DALLAS, Texas, May 7, 2002 -- RF Monolithics, Inc. (RFM) and Datamatic Ltd. Tuesday announced that RFM is supplying low-power, short-range radio devices for Datamatic's FIREFLY® Automated Meter Reading (AMR) Systems.
Specifically, RFM supplies TX6000 hybrid transmitters for the FIREFLY® Meter Interface Units (MIU). The TX6000 hybrid transmitter is ideal for short-range wireless data applications where low power consumption, robust operation and small size are required.
All critical RF functions are contained within the hybrid, simplifying and expediting design-in. The TX6000 includes provisions for both on off keyed (OOK) and amplitude-shift keyed (ASK) modulation. The TX6000 operates at a frequency of 916.50 MHz and employs SAW filtering to suppress output harmonics, facilitating compliance with FCC 15.249 and similar regulations.
Datamatic is deploying the FIREFLY® AMR System in Las Vegas, the fastest-growing city in the US, as part of the first phase of a Las Vegas Valley Water District project that will result in the eventual build-out of the nearly 300,000-meter system.
The project includes FIREFLY® MIU's, Route Management System integration, handheld and mobile reading platforms, and turnkey installation. FIREFLY® MIUs do not require electronic output registers; thus eliminating the need for meter change out and saving as much as 30-40% on the cost of an AMR project. The FIREFLY® MIU uses a unique optic sensor that attaches to the face of any water meter with a visible sweep hand.
The FIREFLY® "sees" the needle, counts the revolutions and transmits the reading over unlicensed radio frequencies, using RFM's low-power products. This "Meter Independent" interface is unique in that it is the only available technology capable of automating water meters without electronic output registers. Models are also available for all popular pulse and encoded output registers as well as electric and gas meters.
"RFM's transmitter products are renowned for providing the best low-power, short-range radio solutions, which are essential elements of our FIREFLY® MIUs," said Ken Kercher, President of Datamatic, Ltd. "With RFM's quality low-power transmitters, we're continuing to ensure that Datamatic's products and solutions offer the best possible field performance."
David M. Kirk, President and CEO of RF Monolithics, Inc. commented, "The remote meter reading market is one of the most rapidly growing applications for our low-power products. We know we're fortunate to be part of this next generation utility technology and excited to be associated with an innovative leader in the automated meter reading field such as Datamatic."
About Datamatic
Datamatic, Ltd, headquartered in Plano, Texas has been in business since 1977. Datamatic produces the only AMR solutions to offer utilities True Meter Independence combined with Integrated Load Profiling in an affordable package. More information on Datamatic can be found at: www.datamatic.com.
About RFM
RF Monolithics, Inc., headquartered in Dallas, is a developer, manufacturer and supplier of a broad range of radio frequency components, and modules based on surface acoustic wave technology for the automotive, telecommunication, industrial, consumer and distribution markets worldwide. Find out more about RFM by visiting the company website: www.rfm.com.
