Microchip announces world’s first ionization smoke-detector IC with programmable calibration and feature selection

CHANDLER, USA: Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, announced the RE46C180—the world’s first ionization smoke-detector IC with programmable calibration and programmable feature selection, and the first with horn synchronization and auto alarm locate.

This ASIC also has expanded options for implementing hush operation, and more options for interconnect operation—including with carbon-monoxide detectors. These features enable designers to develop and manufacture a broad range of residential and commercial smoke detectors using a single IC and PCB.

Smoke-detector designers are looking to eliminate the costs of manual calibration and feature selection, while enabling the use of a single IC and PCB for all models, via electronic programming. The RE46C180 provides programmable calibration, which reduces component counts and makes it easier to set up smoke detectors during manufacturing.

Additionally, its programmable features allow one IC to be used for multiple smoke-detector models, including models with different battery types, horn patterns and other features.

Manufacturers also want to provide smoke-detector users with additional features. The RE46C180’s horn synchronization enables designers to easily synchronize temporal horn patterns in multiple-detector systems—a first for residential systems. Auto alarm locate enables the users of multiple-detector systems to quickly identify the smoke detector causing the alarm and assess the threat.

“The addition of the industry’s first ionization smoke-detector IC with programmable calibration and features demonstrates Microchip’s continued commitment to innovate for the smoke-detector market,” said Bryan J. Liddiard, marketing VP for Microchip’s Analog and Interface Products Division.

“Microchip already offers a broad line of PIC microcontrollers, horn drivers, smoke-detector ICs, and signal-chain and power-management products, providing a complete portfolio of smoke-detector solutions for everything from residential detectors to programmable commercial detection systems.”

The RE46C180 is available today for sampling and volume production, in 16-pin PDIP and SOIC packages. Pricing starts at $0.82 each, in 10,000-unit quantities.