advice on trancseiver+microcontroller bundle?

[manos11]

Hi guys,

I have implemented a wireless sensor network on the chipcon cc1010 chip and now I am starting another project but would like advice on the hardware platform to use.

my main questions are these:
a. would a transceiver+microcontroller be a better solution than two chips interconnected considering the price and the ease and practicality.

b. what device do I need in order to connect a microcontroller with an external device such a pressure sensor or more importantly a solenoid valve that requires more power than the i/o can supply?

regards
manos

 

[upand_at_them]

a. would a transceiver+microcontroller be a better solution than two chips interconnected considering the price and the ease and practicality.

A better solution to what? You haven't said what your new project is.

b. what device do I need in order to connect a microcontroller with an external device such a pressure sensor or more importantly a solenoid valve that requires more power than the i/o can supply?

That depends on what the sensor is. Some sensors can interface directly to the microcontroller's ADC. A solenoid can be switch by a relay controlled by the microcontroller.

Mike

 

[nickelflippr]

a. would a transceiver+microcontroller be a better solution than two chips interconnected considering the price and the ease and practicality.

Well if you are using the bare CC1010 chips, instead of the modules, then wouldn't that be the way to go? As soon as an electrician starts pulling wire your done. If its a home project, then ($20 of transceivers)/ (0.10/ft wire) equals about 200 ft for break even.

b. what device do I need in order to connect a microcontroller with an external device such a pressure sensor or more importantly a solenoid valve that requires more power than the i/o can supply?

Maybe a ULN2803 line driver with an appropriate relay.