Evaluation Kit demonstrates innovative energy-harvesting switch technology

Available now from RS Components, Cherry Industrial Solutions' updated Evaluation Kit 2.0 to demonstrate its market-leading energy-harvesting switch technology. The kit, containing an energy harvesting generator, rocker switch and a snap-action switch, receiver with antenna, USB cable and receiver manual, provides users with a functional demonstration of the Cherry technology and the ability to test key parameters, including signal strength and range, in their own application. A detailed manual, drivers and software for the receiver are available for download from Cherry’s website. The modules meet the increasing demand for simple and flexible wireless data transmission of switch signals with maintenance-free low energy consumption. Innovative wireless and battery-less energy-harvesting technology provides effective control solutions for countless applications in almost every market sector including industrial and building automation, smart home and medical. Designed for global use the innovative technology offers a real alternative to wired or battery-powered solutions. Compatible with multiple wireless protocols and with no need to change or dispose of batteries the solution is flexible, environmentally friendly and maintenance-free. The Cherry Evaluation Kit 2.0 allows users to measure switching performance, transmission range and signal strength, and determine the environmental influences on the wireless signal in various applications including buildings and industrial automation. The addition of a (non-functional) energy harvesting generator means that mechanical design considerations, including mounting position etc., can also be simulated. The Evaluation Kit uses a ZF proprietary communication protocol and the company is happy to work with customer-specific OEM requirements. To ensure worldwide wireless compatibility an OEM system may be specified to operate at 868 MHz and 915 MHz, or 2.4GHz for lighting applications. In OEM applications 'Flexible Pairing' allows the operation of several switches with one receiver and vice-versa, and a switch 'Unique ID' provides clear identification while operating several switches at once. Up to three telegrams are sent per actuation, with pseudo-random timing to assure robust data transmission, says the company.