MeshNetics ZigBit Modules Based on Atmel's Chipset Achieve ZigBee 2006 Certification

San Jose, California (ots/PRNewswire) -

MeshNetics, an award-winning ZigBee technology provider, today
announced that it has successfully obtained ZigBee 2006 certification
for its family of ZigBit 802.15.4/ZigBee OEM modules that are based
on a chipset from Atmel(R) Corporation (Nasdaq: ATML). MeshNetics'
ZigBeeNet becomes the first ZigBee-certified stack for the Atmel
AVR(R) Z-Link(R) hardware platform, consisting of an ATmega1281 AVR
Flash microcontroller and an AT86RF230 RF transceiver. The robust
testing process performed by a ZigBee qualified testing lab, ensures
the interoperability with other ZigBee compliant products.

ZigBee modules help OEMs bring ZigBee 2006-compliant products to
market faster by eliminating costly and time-consuming RF
development. Areas of application include building automation, HVAC,
automated meter reading, predictive maintenance, transportation, and
asset tracking. The MeshNetics ZigBit modules feature best-in-class
sensitivity, long range and low power consumption while occupying
less than a half square inch of space. The ZigBit modules are the
first to utilize Atmel's new AT86RF230 radio. Thanks to its 104 dBm
performance, its range is almost 3 times that of its competitors.

"Achieving ZigBee certification comes as an important milestone to
MeshNetics, as we are seeing an increased adoption of ZigBee
technology in the market and interoperability becoming a pivotal
factor," said Mr. Vasiliy Suvorov, CEO of MeshNetics. "Now we are
able to offer OEMs not only a combination of best-of-breed hardware
and software, but also a guarantee of the future interoperability of
their products. We worked on this certification in partnership with
Atmel, a world leader in advanced semiconductors, and we look forward
to continuing to serve the rapidly growing ZigBee market together."

"The ZigBee-certified platform represents an important building
block in the fast developing ZigBee market," said Magnus Pedersen,
Atmel's Director of Product Marketing AVR RF. "With the ZigBee
certification process in place, we are pleased to see MeshNetics
being the first company to qualify on the AVR Z-Link platform."

Availability

MeshNetics' ZigBit modules are available with two antenna options:
dual-chip antenna and balanced RF output for use with PCB antenna.
All ZigBit modules come bundled with networking stack firmware that
enables the module-based wireless sensor devices to form
self-healing, self-organizing mesh networks. Using MeshNetics
firmware, developers can fully manage ZigBee networks via either C
API or a set of AT-commands. ZigBit evaluation kits and development
kits present easy-to-use tools for the module testing and application
development, and include evaluation boards, software, accessories,
documentation and technical support over e-mail.

MeshNetics will offer hands-on training sessions using the ZigBee
2006 certified platform during the ZigBee Developers' Conference in
San Jose, CA on April 3 - 5, 2007. For more information please see
www.meshnetics.com.

About Atmel

Atmel is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of
microcontrollers, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory
and radio frequency (RF) components. Leveraging one of the industry's
broadest intellectual property (IP) technology portfolios, Atmel is
able to provide the electronics industry with complete system
solutions. Focused on consumer, industrial, security, communications,
computing and automotive markets, Atmel ICs can be found Everywhere
You Are(R). For more information, please visit www.atmel.com.

(C) 2007 Atmel Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Atmel(R), logo
and combinations thereof, Everywhere You Are(R), AVR(R), Z-Link(R)
and others, are registered trademarks, or trademarks of Atmel
Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other terms and product names may be
trademarks of others.

ZigBee: Wireless Control That Simply Works

The ZigBee Alliance is an association of companies working
together to enable reliable, cost effective, low-power, wirelessly
networked, monitoring and control products based on an open global
standard. The ZigBee Alliance membership comprises technology
providers and original equipment manufacturers worldwide. Membership
is open to all.

Additional information can be found at www.zigbee.org.

About MeshNetics

MeshNetics is an award-winning technology provider specializing in
802.15.4/ZigBee short-range wireless sensing and control. MeshNetics
helps its partners and customers to accelerate time to market by
developing M2M solutions for building automation, HVAC, automated
meter reading, predictive maintenance, transportation, asset
tracking, and more. MeshNetics has developed a comprehensive
portfolio of products and services that includes the ZigBit
802.15.4/ZigBee OEM module, networking stack software; evaluation and
development kits; SensiLink middleware; and customization services.
MeshNetics bases its long-term strategy on open standards, and is a
member of the ZigBee Alliance and OPC Foundation. For more
information, please visit www.meshnetics.com.

Atmel Press Contacts:
Philippe Faure, Marketing Communications Director - Microcontrollers
Phone: +33-2-40-18-18-87, Email: philippe.faure@nto.atmel.com
Helen Perlegos, Public Relations - USA and Asia Pacific Rim
Phone: +1-408-487-2963, Email: hperlegos@atmel.com
Veronique Sablereau, Corporate Communications Manager - Europe
Phone: +33-1-30-60-70-68, Fax: +49-71-31-67-24-23
Email: veronique.sablereau@atmel.com
MeshNetics Press Contact:
Alex Leonov, PR & Communications Phone: +7-495-725-8125 x5504,
Email: aleonov@meshnetics.com

Web site: http://www.atmel.com

ots Originaltext: Atmel Corporation
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
Atmel Press, Philippe Faure, Marketing Communications Director -
Microcontrollers, +33-2-40-18 -18-87, or
philippe.faure@nto.atmel.com, or Helen Perlegos, Public Relations -
USA and Asia Pacific Rim, +1-408-487-2963, or hperlegos@atmel.com, or
Veronique Sablereau, Corporate Communications Manager - Europe,
+33-1-30-60-70-68, or fax: +49-71-31-67-24-23, or
veronique.sablereau@atmel.com, or MeshNetics Press Contact, Alex
Leonov, PR & Communications, +7-495-725-8125 x5504, or
aleonov@meshnetics.com