By Ashok BindraAustrian analog semiconductor supplier austriamicrosystems has readied a fully integrated 2.4 GHz multi-channel frequency shift keying (FSK) transceiver with integrated link manager for reliable control of star networks (up to 8 clients).
Featuring low power, high sensitivity with data rates from 250 kbps up to 2 Mbps, the fully integrated AS3940 integrates a digital received signal strength indictor (RSSI), real-time-clock (RTC) and programmable clock output, a Gaussian filter, phase-locked loop (PLL) and loop filter.
According to the developer, the AS3940 is the first 2.4 GHz transceiver with built-in star network management protocol manager that is royalty-free and provides an easy to use protocol for self-management of all network functions. This high level of integration not only speeds system design, but also decreases the MCU’s workload and ensures robust data transfer (burst and streaming modes) and correct protocol handling, said austriamicrosystems.
The AS3940 also offers excellent adjacent channel rejection and sensitivity, which is rated at -100 dBm (News - Alert) at 250 kbps and -92 dBm at 2Mbps. Other key features include battery voltage monitoring, adaptive channel switching, integrated Tx/Rx switch and 4 separate 256-bit user data buffers.
All communication with a MCU and all configuration of the transceiver are implemented using a bidirectional 4-pin serial data interface (SDI).
In addition, the FSK transceiver offers programmable output power in 3 dB steps from -24 dBm to 0 dBm, efficient power management and power-optimized wakeup modes, as well as support of frequency hopping.
The performance and integrated functions of the AS3940 make it very well suited for a number of applications, including body-area networks for health and fitness, wireless sensor networks, active smart labels, home and building automation, interactive remote controls and data streaming.
“The introduction of the AS3940 2.4 GHz star network transceiver gives designers a device with a unique blend of high performance, low power, and ease of implementation,” stated Johnsy Varghese, austriamicrosystems’ wireless marketing manager said. He added, “The AS3940 enables customers to be RF implementers instead of RF experts. With its high performance and adaptive channel switching features the S3940 creates a robust wireless system, even in dense Wi-Fi environments.”
Housed in a QFN-32 (5x5 mm) package, the AS3940 operates with a 2.2 V power supply over a temperature range of -40 to +85 °C. And costs less than $3.00 in 1000-piece quantities.
A demo board is available to help evaluate AS3940, said austriamicrosystems.
