SoC Enters Short-Range, Low-Data-Rate Wireless Arena

Compliant with IEEE 802.15.4 draft standard, the ASTRX1 system-on-a-chip, multi-channel transceiver is said to be a less complex and less expensive alternative to Bluetooth for short-range, low-data-rate applications. Supporting two-way communications at burst data rates of up to 40 kb/s over distances of up to 100 meters, the IC is targeted for use in telemetry, security system, medical monitoring, interactive toy, and other wireless products. The transceiver also offers frequency range options of 868 to 870 and 902 to 928 MHz, enabling it to operate over both European and North American license-free bands. Based on the company’s ASTRIC (Application Specific Transmit and Receive IC) and a proprietary design jointly developed with Adcon Telemetry A.G., an Austrian company, the ASTRX1 CMOS SoC is said to integrate all of the RF and baseband functions needed for the wireless applications, as well as interfaces for direct connection to a microcontroller and host computer. Other features of the zero-IF ASTRX1 include receiver sensitivity of -95 dBm, RS-232 and parallel interfaces, and operation from a 3.0V ±0.3V supply, with transmit and receive current consumption rated at less than 14 and 25 mA, respectively. The SoC in a 64-lead, 9 mm x 9 mm package costs $4.75 each/100K. Samples will be available in Q3 and development kits, Q4. AMI SEMICONDUCTOR, Pocatello, ID. (208) 233-4690.