Class 8 GPRS/GSM modules - 13 February 2002 - Electrocomp

Class 8 GPRS/GSM modules
13 February 2002, Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT

Siemens Information and Communication Mobile (IC Mobile) is offering two new products for rapid, reliable and cost-effective wireless data transfer.

The MC35 GSM/GPRS module offers manufacturers of consumer goods in the mobile computing sector an ideal communication platform, while the MC35 terminal is a simple plug-and-play solution for system integration.

MC35 module

The MC35 GSM/GPRS module greatly increases the speed of wireless data transfer. The module is particularly suitable for integration in notebooks, handhelds/PDAs and portable navigation terminals. With GPRS, mobile workers can, for example, quickly and inexpensively coordinate order data with their headquarters, arrange meetings, send and receive e-mails and carry out remote maintenance tasks.

Measuring 54,5 x 36 x 6,75 mm and weighing 18 grams, the MC35 is ideal for implementing smart phones and mini-cellphones with integrated GPS satellite navigation modules for personal positioning information. The module also suits industrial applications.

Apart from GPRS with data rates of up to 85,6 Kbps, the MC35 supports conventional fax and data communication at up to 14,4 Kbps, SMS messaging and reception of cell broadcast services. The dual-band module (GSM 900/1800) can also be used for voice communication. The MC35 is controlled entirely via the serial interface by means of AT commands. These standardised commands enable software developers to produce their individual communication solutions very quickly.

In developing the MC35, Siemens paid much attention to making migration from GSM to GPRS as simple as possible. The new module is fully compatible with the TC35 dual-band module, which will continue to be available. Migration to GPRS can thus be a simple matter of replacing one module with another.

MC35 terminal

The MC35 is also being offered in the form of a plug-and-play terminal for simple integration in systems. At 65 x 74 x 33 mm the 'MC35 terminal' (smaller than a packet of cigarettes) weighs 130 grams and contains a SIM card reader, an audio interface for a handset, an antenna connection and a serial interface with a 9-pin socket. The terminal is designed to operate on input voltages of between 8 and 30 V and within a temperature range of -20 to +55°C. These wide ranges make the unit extremely versatile for integration in a wide variety of systems including fleet management, traffic control and security systems, measuring stations for monitoring pollutants, parking ticket machines and vending machines.

For further information contact Electrocomp, (011) 458 9000 or see www.siemens.com/wm