Wireless Communications in project

[brendan-petrol]

Hello people!

I am in the process of designing a PCB for a project I'm working on, and I want to put some low speed wireless communications in it.

Would I be better off designing the PCB to fit around a pre-made module or looking for an IC to do that for me and designing it into the project?

Thanks!
Brendan

[w2aew]

Hello people!

I am in the process of designing a PCB for a project I'm working on, and I want to put some low speed wireless communications in it.

Would I be better off designing the PCB to fit around a pre-made module or looking for an IC to do that for me and designing it into the project?

Thanks!
Brendan

Using premade RF modules can save you the headaches of the Rf layout, antenna, etc.  there are very inexpensive modules available today, like these:
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9582

[c4757p]

Yep. Normally I feel like I'm giving up with premade modules, but RF is one area where I'll use one. Saves you a ton of work and you usually end up with a nicer solution than if you did it yourself.

[brendan-petrol]

Would that choice make much of a difference if I decided to get a batch of boards fabricated?

I imagine using an RF module would be better for once off prototypes, but designing one on-board would be better for mass produced boards?

I was considering (depending on how it turned out) putting my project up on Kickstarter to get a batch fabricated...