FAQ - Overview

The Buy Online button is not working. How do I buy your product?
Our apologies.  The Buy Online button will be removed shortly.  Artaflex has partnered with distribution partners for our customers to source product from.  Please see the "How do I buy Artaflex Modules?" question. 

When can I buy Artaflex Wireless Modules?
Artaflex AWP24S, AWS24S, AWP24U, and AWA24S modules are currently available for sale while an AWAC24U power amplified USB Dongle design is complete with samples available as of November 2007.

How do I buy Artaflex Wireless Modules?

Artaflex has signed a distribution agreement with Digikey.  Artaflex Modules have become available through Digikey www.digikey.com as of November 2007.  Digikey has availability on some modules currently with stocking packages to be completed by mid December 2007.  In Europe, Artaflex has also partnered with MSC/GE in Germany. www.msc-ge.com

Can modules be used for point-to-point or multipoint-to-point connectivity? Is there some software available that can help me complete my design faster?

Artaflex Wireless Modules are capable of 1 to 1, many to 1, or even mesh networking schemes.  Generally the customer designs the network firware that will control the Artaflex transceiver modules.  In order to speed customer design time Artaflex has sample development code in C language that the customer can use as a base for their design.  The sample code covers basic communication between the various Artaflex modules.  Requests for the sample development code can me made from the SUPPORT link http://www.artaflexmodules.com/support.html.  In order for sample code to be delivered, contact,  project, and application information will need to be provided by the customer.

The AWP24S module is also supported in the Cypress PSoC Express development tool. Please see the following link http://www.cypress.com/express/. 

 In the case of the USB Dongle (AWP24U) a USB driver is installed along with Artaflex designed "communication link" code that translates communications between the USB device side and the SPI based module side.   The Dongle also comes preprogrammed with a demonstration file that enables a customer who wants to evaluate the Dongles to text chat to each other using a wireless Dongle to Dongle link.  A second file is now complete that will allow the customer more indepth control of wireless performance by changing power levels and adapting frequency channels.  This file will be available for download from the website shortly.    

What kind of distances can I expect to achieve with the Artaflex modules?

This is a good question to ask and is a little bit difficult to answer because wireless performance depends upon the environment in which it is used.  As a general rule, here are the distances for each module when used outdoor in line of site:

AWP24S -  50m

 AWS24S - 50m 

 AWP24U - 50m 

 AWA24S - up to 1Km 

AWAC24U - up to 1Km 

How do I know if the Artaflex product will work in my application environment? Can I evaluate the modules somehow?

Understanding if a wireless system will function adequately in a given environment is difficult.  To make it easier Artaflex has developed evaluation kits by combining Cypress demonstration boards with Artaflex modules, adapter boards and downloadable programmable hex files.  See our website at   http://www.artaflexmodules.com/support.html?cat_id=3.

Using this tool customers can transmit packets back and forth between two development boards using Artaflex modules for a quick evaluation in their application environment.  Customers can also change transmission channels, set transmission power levels, and also see signal strength and noise levels.   

Near future plans to make this kit easier to procure involve having Digikey offer the base Cypress demonstration board with our adapter module along with links on the same page offering a choice of modules and recommended antennas (for those modules that require them).  This way our customers will be able to buy everything they need in one place.   Our website will be updated once this service is available.  In the meantime please feel free to use the contact us screen on our website to ask us for help in clearing up any confusion.

Two other evaluation options will also be available shortly. 

The first will be a downloadable hex file that will allow the customer to use two Cypress evaluation boards (equiped with Artaflex modules) as hyperterminals via the RS232 ports on each evaluation card.  This way the customer can key in their own messages on one computer and verify they are being transmitted properly through to a second computer.   

The second is an evaluation tool for the AWP24U USB Dongle.  Shortly a GUI will be released that will let customers transmit from an Artaflex module to the USB Dongle with the message being displayed on a computer.   

Can your product operate on batteries?

Yes, the modules will work in many battery powered designs.  Tranmitting power consumption for non amplified modules is between 21 and 35 milliamps.

Amplified modules are also designed for low power when transmitting and when idle.  In addition to already operating at low power during maximum gain, Artaflex has designed its amplified modules to give the designer control over the gain supplied by the amplifier.  In this way the the designer can maximize the power savings in the deisgn while still providing adequate performance.

If you have a low power requirement that also needs superior range please contact us to see how our product can help.

Are the Modules RoHS compliant?
Yes all modules will be offered in lead free packages.

Are the modules backward compatible?
The Print Antenna module (AWP24S) can be easily upgraded to the SMA Module (AWS24S).  The Power Amplfier  modules (AWA24S) have the added feature of controlling the power output of the external amplifier so the design is slightly modified.  Please see the datasheets for differences.    

In what countries can these modules be used?
Since the modules are based on a 2.4GHz frequency in the ISM (industrial, scientific ad medical) band then countries like Canada, USA, and Europe all have authority to use this band. Most countries have a number of license-free frequency bands. Products operating in these license-free bands do not require end users to obtain a license. However, such products must still conform to performance standards required by the country of operation, and it is the responsibility of the product manufacturer to ensure that such standards are met. Compliance is usually confirmed by testing in a government certified lab that provides a third party test report that governments then accept.

Which Cypress eval kits do the Artaflex Modules interface to?
Currently Artaflex has a passive module adapter that will interface to the Cypress CY3630EVK. A new universal regulated adapter will allow the user to interface to the CY3210PSOCEVAL1 and CY3214USBEVAL in addition to the CY3630EVK.