MaxStream XBee Series 2

Wireless & IoT
1

I noticed today that MaxStream has announced their XBee Series 2 modules. In addition to or to eventually replace the current XBee. The original modules use FreeScale’s chip set and, as I recall, an 8051-like micro which has too little Flash. The Series 2 use a Ember/ST single chip NWK/MAC/PHY chip.

Likes:

Ember agressively supports ZigBee whereas Freescale was mired in IP disputes over Figure8’s ZigBee - and their competitor TI acquired Figure8.

Ember uses ST’s microprocessor core which is much more sophisticated.

ST (Europe as I recall) is a relatively robust company.

Dislikes:

Ember’s chip max transmit power is just 3dBm whereas the XBeePro was 60mW. This is a big deal, unless you have room for a high gain antenna. Atmel’s 802.15.4 chip is also low power. And their ZigBee seems to be unsupported code.

Ember is a very small startup that hopefully avoids financial woes.

The ST micro is not mainstream in the US.

Unknowns:

Price and availability. (The XBee modules are a really low cost, even at 1ea.)

2

I just wanted to clarify a couple things. The XBee Series 2 will not be replacing the existing XBee and XBee-PRO modules that are currently available. One of the goals here is to provide a variety of 802.15.4/ZigBee solutions in order to meet the different needs of the many markets that require this kind of technology.

An XBee-PRO Series 2 module is in the works and should feature additional range through a higher power output and receiver sensitivity.

We are currently undergoing FCC testing (a sometimes long and always expensive process), but you starting at the end of April you will be able to purchase development kits that include 5 XBee Series 2 modules and 5 development boards for $339.

Check back here for more information http://www.maxstream.net/products as it becomes available.

3

Thanks much for the info! Good news about a high power Series-2 product.

Is pricing for Series-2 substantially higher than the original XBee?