Semtech adds low-power 300MHz-510MHz transceiver and receiver to ISM band RF platform

CAMARILLO, USA: Semtech Corp., a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, announced the SX1212 UHF transceiver and SX1213 UHF receiver, two new devices in the company’s RF solutions platform that boast the industry’s lowest receive current consumption.

The SX1212 is a single-chip transceiver that operates in the 300MHz to 510MHz frequency range with a receive current of only 2.5 mA (typ). The SX1213 is a single-chip receiver for the same frequency range and with the same low receive current level. Both devices are designed for wireless alarm, security, sensors network in home automation and automated meter reading applications.

The receive current of the SX1212 and SX1213 is five to six times better than competing devices meaning customers can increase the operating cycle of the radios in their designs which reduces latency and improves response time. These elements are critical in security applications where a reduced operating cycle can mean missed alarm events.

The new devices allow customers to turn to Semtech for low-power RF solutions spanning the entire industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) RF band. They complement the SX1211, a transceiver that operates in the 863-960 MHz frequency range and features a receive current of less than 3.0 mA. All of the products are pin compatible.

“The low receive current of the SX1212 and SX1213 removes a limiting factor to innovation in the wireless control industry, which we think will lead to breakthrough systems that make use of a high receiver on time,” said Marc Pégulu, Semtech Industrial Analog product line manager.

“For example, next generation energy harvesting solutions can leverage these devices in motion detectors and wireless remote controls to provide improved lighting smart controls that can optimize light levels for a perfect balance of energy consumption and productivity.”

The SX1212 and SX1213 are fully regulated to deliver a consistent RF range as the battery voltage decreases over time. This eliminates the cost and board space needed for external power management. For outdoor applications in extreme conditions, both devices leverage improved Semtech technology to deliver stable RF performance across a -40ºC to +85ºC temperature range.

Both devices incorporate a baseband modem with data rates up to 200 Kbit/s. Data handling features include a sixty-four byte FIFO, packet handling, automatic CRC generation and data whitening. All major RF communication parameters are programmable and most of them may be dynamically set. Both devices comply with European (ETSI EN 300-220 V2.1.1) and North American (FCC part 15.247 and 15.249) regulatory standards.

With support for both frequency-shift keying (FSK) modulation and on-off keying (OOK) modulation, the SX1212 and SX1213 can be used in new and legacy sensor network designs. The devices support FSK data rates from 1.56 to 200 Kbit/s and OOK data rates up to 32 Kbit/s. Receiver sensitivity for FSK modulation is -104 dBm at 25 Kbit/s and for OOK is -110 dBm at 2 Kbit/s.

The low receive current of the SX1212 and SX1213 lets designers specify lower capacity and lower cost batteries. The components also contribute to green solutions by extending useful battery life resulting in fewer battery replacements.

Semtech targets PoE market with addition to RailClamp platform

CAMARILLO, USA: Semtech Corp., a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, has announced the RClamp0524S, the first circuit protection device with an advanced split-pad transient voltage suppression (TVS) architecture designed to protect Power Over Ethernet (POE) interfaces from electrical surges and transients.

The four-line RClamp0524S’ unique design incorporates two surge-rated, low capacitance TVS diode arrays to clamp fast rise-time transient voltage spikes to a safe threshold. This RailClamp(R) platform device safeguards submicron CMOS ICs from electrical surges including electrostatic discharge (ESD), cable discharge events (CDE), electrical fast transients (EFT) and residual lightning surges.

The TVS arrays present a 5V working voltage and offer low line-to-line capacitance to preserve signal integrity on high-speed interfaces. As PoE signal pairs reside at different DC potentials, Semtech’s novel split-pad TVS architecture achieves the critical electrical isolation needed between PoE differential pairs while also maintaining robust surge immunity on individual line pair.

Packaged in a SOT-23 6L package, the RClamp0524S’ integrated diode arrays feature an efficient flow-through layout, ideal for PCB trace routing and mitigating parasitics in applications such as Wireless Access Points, VoIP Telephony, and Digital Surveillance Cameras. The RClamp0524S can be located on the PCB or inside the RJ-45 connector where board space is limited. While offering designers the benefit of significant board space savings, the RClamp0524S’ small size and ROHS & WEEE compliance is consistent with Semtech’s initiative to be a leader in enabling greener technologies.

“The PoE market is anticipating over 40% growth within the next three years, driven by the need for remote powered applications. As new PoE applications emerge, manufacturers will need to consider their protection schemes to be PoE certified,” said Rick Hansen, Director of Product Marketing for Protection Products at Semtech. “The split-pad TVS architecture of the RClamp0524S makes it a better alternative than discrete solutions, providing critical savings in terms of BOM costs and board space while also offering all of the low clamping, low capacitance and durability advantages of Semtech’s solid-state silicon-avalanche technology.”