrial, security, communications, computing and automotive markets, Atmel ICs can be found Everywhere You Are®. For more information, please visit www.atmel.com.
 
© 2007 Atmel Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Atmel®, logo and combinations thereof, Everywhere You Are®,  AVR®, Z-Link® and others, are registered trademarks, or trademarks of Atmel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other terms and product names may be trademarks of others.
 
ZigBee: Wireless Control That Simply Works
The ZigBee Alliance is an association of companies working together to enable reliable, cost effective, low-power, wirelessly networked, monitoring and control products based on an open global standard. The ZigBee Alliance membership comprises technology providers and original equipment manufacturers worldwide. Membership is open to all.
Additional information can be found at www.zigbee.org.
About MeshNetics
MeshNetics is an award-winning technology provider specializing in 802.15.4/ZigBee short-range wireless sensing and control. MeshNetics helps its partners and customers to accelerate time to market by developing M2M solutions for building automation, HVAC, automated meter reading, predictive maintenance, transportation, asset tracking, and more. MeshNetics has developed a comprehensive portfolio of products and services that includes the ZigBit 802.15.4/ZigBee OEM module, networking stack software; evaluation and development kits; SensiLink middleware; and customization services. MeshNetics bases its long-term strategy on open standards, and is a member of the ZigBee Alliance and OPC Foundation. For more information, please visit www.meshnetics.com.