Overview

Laird tiny AC4490-1x1 radio modules put the power of wireless into the smallest, most cost-sensitive applications. Despite their small size, the modules can replace a mile of cable even in harsh industrial conditions. Using field-proven FHSS 900MHz technology that utilizes an unlicensed frequency band*, AC4490-1x1s reject interference, enable co-located system operation, and ensure data integrity. With the help of a unique transparent protocol (RF232), AC4490-1x1 integration is easy. OEMs simply solder the radio modules and antennas into place, then power-on. All frequency hopping, synchronization, and RF system data transmission/reception is performed by the radio module. The AC4490-1x1's standard TTL interface provides bi-directional communication in point-to-point and point-to-multipoint networks. A number of on-the-fly control commands accommodate varying wireless applications.

Specifications

Channels
Up to 48 (North America)
Dimension (Height - mm)
5.08
Dimension (Length - mm)
25.4
Antenna Options
Trace Pin
Antenna Type
External via SMT pad
Chipset (Wireless)
TI CC1010
Connector Type
SDIO
Dimension (Width - mm)
25.4 mm
Frequency
902-928 MHz (North America)
Interface (Serial)
3V TTL, Data rate: Up to 115.2 Kbps
Logical Interfaces
SMT
Output Power
0mW-10mW variable
Protocols
FHSS Wireless Protocol
Security
One-byte system ID
Transmit Power (Max)
N/A
Voltage
3.3V
Weight
< 0.5 oz (< 15 g)
Wireless Specification
900 MHz FHSS
Part NumberAntenna OptionsAntenna TypeChannelsChipset (Wireless)ComplianceConnectorData RateDimension (Height - mm)Dimension (Length - mm)Dimension (Width - mm)Frequency Range (Max)Frequency Range (Min)Input PowerLogical InterfacesNetwork ArchitectureOS/SoftwareOperating HumidityOutput PowerPower ConsumptionPower Consumption (Rx)Power Consumption (Tx)Product TypeProtocolsReceive SensitivitySecurityStorage HumiditySystem ArchitectureTechnologyWeightWireless Specification
AC4490-1x1AC4490-1x1AC4490-1x1
AC4490-1x1
End of Life (EOL)
Trace Pin External 32 Channels TI CC1010 None SMT 76.8 Kbps 4.11 mm25.4 mm25.4 mm928 MHz902 MHz3.3 V UART AC4490 transceivers can operate in Point-to-Point Configuration and Test Software 10% - 90% 10 mW (20 mW w/3 dBi gain antenna) Up to 80 mA 28 mA 80 mA Embedded Module FHSS Wireless Protocol -100 dBm One-byte system ID 10% - 90% Hosted Proprietary RF (9xx MHz) < 0.5 oz (< 15 g) 900 MHz FHSS

Documentation

Name Part Type Last Updated
Application Note - Enabling the Security Pane in the RAMP Configuration Utility All Application Note 07/31/2024
Application Note - Repeater Set-up All Application Note 08/01/2024
RoHS 3 - Bluetooth All Certification 01/11/2024
Datasheet - AC4490 All Datasheet 09/05/2024
User Guide - AC4490 All Documentation 07/19/2024
User Guide - RAMP-AC Development Kit All Documentation 08/08/2024
LWS-SPEC-ac44901X1 0209 All Documentation 03/01/2019
RoHS 3 - RAMP ISM Modules All Certification 09/23/2021

FAQ

Is there a way to minimize power consumption and optimize battery life in my AC4490/AC4790 application?

Is there a way to minimize power consumption and optimize battery life in my AC4490/AC4790 application?

Because the AC4490/CL4490 and AC4790/CL4790 use completely different protocols with different architectures the options for reduction of power consumption are different. The AC4490/CL4490 uses a client/server architecture, while the AC4790/CL4790 uses a masterless architecture.


The AC4490/CL4490 support Sleep Walk Mode on client radios. This mode allows the OEM hosts to send a command to a Client radio which turns of the RF Circuitry. While in Sleep Walk Mode, the processor continues to actively calculate the frequency the Server should be located at, allowing the radio to remain synced with the Server while in Sleep Walk Mode. The Client can maintain this snychronization for up to two minutes (maximum). If the radio is in Sleep Walk Mode for longer than two minutes it will likely need to resync with the Server Beacon before it will be able to transmit data. For additional information on how to implement Sleep Walk Mode see the AC4490 User Guide: Sleep Walk Power Down and Sleep Walk Power-Down Wake Up in the Command Descriptions section.


Unfortunately, because of the masterless architecture of the AC4790/CL4790, these radios do not support any from of Sleep mode, as the radios need to be actively scanning for a beacon from a peer radio that needs to send data.


