Microchip Technology introduces 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 FCC-certified radio frequency transceiver modu
Microchip Technology
(Product Announcements, 11/6/2008)
Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, has announced the MRF24J40MA FCC-certified Radio-Frequency (RF) transceiver module. The new module services the 2.4 GHz unlicensed Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) short-range wireless frequency band for the IEEE 802.15.4 specification, for ZigBee or proprietary wireless-protocol systems. It includes discrete biasing components and an integrated PCB antenna to be used in sensor and control network environments. The module is fully regulatory-agency certified for the US (FCC), Canada (IC) and Europe (ETSI), and is expected to save designers time and money by eliminating the need to receive FCC certification for their wireless products. Providing a complete short-range IEEE 802.15.4 wireless networking solution, the MRF24J40MA transceiver module is surface mountable and can be used with hundreds of 8-bit, 16-bit, or 32-bit PIC microcontrollers (MCUs). The module is supported by Microchip's PICDEM Z Demo Kit and the ZENA Wireless Network Analyser; as well as Microchip's free ZigBee, MiWi and MiWi P2P (Peer-to-Peer) software-protocol stacks. When combined with these development tools, the module enables designers with little or no RF design experience to design low-power wireless networking products quickly and inexpensively. 'We are excited to now offer PIC microcontroller customers a simple and complete 2.4 GHz wireless link, via our FCC-certified MRF24J40MA module,' said Steve Caldwell, director of Microchip's RF Products Division. 'By combining the transceiver module with one of our hundreds of PIC microcontrollers and our certified ZigBee, MiWi or MiWi P2P protocol stacks, customers can easily and cost-effectively develop short-range wireless networks.' 'Having a FCC-certified 802.15.4 module is expected to enable our designers to get products to market sooner,' said Dr. Jose Gutierrez, director of Technology Planning with Emerson. 'Additionally, agency-certified modules can reduce schedule risk and save Emerson a significant amount of money.' Applications A variety of wireless networking applications are appropriate for the MRF24J40MA module, such as industrial monitoring and control, home and building automation, remote control, low-power wireless sensor networks, lighting control and automated meter reading. Development Tool Support Designers looking to incorporate the MRF24J40MA transceiver module into their designs can do so using the PICDEM Z 2.4 GHz Demonstration Kit (Part # DM163027). The kit includes a pair of development boards with a PIC18LF4620 MCU, along with the ZENA network analyser and wireless network configuration utility. Designers can also download any of Microchip's free ZigBee, MiWi and MiWi P2P protocol stacks from its online Wireless Design Center at www.microchip.com/wireless. Module Availability & Pricing Production quantities of the MRF24J40MA module can be ordered at www.microchipdirect.com today. For further information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorised worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's Web site at www.microchip.com/wireless.
