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Cheap 433MHz ASK modules in commercial applications. Pros and Cons

ipv1

Hi all,

 

I am working on some short range RF sensors that include contact and ADC information. The data is transmitted to a nearby hub/aggregator but the sensor nodes themselves are battery driven and must be lower cost.

 

I have dissected a few door sensors on ebay and amazon and they seem to use 433MHz ASK modules that are quite cheap, albeit, one way and dumb. I understand that logic and flow control must be added externally via a microcontroller/processor but the real question here is...

 

"Should/Can we use 433MHz for commercial applications?"

 

LoRa is a better but a slightly costlier option. There are other Sub-GHz modules out there but they are more difficult to create small batches with.

 

Inputs on the 433MHz module use and suggestions are warranted here.

 

Thanks,

 

IP

Parents

  • Thanks all!

     

    The inputs are appreciated and here are my takeaways.

    1. 433MHz is mature.

    2. They are cost effective

    3. They may tend to drift.

    4. Offer unidirectional communication ergo features such as acknowledgement as well as collision detection cannot be implemented.

    5. Need protocol stack to make them useful.

    6. May have compliance issues.

    7. Used in older tech any may be the only way for certain applications.

    8. SiLabs has an offering to be considered.

     

    Alternative tech to be considered:

    1. BLE - 2.4GHz and good for short range.

    2. LoRa - Longer range albeit lower data rate.

     

    I have opted to go with LoRa as the modules are cheap, inherently low power and readily available. They are easier to work with as well in contrast to some BLE SOCs where the software stack configuration presents undesired configuration. The nRF51822 is a module I will experiment with on the side in the BlueFruit feather wing format but its not something for today.

     

    Thank you again for all the inputs.

     

    I appreciate it.

     

    Regards,

    IP

Reply

  • Thanks all!

     

    The inputs are appreciated and here are my takeaways.

    1. 433MHz is mature.

    2. They are cost effective

    3. They may tend to drift.

    4. Offer unidirectional communication ergo features such as acknowledgement as well as collision detection cannot be implemented.

    5. Need protocol stack to make them useful.

    6. May have compliance issues.

    7. Used in older tech any may be the only way for certain applications.

    8. SiLabs has an offering to be considered.

     

    Alternative tech to be considered:

    1. BLE - 2.4GHz and good for short range.

    2. LoRa - Longer range albeit lower data rate.

     

    I have opted to go with LoRa as the modules are cheap, inherently low power and readily available. They are easier to work with as well in contrast to some BLE SOCs where the software stack configuration presents undesired configuration. The nRF51822 is a module I will experiment with on the side in the BlueFruit feather wing format but its not something for today.

     

    Thank you again for all the inputs.

     

    I appreciate it.

     

    Regards,

    IP

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