Wavecom WMP120 Wireless Microprocessor for Metering Applications in Potentially Explosive Environments

Wavecom has announced the availability of its WMP120 Wireless Microprocessor, a GSM/GPRS solution for wireless M2M (Machine-to-Machine) communication. WMP120 Wireless Microprocessor, with its wireless modem functionality, allows developers to embed their own application software directly onto the device. The BGA form factor and dedicated IOs are suited for automated component placement and enables system cost optimization. The new WMP120 Wireless Microprocessor is ATEX  (ATmosphere EXplosive) approved device. It is ideal for metering applications, especially in a potentially explosive environments.

Wavecom’s WMP120 Wireless Microprocessor

About ATEX
ATEX (ATmosphere EXplosive) is the European Directive for certifying products for use in environments where there may be a risk of explosions from exposure to volatile chemicals, liquids or gases. ATEX doesn’t just cover the products but extends to encompass the quality systems of the company delivering ATEX certified products to the market.

Key features of WMP120 Wireless Microprocessor:

Core processor	ARM9, 32 bit, 104 MHz running Open AT RTOS as standard
Memory	External, supports up to 128MB Flash, 128MB PSRAM
Digital Control	Up to 44 GPIO, 4 INT, I2C, 2 SPI, 5 x 5 keyboard, memory bus
Digital Comms	2 UART, USB 2.0, parallel port
Analogue Interfaces	4 ADC, DAC
Audio Interfaces	2 analogue channels, PCM
Cellular Radio	Global operation (quad band 800/900/1800/1900 MHz)
Cellular Data	GSM standard SMS, Fax, CSD (circuit), GPRS cl 10 (packet)
Cellular Voice	Quad codec (FR/HR/EFR/AMR)
Package	BGA576, 25×25x3 mm, 0.5Ø balls at 1 mm pitch

The WMP120 Wireless Microprocessor offers advantages in terms of scalability and system cost. The same GSM/GPRS platform can be used for both gas meters and metering gateways, with a common software architecture. On the meter, a WMP120 can simply be added to an existing sensor part and used as a GSM/GPRS data logger. On the gateway, a 100% software and hardware compatible WMP100 can manage network technologies such as GSM/GPRS, ZigBee, PLC, or proprietary RF. The main component of a GSM/GPRS-enabled meter is already ATEX certified in its typical environment, and there is no need for an in-depth ATEX design analysis of the GSM/GPRS part.

Wavecom’s WMP120 Wireless Microprocessor is able to operate as a smart modem, as a shared processor with a host CPU, or as a standalone CPU natively executing the customer application. It supports three programming models: host AT commands, standard C executable and Lua scripting. It also supports the Open AT real-time operating system and the full range of Open AT Plug-Ins including Internet, Security and GPS in addition to the IDS (Intelligent Device Services) scalable platform for securely delivering upgrades and diagnostics over-the-air.

Wavecom WMP120 Wireless Microprocessor is available to order now, for delivery commencing late October this year.

Resources:

• Press release of Wavecom’s WMP120 Wireless Microprocessor (http://www.wavecom.com/modules/movie/scenes/news/index.php?fuseAction=article&rubric=newsCorporate&article=news_Wavecom_Announces_WMP120)
• WMP120 Wireless Microprocessor  (http://www.wavecom.com/wmp120)
• ATEX (ATmosphere EXplosive) (http://www.wavecom.com/modules/movie/scenes/products/index.php?fuseAction=article&rubric=products&article=products_ATEX)