“XBee and XBee-PRO 802.15.4 OEM RF modules are embedded solutions providing wireless end-point connectivity to devices. These modules use the IEEE 802.15.4 networking protocol for fast point-to-multipoint or peer-to-peer networking. They are designed for high-throughput applications requiring low latency and predictable communication timing.” (Digi.com – vendor of XBee Radios)

In easy terms, XBee is a radio device working on a very powerful IEEE protocol 802.15.4. Low-Power requirement and standardized protocol make XBee the most favorite radio for digital communication. Among its long list of features, following are most favorite;

• Builtin 10-Bit ADCs and Digital IOs
• PWM and UART Output for ADCs
• Flexible Mesh Networking Protocol
• Self-healing and Discovery for Network Stability
• Low-Power Consumption
• Small Form Factor
• Industrial Temperature Rating

Applications

The direct interfacing of analog sensors and digital io, makes xbee widely accepatable in variety of areas. The typical application areas are ;

• Home Entertainment and Control — Smart lighting, advanced temperature control, safety and security, movies and music
• Home Awareness — Water sensors, power sensors, smoke and fire detectors, smart appliances and access sensors
• Mobile Services — m-payment, m-monitoring and control, m-security and access control, m-healthcare and tele-assist
• Commercial Building — Energy monitoring, HVAC, lighting, access control
• Industrial Plant — Process control, asset management, environmental management, energy management, industrial device control

Specifications

There are many modules categorized by output power and data rate, among them the maximum specification are as ;

Range: 24 kilometers – XBee Pro 900 XSC
Datarate: 250 kbps  – XBee Pro 2.5 Series
Max. Output Power: 100mW – XBee Pro 900 XSC
Radio Frequency: 2.45 GHz and 900 MHz
Analog Inputs: 6 Inputs – 10-Bit ADC
Digital IOs: 8 IOs
ADC Scan Rate: 1KHz
Anetena Types: Chip, Wire and RPSMA

More to come, I will provide with working examples along with some schematics for development boards.

In the meantime, check the links for more idea about its acceptance and applications.

Links
Introduction Presentation – Rob Faludi
Blog on Zigbee – Rob Faludi
Techinical Introduction – MaxStream

Buy Online
SparkFun – Wireless – ZigBee
Digi-Key Part Search

Happy XBeeING =)