ZigBee sensor chip is location aware

SoC incorporates a hardware location engine targeting low-power ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 wireless sensor networking applications.

Texas Instruments has introduced the industry's first system-on-chip solution with a hardware location engine targeting low-power ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 wireless sensor networking applications.

The CC2431, from the company's Chipcon product line, targets applications such as asset and equipment tracking, inventory control, patient monitoring, remote controls, security and commissioning networks.

The device is supported by TI's leading ZigBee protocol stack, Z-Stack.

The CC2431 is based on the industry's first available SoC solution for low-power RF applications, the CC2430.

Both devices combine the excellent performance of the industry-leading CC2420 RF transceiver core with an enhanced 8051 microcontroller, up to 128Kbyte Flash memory, 8Kbyte of RAM and many additional features - all in a small 7 x 7mm package.

The CC2431's RSSI-based location engine accurately calculates the node's position based on the receive signal strength from CC2430-based reference nodes with known locations and can then send the location information to a collector (eg computer, PDA, handset).

This capability reduces network traffic and communication delays compared with centralised location systems.

In typical applications, accuracy of 3-5m can be achieved.

"Combined with the Z-Stack, the CC2431 provides the market's most competitive ZigBee solution and illustrates the innovation and market leadership of the Chipcon product line", says Art George, Senior Vice President of TI's high-performance analogue business.

"Customers will now be able to develop reliable and robust wireless networks, while reducing time to market and minimising production costs".

TI's Z-Stack protocol software is designed to the ZigBee 2006 specification and supports multiple platforms, including the CC2431, CC2430 and CC2420+MSP430 platform.

The Z-Stack has been awarded the ZigBee Alliance's golden unit status by the ZigBee test house TUV Rheinland and is used by thousands of ZigBee developers worldwide.

The CC2431 is sampling now, with volume production scheduled for 3Q 2007.

The device is available in a RoHS-compliant 7 x 7mm QLP-48 package and is priced at US $6.45 in 1000-piece quantities (suggested resale pricing).

The CC2430 is in volume production and available from TI and its authorised distributors.

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