Atmel and Telit revolutionize M2M systems for high-power processing applications

The GE863-PRO3 module is the first product range with double
Telit processor based on ARM9 Atmel AT91SAM9260 processor that takes care of implementation, and moreover, in a dedicated processor for GPRS communication. This is the beginning of a range of products that will undertake the new M2M market challenges in many areas of industry.

Atmel ® Corporation and Telit Communications PLC were released on 8 April 2008 that Telit has taken the experience of the global market leader in the design and manufacture of microcontrollers Atmel in the development of its high-performance M2M modules. Thus, the GE863-PRO3 is the first product range Telit's dual-processor that includes an ARM9-based processor from Atmel, the AT91SAM9260, which is responsible for implementation, and a dedicated processor, which handles the GPRS communication . The result is a processing power and flexibility to best meet the changing demands of the current M2M market, which requires ever more advanced features and increased processing power at shorter intervals. Its standard form factor and ease of integration make the Telit module particularly interesting for applications such as POS terminals or fleet management. The GE863-PRO3 has received a magnificent reception in the market since its launch in late 2007.


AT91SAM9260 Processor
The core of the GE863-PRO3 is the AT91SAM9260, an ARM9-based embedded processor from Atmel, providing superior processing power of 200 MIPS. While in the past, a single microcontroller with less than 50 MIPS was responsible for the communication and application functions alternately, additional AT91SAM9260 processor now controls only real-time applications, while the second processor GPRS responsible for GPRS communication operations in time critical.


Benefits for end users and system integrators
The GE863-PRO3 is designed as a small platform that can easily adapt to the changing needs of the M2M market without having to modify the hardware design. This is achieved by a standard form factor, mounting BGA (Ball Grid Array) tested and sufficient integrated memory for software applications. Thus, it provides a short time to market and also reduces application development costs. "When selecting a dual processor design with a microcontroller using standard high-performance, assisted by an extensive ecosystem to run the application layers, integrating the requirements that may arise in the future becomes less expensive and time-consuming and less risky. Telit, with its core values of investment protection, easy integration and high quality and scalability, focuses precisely on those issues which are essential to future success in the M2M market, "said Jacko Wilbrink, Director of Product Marketing Atmel's ARM ®. "This makes Telit an ideal partner to help us establish ourselves in this market."


Use personalized with the flexibility
The professional range with double Telit PRO3 processor can be adapted to the specific needs of specialized sectors through a range of expansion options. The add WiFi WA100-DUAL, for example, facilitates the short-distance wireless connections, necessary in fleet management. Hand-held scanners and devices installed on the loading dock may transfer information about inventory management or facilitate data transfer to trucks.


Stability through expert partners
Due to the company extensive experience in microcontrollers and excellent service, Telit has chosen Atmel for close collaboration in product development. Telit has already integrated into their products an earlier generation of ARM7-based microcontrollers from Atmel. "The excellent results of this cooperation and the availability of a high performance microprocessor integrated ARM9 ™ in a BGA package mounted 10 x 10 mm were the basis of our decision to integrate Atmel's AT91SAM9260 in our range PRO3 professional dual-processor "says Dominikus Hierl, President Telit Wireless Solutions. "The successful launch of the GE863-PRO3 confirms our decision to continue relying on Atmel processors.