Digi-Key to distribute Panasonic's smallest ZigBee ready communication modules

an authorized distributor for its latest in a line of RF modules, the PAN4555. Supporting the 802.15.4 radio standard and the ZigBee™ specification, the Panasonic module is designed for various sensing, monitoring and control applications for home automation and industrial control.

Panasonic's PAN4555 module is a low data rate/low power communication device operating in the ISM 2.4 GHz band and is fully compliant with the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. At a mere 200 square millimeters (12.2 mm x 16.4 mm), the module takes advantage of Freescale's MC13213 System In Package (SIP transceiver/microcontroller). Furthermore, the PAN4555 has 20 digital I/Os with programmable pull-ups. 60k flash and 4k RAM memory, a full Bee Stack application can be run on this tiny module. Options for the on-board antenna or external antennae are available. The entire RF section is shielded to prevent RF leakage and further improve performance.

The PAN4555 complies with FCC part 15, EN300328 and ARIB STD-T66 requirements for 2.4 GHz ISM band. The application profile or program can be developed either in-house or with any third party software development contractor.

"We are very pleased to work with Digi-Key in the expansion of our existing product lines," said Tony Komon, director of Panasonic's Component Division. "Together with Panasonic's broad portfolio of components and sales and marketing resources, we are better positioned to provide our customers in North America with an unparalleled offering of products and services."

"We are delighted to further our collaboration with Panasonic and add this line of communication modules to our growing repertoire of ZigBee compliant modules," said Mark Larson, president and COO at Digi-Key. "We are also certain that these products will be of consequential interest and appeal to our customers."
Digi-Key Corporation is one of the fastest growing distributors of electronic components in the world, currently shipping product to more than 140 countries worldwide. Panasonic's communication modules will be available directly from Digi-Key through its print and online catalogs. This appointment will enable Digi-Key to fulfill both the design/prototype and volume needs of its widespread and diverse customer base.

Digi-Key Corporation