RFICs cut low-power radio down to size

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Mar 30, 2006

Two highly integrated radio frequency ICs from RFM feature high datarates and low power consumption as well as minimising external component count in short-range wireless applications.

Available from Acal Semiconductors, the RFM TXC100 integrates all RF transmitter functions including a complete phase-lock loop (PLL) and power amplifier, and the RXC101 includes all RF receiver and baseband functions.

Both devices feature high datarates and low power consumption as well as minimising external component count in short-range wireless applications.The rugged, single-chip TXC100 OOK/ASK/FSK transmitters operate in the 300-450MHz frequency range and are housed in a 3x3mm surface-mount package.

A high adjustable output power of -10 to +10dBm is combined with low power consumption of sub-1nA standby and 7mA (ASK) or 10mA (FSK) operating current.

The TXC100 also features high datarates of 100Kbit/s (ASK) or 20Kbit/s (FSK), adjustable FSK shift, a programmable clock output and a supply voltage range of 2.1 to 3.6V.

The single-chip RXC101 is a highly programmable, multichannel OOK/FSK receiver operating in the 315, 433, 868 and 915MHz frequency bands.

It can be used to create a complete receiver link either in stand-alone mode or in conjunction with a low-cost microcontroller via a generic 10MHz crystal.

It offers a frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) capability and high receiver sensitivity of -113dBm with FSK datarates up to 256Kbit/s.

"Given the combination of Acal Semiconductors' expertise in design support and RFM's standing as a leading manufacturer of RF products, the new TXC100 and RXC101 RFICs are an easy choice for engineers who want the latest single-chip functionality with proven RF experience".

"These new RFICs extend RFM's product portfolio which ranges from discrete SAW components and patented Virtual Wire and ASH (amplifier-sequenced hybrid) technology to complete FCC/ETSI-certified modules with integrated radio, microprocessor and MESH protocol", said Martin Kemp, Sales and Marketing Manager, RF and Wireless Products, of Acal Semiconductors.

The TXC100 and RXC101 RFICs are sampling now from Acal Semiconductors.

Development boards will be available from Acal Semiconductors to evaluate the TXC100 transmitter at frequencies of 315 or 433.92MHz.

The boards can be used as a stand-alone evaluation platform or soldered directly into a prototype PCB via standard 0.25in square header pins.

Connection to a spectrum analyser or external antenna is via an end-launch SMA connector which can, alternatively, be removed and replaced with quarter-wavelength monopole antenna soldered to the centre pin.