PLC, an international leader in the field of machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, announced today that Telit is harnessing the expertise of microcontroller leader Atmel in its high-performance M2M modules. The GE863-PRO³ is the first product in Telit’s dual-processor range to feature an Atmel ARM9-based processor running the application in tandem with a dedicated processor for GPRS communication. The Atmel AT91SAM9260 provides the extremely high processing power and the flexibility to support today’s rapidly changing M2M market that demands more advanced features and more processing power at ever-shorter intervals.

The GE863-PRO³ has met with tremendous market success since its launch in Q4 2007. Its standard form factor and easy integration make the Telit module particularly attractive for applications such as Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals or fleet management. At the core of the GE863-PRO³ is the AT91SAM9260, Atmel’s ARM9-based embedded processor delivering processing power over 200 MIPS. Whereas in the past, just one sub-50 MIPS microcontroller took care of alternate communication and application tasks, the additional AT91SAM9260 processor now controls only real-time applications, while the second GPRS processor in the GE863-PRO³ handles time-critical GPRS communications transactions.

Advantages for End Users and Systems Integrators
The GE863-PRO³ is designed as a small footprint platform that can be easily adapted to rapidly changing demand in the M2M market without the need to re-design the hardware. This is assured by a standard form factor, tried-and-tested BGA (Ball Grid Array) assembly and sufficient integrated memory for software applications. It thus facilitates shorter time-to-market while simultaneously reducing development costs for applications. “By selecting a dual processor approach and using a high performance standard microcontroller supported by an extensive eco-system to run the application layers, integrating future demand becomes less time consuming, lower risk and less costly. With its core values of investment protection, easy integration, high quality and scalability, Telit is focusing precisely on the aspects that will in future be the key determinants of success in the M2M market,” said Jacko Wilbrink, Atmel’s ARM^® Product Marketing Director. “This makes Telit an ideal partner to help us to become established in this market.”

Targeted Use through Flexibility. Telit’s PRO³ professional dual-processor range can be adapted to the particular needs of specialist areas thanks to a number of expansion options. The WiFi add-on WA100-DUAL, for example, facilitates wireless connections over short distances that are needed for fleet management. Hand-held devices and scanners on the loading ramp can thus transfer stock management information or facilitate data transfer with trucks.

Stability Thanks to Expert Partners. Telit chose Atmel for close collaboration in product development because of the company's many years’ experience in microcontrollers and its excellent support. Telit integrated a previous generation of Atmel’s ARM7-based microcontrollers into its modules.

“The outstanding results of this cooperation and the availability of a high performance ARM9™ Embedded Microprocessor in a 10x10 mm BGA package were the foundation of our decision to integrate Atmel's AT91SAM9260 in our PRO³ professional dual-processor range too,” says Roger Dewey, President of Telit Wireless Solutions. “The successful launch of the GE863-PRO³ confirms our decision to continue relying on Atmel processors.”

About Atmel
Atmel is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of microcontrollers, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and radio frequency (RF) components. Leveraging one of the industry's broadest intellectual property (IP) technology portfolios, Atmel is able to provide the electronics industry with complete system solutions focused on consumer, industrial, security, communications, computing and automotive markets.

About Telit
Telit is a leading global wireless technology company. It develops, manufactures and markets GSM/GPRS, UMTS/HSDPA and CDMA/EVDO enterprise communication modules for machine-to-machine (M2M) applications that streamline business processes by enabling machines, devices and vehicles to communicate via mobile networks. Telit’s products are sold and deployed worldwide through offices in China, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Israel, Italy, Korea, Spain, Taiwan, and the USA. Telit Communications PLC is listed on the AIM.

Information Source:    Business Wire