MaxStream Adopts Freescale ZigBee(TM) Wireless Technology

MaxStream Adopts Freescale ZigBee(TM) Wireless Technology

The XBee Product Line Allows for Easy, Adaptable ZigBee Integration

LINDON, Utah and AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- MaxStream, Inc. has adopted the Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. (NYSE:FSL) platform for an assortment of ZigBee(TM) wireless products. In the first quarter of 2005, MaxStream will introduce the FCC and CE-type approved XBee(TM) family, which incorporates Freescale's ZigBee-ready and 802.15.4 chipsets onto MaxStream's RF modules. The XBee line of RF modules and stand-alone connectivity solutions will allow OEMs to add wireless capabilities to their products easily and quickly. The ZigBee wireless standard is a cost effective solution for connecting electronic devices in a short-range wireless mesh network.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041026/LAMAXLOGO)

MaxStream will offer two versions of the XBee ZigBee module, allowing OEMs the choice between either low-cost or high-performance modules. The low-cost XBee module measures less than one square inch, while the 100mW high performance XBee-PRO(TM) module is only two-thirds of an inch larger and achieves up to three times the range of standard ZigBee modules. Both module designs are network and form-factor interchangeable, allowing the modules to be easily upgraded or reconfigured to meet the changing needs of each ZigBee network. RS-232, USB and Ethernet interfaces will also be available in 2005, creating simple connectivity solutions to computers and other electronic devices. Additional ZigBee based products, including a wireless bridge that permits ZigBee networks to connect to long-range MaxStream radios, will be made available to complement the capabilities of both ZigBee and MaxStream proprietary networks.

"ZigBee is an emerging standard that will facilitate networking for a key segment of electronic products in industrial and commercial markets," said Brad Walters, president and CEO of MaxStream. "We are excited to develop products that present such innovative possibilities. Combining the expertise of Freescale and MaxStream represents a significant advancement in wireless design engineering."

Freescale's ZigBee enabled platform includes the MC13193 2.4 GHz RF chip, a low voltage, low power HCS08 MCU, and the Z-Stack ZigBee software, for a robust, cost effective, and easy to deploy solution. The MC13193 on-chip features and enhancements reduce external components and total bill of materials cost while providing battery type flexibility with lifetimes up to several years.

"ZigBee addresses a significant spectrum and market need, delivering low cost and low power wireless networks," said Brett Black, commercial wireless operations manager for Freescale. "MaxStream's ZigBee module helps serve this demand and our relationship enables OEMs to quickly integrate ZigBee technology into their monitoring, control and sensing applications."

The XBee module operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM bandwidth and will come with the necessary software to create ad-hoc ZigBee networks. The modules are designed to transmit at power-efficient levels, and power-down sleep modes help conserve additional energy when data transmission is intermittent.

The IEEE(R) 802.15.4 and ZigBee wireless compatibility standards have been established by a coalition of companies creating solutions for wirelessly enabled residential, commercial and industrial automation applications. ZigBee applications include everything from security systems and HVAC monitors, to lighting and entertainment center controls, making these systems easier to manage and automate.

MaxStream offers unlimited free technical support for all of its wireless technology via telephone, email and online chat, making it easy for customers to integrate ZigBee technology into each specific design.

About MaxStream, Inc.

MaxStream is the leading worldwide developer of wireless modem networking for electronic devices. MaxStream provides wireless modem modules, plug-and- play radio modems, RF design services, and supporting software. Products and services by MaxStream include designing, manufacturing and supporting wireless communications for embedded systems. For more information regarding MaxStream's products and services, contact MaxStream, Inc. at www.maxstream.net, info@maxstream.net or call (866) 765-9885.

About Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.

Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. (NYSE:FSL) is a global leader in the design and manufacture of embedded semiconductors for the automotive, consumer, industrial, networking and wireless markets. Freescale became a publicly traded company in July 2004 after more than 50 years as part of Motorola, Inc. The company is based in Austin, Texas, and has design, research and development, manufacturing or sales operations in more than 30 countries. Freescale, a member of the S&P 500(R), is the third largest independent semiconductor company based in the United States. www.freescale.com.

ZigBee: Wireless Control That Simply Works

The ZigBee Alliance is an association of companies working together to enable reliable, cost-effective, low power, wirelessly networked, monitoring and control products based on an open global standard. The ZigBee Alliance is a rapidly growing, non-profit industry consortium of leading semiconductor manufacturers, technology providers, OEMs, and end-users worldwide. Membership is open to all. Additional information can be found at www.zigbee.org.

MaxStream and XBee are trademarks of MaxStream, Incorporated. All other products, services, companies and publications are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Contacts:
John Crockett
MaxStream, Inc.
press@maxstream.net
(801) 765-9885

Robin Vaitonis
Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
Robin.vaitonis@freescale.com
(480) 413-3840


Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041026/LAMAXLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: MaxStream, Inc.

CONTACT: John Crockett of MaxStream, Inc., +1-801-765-9885,
press@maxstream.net; or Robin Vaitonis of Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.,
+1-480-413-3840, Robin.vaitonis@freescale.com

Web site: http://www.maxstream.net/
http://www.freescale.com/
http://www.zigbee.org/


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