A single-chip platform solution based on the ZigBee specification delivers the industry’s highest performance with the lowest power consumption, according to Freescale Semiconductor. The MC1322x is a Platform in Package solution that integrates the essential components of a ZigBee application, including a 32-bit microcontroller, a fully compliant IEEE 802.15.4 transceiver, a balun, and rf matching components. Also included are a hardware accelerator and security features, a buck converter for ultra-low-power applications, dual 12-bit analog-to-digital converters, multiple serial ports and peripherals, and ROM, RAM, and flash memory. The platform needs only an antenna and a crystal to be connected for operation.
The MC1322x also features a TurboLink mode that increases data rates by up to 2 Mbits/s between nodes. The devices will automatically switch between the 802.15.4 protocol and TurboLink technology packets, allowing developers to take advantage of the high-speed capabilities while simultaneously controlling and monitoring a ZigBee mesh network. The platform is optimized for Lithium-ion or NiCad batteries as small as coin cells, but can also use standard alkaline batteries, which can provide up to 20 years of system life.
Freescale will sample the MC1322x to key OEM customers in May and to the general market in December. Package options will include a 9.5- by 9.5-mm LGA and a 7- by 7-mm QFN. Devices will be available in both standard mode and TurboLink mode. Suggested resale pricing for the standard mode in an LGA package is $5.50 in quantities of 10,000. Check out www.freescale.com.