LPRS, Europe’s leading supplier of short-range radio devices, announces the launch of the IQRF wireless design challenge. Running from 1st December 2011 to 31st March 2012 the challenge is open to all RF designers to create a new and innovative wireless communication or control solution based on the simple to use IQFR wireless mesh components with a total of $10,000 to be awarded to winning designs across all categories.

Registration is open to anyone who designs an application based on the IQRF platform. To register for the competition, visit www.iqrf.org/contest, where full terms and conditions are also available. The two competition design categories are; best application and best student design. Judging will take place during April 2012 based on the following criteria; originality, innovation, functionality, practicality and quality of code and documentation.

John Sharples, Managing Director of LPRS, comments: “IQRF modules offer a comprehensive, simple to use solution for wireless mesh networking. Whether you are developing "smart" technology for building automation, innovative lighting systems for the road network or an energy saving application that will benefit the environment, IQRF modules are a great development tool and a fast way to get products to market.”

IQRF is a complete modular platform for wireless peer-to-peer or network connectivity .A wireless mesh network offers users extended range as data packets can be delivered via intermediate points (routers) to the destination (hopping) at up to 700 metres per hop. This assists with avoiding obstacles and routing mechanisms have a capacity to detect temporary failures and use alternative paths. The IQRF wireless mesh system requires lower RF output power which extends battery life and generates less noise.

Due to their extremely low power consumption and ease of use IQRF wireless mesh transceivers are ideally suited and easily integrated into; smart meters and grids, “smart houses”, home area networks and building automation. Broader concepts for using wireless networks is the creation of the “smart city” and controllable street lighting using bidirectional communication, and making use of the IQRF routing of up to 700 metres per hop and dynamic timing for fast responses.