Additional considerations for maximizing battery life:

  • Adding power control so you can programmatically disable VCC to the radio.
  • Consider reducing the transmit power - test with lower transmit powers in sites typical of end user experience to see if this is an option.
  • Where applicable, consider buffering data to create larger packets of RF data rather than sending several smaller packets. 
  • Holding the processor in Reset using the Reset pin will NOT enable a Low Power Mode


How do I return my ConnexLink Radio, AC4490/AC4790, RM024, LT1110 radio to its default settings?

In order to return the radio to its default EEPROM settings it is necessary to load a previously saved file containing the default settings to the Configuration Utility and write the changes to the radio. If you did not save the default settings to a file, prior to changing the settings, please contact Laird Support through the Support Portal to request a file with the default settings for the purpose of restoring the radio to its default configuration.

The "Show Default" settings view in the Laird Configuration and Test Utility should NEVER be written to the radio, as these are for reference ONLY. Writing these to the radio can result in corrupting the radio to a point where it can become unrecoverable. After viewing the "Show Default" settings, the radio settings should always be READ again, prior to writing any changes to the radio, to prevent this from occurring.

Can I get true full duplex operation from the RAMP products (RM024, AC4490, AC4790, LT1110, CL4490, CL4790)?

In the Laird RAMP line of products there is a feature called Full Duplex that leads one to believe they can talk upstream and downstream simultaneously. This is not the case, Full Duplex in the RAMP products gives a dedicated slot within the frame to the Server or Initiator and the second slot or next frame to the Client or Responder. 

What is difference between AC4490/AC4790 product part numbers that end with -01, -02, -03?

The -01, -02, -03 at the end of the part number signifies the version of firmware loaded to the module.
These firmware versions are Regionally significant and apply certified for the regions listed:

 

 

Part Number Certification Region
AC4490-1000M-01 FCC IC/North America
AC4490-1000M-02* RCM/C-Tick* Australia
AC4490LR-1000M-01 Long Range FCC/IC North America
AC4490LR-1000M-02* RCM/C-Tick* Australia*
AC4490LR-1000M-03 Anatel Brazil
AC4790-1000M-01 FCC/IC North America
AC4790-1000M-02* RCM/C-Tick* Australia*
AC4790LR-1000M-01 FCC/IC North America
AC4790LR-1000M-02* RCM/C-Tick* Australia*
CL4490-1000-232-01 (RS232) FCC/IC North America
CL4490-1000-232-03 (RS232) Anatel Brazil
CL4490-1000-232-SP-01 (RS232 - Starter Pack - Includes 2 units) FCC/IC North America
CL4490-1000-485-03 (RS485) Anatel Brazil
CL4490-1000-485-01 (RS485) FCC/IC North America
CL4490-1000-485-SP-01 (RS485 - Starter Pack - Includes 2 units) FCC/IC North America

*RMC/C-Tick Certified modules/ConnexLink must be purchased through Tekdis as they hold the certification.

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Talk to an Expert

Distributors

Distributor Phone Number Region Website
Arrow Electronics 1-855-326-4757
+44 2039 365486
APAC, North America, South America, EMEA Website
Avnet 1-480-643-2000
+44 1628 512900
APAC, North America, South America, EMEA Website
Braemac Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia +61 2 9550 6600
+64 9 477 2148
APAC Website
Cal-Chip Connect 1-215-942-8900
North America Website
DigiKey 1-800-344-4539
North America, South America, APAC, EMEA Website
EBV Elektronik EMEA Website
Farlink Technology China, Hong Kong +86 13266922199
APAC Website
Farnell 1-800-936-198
+44 3447 11 11 22
EMEA Website
Future Electronics 1-800-675-1619
1-514-428-8470
North America, South America, APAC, EMEA Website
Glyn +49-6126-590-0
EMEA Website
Hy-Line Germany Only +49 89 614 503 0
EMEA Website
Jetronic China, Hong Kong and Taiwan 852-27636806 
APAC Website
Laird Connectivity 1-847-839-6925
+44 1628 858941
North America, South America, APAC, EMEA Website
M2M Germany +49-6081-587386-0
EMEA Website
Martinsson +46 8 7440300
EMEA Website
McCoy South East Asia +65 6515 2988
APAC Website
Mouser 1-800-346-6873
+44 1494 427500
North America, South America, APAC, EMEA Website
RS Components +852-2421-9898
+44 3457-201201
North America, South America, APAC, EMEA Website
Ryoyo Japan +81-3-3543-7711
APAC Website
Solsta UK Only +44 (0) 1527 830800
EMEA Website
Supreme Components International India, South East Asia +65 6848-1178
APAC Website
Symmetry Electronics 1-866-506-8829
North America Website
Tekdis Australia and New Zealand +61 3 8669 1210
APAC Website
Telsys +972 3 7657666
EMEA Website
WPG +44 1628 958460
EMEA Website