Atmel has introduced the new AT86RF233 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4 radio transceiver that supports distance measurement between two radios, also known as ranging. This technology uses the measurement of phase differences between radio signals and enables items to be tracked within a wireless network for industrial and consumer applications. Phase measurement is a less complex technology than current distance measurement technologies available on the market today, with similar measurement accuracy and lower overall system cost.

 

Many of today’s applications for wireless networks come with the inherent need to determine the location of the individual nodes within a network to keep installation and maintenance costs low. The capability to determine the distance between any two nodes within a wireless sensor network is the reason for implementing positioning and localization solutions. While GPS is very successful outdoor, it cannot support indoor applications efficiently.