When preparing to start a new advanced IoT design, where do you begin? Do you start with a microcontroller or a radio? Most single-chip IoT devices are an MCU combined with a wireless transceiver. Or is that wireless transceiver packaged with a support MCU? It could be either—it all depends on how you view the project. In any case, with all of the single-chip IoT devices available, it’s difficult to decide.
However, some demanding IoT products need major computing power and a low-power, long-range radio. Such a prime combination requirement helps narrow down what ICs are available to handle the job. However, this article introduces a new choice you may not know you had.