New Wireless Sensor Provides Renewable Energy And Reliable Signals

Munich, Germany and Boston -- EnOcean introduces the STM250 solar-powered radio frequency magnet-contact sensor. STM250 eliminates the principal deficiency of wireless security systems: the dependence upon batteries. By doing away with the burdens of battery monitoring and replacement, the new magnet contact can operate without maintenance.

"The security industry has long had a need for simplified magnet-contact sensor installation and operation. Wireless seemed to provide the answer, yet the cost and consistency of battery power has been a recurring concern," said Jim O'Callaghan, Vice President of EnOcean. "By combining solar power with robust RF technology, EnOcean has effectively merged all the benefits of wire – affordability, stability and reliability – with the convenience of wireless."

Whereas a typical wireless security system achieves long life through the use of Lithium Ion batteries, STM250 requires only ambient indoor or outdoor light. The amount of light typically available in homes or offices is sufficient to both operate STM250 continuously and in addition to store energy for up to six days use in total darkness.

Even though the STM250 uses surprisingly little energy – which it gathers via its tiny surface solar cell – it generates sufficient output power to communicate throughout an entire house. The unit's embedded EnOcean RF transmitter will send a signal across 300 meters outdoors and 30 meters indoors through walls. The secret is in its signal duration: the entire transmission is initiated, undertaken and completed in approximately 1/1000 of a second.

Its suite of sophisticated RF protocols includes multiple broadcasts, fast data rates, error detection and unique addressing. STM250 automatically transmits its signal immediately when the contact is opened/closed. A periodic presence signal is sent on the quarter-hour to indicate that the node is operating properly, using stored energy.

STM250 will serve either as a ready-to-install switch for security system contractors, or as an OEM-level product for integration into doors and windows. It can be permanently embedded inside impossible-to-reach places, such as between panes of window glass.

Out of the box, it quickly acquires sufficient energy to run—ten minutes under normal indoor light. Due to its fast transmission rates, hundreds of magnet contacts can be connected to a single receiver without system degradation.

SOURCE: EnOcean GmbH