Wireless Made Simple

Linx RF modules allow the easy and cost-effective addition of wireless capabilities to virtually any product. The Linx RF module family includes transmitters, receivers and transceivers in a hybrid modular form that requires no external RF components except an antenna. This makes them simple to apply, even by engineers without RF design experience and results in lower design costs and reduced time to market. Once a Linx-enabled product is in production, savings continue as the RF modules improve production yields, reduce placement costs and eliminate the need for expensive test equipment or production line adjustments.

RF modules are available for the transfer of analog signals or serial data and are optimized for long range, low power and compact size. Each wireless module is designed around a transparent, wire-line model. This means that they come as close as possible to looking like a wire. They do not alter the data in any way and have no requirements on a specific data structure, giving designers a great deal of freedom in creating their own protocols. Linx modules are designed to be certified under FCC Part 15, Industry Canada and European standards. View RF Modules

The Linx OEM product line greatly reduces the expense and time involved in bringing a wireless product to market. This line features a variety of completely finished pre-certified RF transmitters and receivers which can be quickly customized to meet specific labeling or cosmetic requirements. Since these products have received FCC, Industry Canada and CE approvals, testing costs and delays are eliminated. A wide variety of handheld and keyfob style RF transmitters are available. These can be used with compatible Linx RF receivers on-board your own product, or with OEM RF receiver modules. The OEM RF receiver modules perform common functions such as the switching of AC or DC voltages. With multiple levels of security to meet different needs, OEM products are ideal for a wide range of applications, including remote control, remote keyless entry (RKE), industrial controls, security, consumer wireless applications, sporting and recreational devices, or any application requiring a cost-effective, ready to use reliable wireless solution. View OEM Products

Basic Evaluation Kits and Master Development Systems contain everything necessary to evaluate the Linx module family of your choice and then rapidly integrate it into your own product. Clear documentation provides guidance through legal and technical issues, while pre-populated evaluation boards allow immediate operation under actual field conditions. Many of the systems have prototyping areas that offer easy connection to the Linx products and even allow application-specific circuitry to be added to the boards. This means that the Development Systems can actually act as your first prototype. Most importantly, these systems demonstrate correct layout and implementation and will serve as a valuable benchmark to compare the performance of your own layout and design. In addition, you'll receive unlimited no-charge technical support throughout the entire design process. View Evaluation Systems

Linx Integrated Circuits (ICs) are designed to simplify tasks such as remote control. Our encoder, decoder and transcoder ICs allow secure one-way or bidirectional transfer of logic level inputs, such as buttons or contact closures. CipherLinx® technology, which is featured in some models, provides the highest degree of security and a versatile feature set. With an unmatched blend of features, functionality, ease-of-use and patent-pending security, Linx remote control ICs can give your product the competitive edge. View Integrated Circuits

From laboratory to military applications, from the obvious to the obscure, Linx products have enabled thousands of customers in diverse industries to add wireless capabilities to their products. Given the broad range of appeal, there is no "typical" application, but here are some of the most common areas of the market served by Linx products:

• Industrial companies using RF solutions for monitoring, process control, RFID, AMR, inventory tracking, trash and vending monitoring, data links and barcode reading devices.
• Commercial wireless applications such as door announcers, lighting and water controls, security and access systems, gate controls, remote activation, scoreboards, ordering and paging systems
• Automotive companies employing RF solutions for wireless remote control, remote keyless entry, security systems, remote vehicle starting and safety applications such as tire pressure monitoring
• Consumer products, including electronic toys, home security, gate and garage door openers, intercoms, fire and safety systems, weather stations, pool, spa and irrigation controllers, along with a wide variety of additional items
• Medical products, including patient call and monitoring systems, handicap assistance devices, surgery communication systems, remote patient data logging, RF insulin pumps, pacemakers, defibrillators and ECG monitors

Linx Technologies is committed to removing any barrier that prevents a customer from successfully implementing complex technologies such as RF. This commitment is reflected in the design of Linx products, the clarity of our manuals and the ease of use offered by Linx evaluation systems. Here are even more ways Linx is ready to assist:

Design Assistance

Apex Wireless, a division of Linx Technologies, offers RF design services as well as a full range of general engineering services including hardware, software, packaging, test development, and production coordination.

FCC Prescreening

The most difficult obstacle to bringing an RF product to market is the approval process. To ensure customers the easiest path to success, Linx offers a low-cost prescreening service. First, the design is evaluated by Linx to be sure that it is technically optimized and no changes are needed. Next, the product is prescreened at an FCC test facility, just as it will be during the final testing process. A prescreening report is then generated and sent along with additional documentation designed to ease your preparation for final approval testing.

Education

At Linx, we believe in giving each customer the opportunity to learn more about our products and the technical principles by which they work. Many topics cannot be adequately addressed in a data guide. That is why our manuals are supported by an award-winning library of application notes. Many different topics are discussed, from matters to consider before embarking on a design to complete overviews of legal and technical issues affecting RF products. You can download these educational materials on our Application Notes page.