Siemens Building Technologies Introduces New Wireless Room Temperature Sensor with Mesh Network Technology for Real-World Control Applications

Business Wire, June 11, 2007

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. -- Wireless room sensors are not new. What is new is the way Siemens Building Technologies, Inc., has incorporated reliable, redundant mesh networking technology to ensure its new wireless room temperature sensors are immune to signal interruption. As a result, these innovative wireless sensors are ready to meet the real-world needs of facility owners and HVAC system designers looking to deploy wireless technology in demanding HVAC control system applications.

In November 2005, Siemens introduced APOGEE[R] Wireless, the first wireless building automation system based on mesh topology. Since that time, thousands of APOGEE Wireless devices have been integrated into systems across North America. In fact, Siemens has the largest single site deployment using this technology--more than in any other industry. The introduction of a new and innovative wireless sensor solution demonstrates the company's continued commitment to wireless technology.

"Our offering is the first wireless sensor in the industry to use robust and reliable mesh technology to communicate with its terminal box controller," says Rick LeBlanc, Sr. vice president of Siemens Building Technologies. "Until now, all wireless room temperature sensors had only one wireless communication path to their associated controller. If its communication link was disrupted due to a physical obstruction, communications were lost until the obstruction was removed. Because the new Siemens sensor is part of an inherently redundant network, the sensor is able to automatically find a new path using the other radio nodes on the network - therefore the communication link can't be compromised."

Signal integrity is only part of the sensor's overall reliability advantage. Efficient embedded intelligence and other aspects of its design contribute to long battery life--five years under normal use. Designed on a ZigBee[R]-compliant platform with a display that features temperature, setpoint values and occupancy condition, the device will enable the most ambitious, cost-efficient HVAC control schemes.

HVAC system designers and contractors can place the wireless sensor in the most optimal location to deliver occupant comfort and control rather than where it is easiest to wire.

"Siemens is committed to leading the industry with robust, reliable wireless technology," says LeBlanc. "The APOGEE Building Automation System is now enabled with wireless technology across its entire system architecture, from management station to sensor."

For more information on APOGEE Wireless:

* View a video announcement: http://www.us.sbt.siemens.com/bau/press/leblancvideo2.asp.> * Access an interactive tutorial that explains wireless mesh technology and its applications: http://www.us.sbt.siemens.com/bau/swf/apogee/index.html.> * Visit the APOGEE Wireless website: www.usa.siemens.com/wireless.> As a leading provider of energy and environmental solutions, building controls, fire safety and security system solutions, Siemens Building Technologies, Inc., makes buildings comfortable, safe, productive, energy efficient and less costly to operate. With U.S. headquarters in Buffalo Grove, Ill., Siemens Building Technologies employs 7,200 people and provides a full range of services and solutions from more than 100 locations coast-to-coast. Worldwide, the company has 28,000 employees and operates from more than 500 locations in 51 countries.

For more information on Siemens Building Technologies, visit: www.usa.siemens.com/buildingtechnologies