Anaren Integrated Radio (AIR) modules to be sold through Digi-Key

SYRACUSE, USA: Anaren, Inc. will be marketing its new family of Anaren Integrated Radio (AIR) modules with online electronics distributor Digi-Key Corporation (Thief River Falls, MN). The move to partner with Digi-Key is Anaren's first initiative to stock one of its technologies through the renowned online distributor and is expected to be a valuable sourcing option for AIR module customers.

"We are genuinely excited to have Digi-Key represent our AIR product line," said Mark Bowyer, the business development manager in Anaren's Wireless Group responsible for the AIR line. "We chose Digi-Key based on its excellent reputation for customer service, impressive customer base, and ability to provide online customers with a new supply chain option."

Bowyer added that the alliance with Digi-Key widens Anaren's array of both online and brick-and-mortar distribution partners.

"RF technology is one of the fastest growing tech segments in today's market," noted Mark Zack, vice president, global semiconductor product at Digi-Key. "Anaren is well-placed to continue innovating within this market, and we are pleased to add them to our expansive line card."

As for the AIR product family itself, this relatively new line for Anaren provides an elegant, 'plug and play' RF solution -- with each module's footprint being smaller than a postage stamp -- to electronic engineers challenged with adding wireless capability to new or existing devices.

Applications for AIR modules range from industrial control, building automation, and low-power sensor networks -- to lighting and equipment and appliances intended for inclusion in smart-grid and energy-management scenarios (e.g. automated meter reading, devices and equipment intended for ZigBee Standard applications, etc.).

More specifically, the AIR module product family offers:
* Easy integration and implementation on existing or newly-designed two-layer PCB.
* Very little RF engineering experience necessary.
* Tiny common footprints across the product family (e.g. 9 x 12 x 2.5mm and 9 x 16 x 2.5mm).
* Pre-certification to applicable industry standards, including FCC, IC and ETSI.
* Choice of embedded or connectorized antenna.
* 100 percent RF-testing.
* Low power consumption.
* Choice of frequencies in the Global ISM bands to match an OEM's application (433MHz, 868MHz, 915MHz, and 2.5GHz.
* A growing library of software stacks, supporting specific applications (i.e. devices intended for compliance with the ZigBee.
* Out-of-the-box connectivity -- attributable to a wide range of development tools compatible with Texas Instruments' popular design-tool library, including: AIR BoosterPacks compatible with TI's LaunchPad environment; EZ target boards that work with TI's EZ430 tools; and AIR-equipped EM boards compatible with TI's development kits (CC1101DK and CC2500DK).
* Tape and reel packaging for easy integration into automated assembly systems (matrix tray packaging also avail).
* Competitive pricing: Under $10 for 10K pieces or more.