SINGAPORE: STMicroelectronics has extended its STM32 microcontroller portfolio by introducing the STM32W family, which features an integrated IEEE 802.15.4 radio to deliver a true System-on-Chip platform supporting embedded wireless sensor network design.
IEEE 802.15.4 is an open standard for low-power, low-data-rate radio in the unlicensed 2.4GHz band, and is widely used in communication and networking applications such as smart energy metering, home automation, security and monitoring equipment, and remote controls. The ZigBee Alliance has specified IEEE 802.15.4 as the radio platform for the industry-standard ZigBee protocol, which is popular in applications such as sensor networking and automatic meter reading.
ST’s new STM32W family implements the IEEE 802.15.4 physical (PHY) layer as well as the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, giving developers the flexibility to target ZigBee-compliant specifications or to build any network wireless protocol which interfaces with the standardized IEEE802.15.4 MAC.
Other well known protocols include ZigBee RF4CE for radio-frequency remote controls or 6LoWPAN for wireless embedded Internet solutions. Software support for the STM32W family includes libraries for the latest ZigBee PRO specification, as well as ZigBee RF4CE, and the IEEE 802.15.4 MAC.
The new devices combine the benefits of a best-in-class radio platform with the added performance, flexibility and scalability of the STM32 microcontroller architecture. The STM32 portfolio is the industry’s leading microcontroller product range featuring the advanced 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 processor, and it was the first to eliminate all obstacles to broad 32-bit usage in embedded applications.
Advantages such as high processing performance, advanced power management and high integration, as well as real-time behavior, have attracted large numbers of developers to the STM32 platform, worldwide.
Joining this successful product line, the STM32W family benefits from compatibility with other STM32 variants and also leverages the STM32 development ecosystem. Developers also benefit from best-in-class code density, which is at least 20 percent better than other architectures thanks to the efficiency of the Cortex-M3 core.
The STM32W is a true SoC combining best-in-class IEEE 802.15.4 RF performance as well as 32-bit processing. The devices can transmit up to 7dBm output power and support up to 107dB link budget, achieve up to –100dBm receiver sensitivity, and allow coexistence with nearby Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networks, which also operate in the 2.4GHz frequency band.
Performance highlights of the STM32W family include low power consumption, drawing as little as 27mA in receive mode and 31mA in transmit mode, and implementing a 1µA Deep-Sleep mode to aid power management. Special features supporting wireless applications include 8Kbyte SRAM, 128Kbyte Flash for code storage, and embedded AES encryption with hardware acceleration.
General-purpose resources include a flexible ADC, an SPI/UART/TWI serial interface, multiple timers, and 24 GPIOs with Schmitt-trigger inputs. Single-voltage operation from 2.1V to 3.6V simplifies design, while high integration also saves external components. Only a single 24MHz crystal is required, or an optional 32.768kHz crystal for increased timer accuracy. There is also support for an external power amplifier.
The smart combination of a best-in-class 2.4GHz radio and powerful 32-bit machine brings outstanding network system performance and associated low-power operation enhancing battery life time.
The STM32W family is available in a 6 x 6mm 40-pin QFN package pin-to-pin compatible with the SN260, or a 7 x 7mm 48-pin QFN compatible with the SN250. Pricing begins at $2.90 for quantities over 100,000 units with ZigBee PRO feature-set.
Showing posts with label ZigBee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ZigBee. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
RFaxis secures Zigbee and WLAN design wins
IRVINE, USA: RFaxis, a fabless semiconductor company focused on innovative, next-generation RF solutions for the wireless and connectivity markets, announced that Taiwan-based CeraMicro Technology Corp. has chosen RFaxis' RF Front-end Integrated Circuits (RFeICs) for integration into its System-in-Package (SiP) solutions for Zigbee and WLAN.
CeraMicro is the leading solution provider of Zigbee, WLAN, and Bluetooth SiPs and RF modules. CeraMicro's Zigbee modules (eZigbee) are widely used in various applications including asset management, energy management, monitoring & sensoring, lighting, security, HVAC, home care, utility metering, thermostats, consumer electronics remote controls, PC peripherals, and audio devices. Its RF SiP solutions are used in Wi-Fi 802.11n/a/b/g modules and Bluetooth modules.
According to Lincoln Tseng, CeraMicro's president and general manager: "After carefully evaluating many different RF front-end solutions, we found RFaxis' innovative RFeICs to be the best of the best, delivering upon the company's promise of a true high performance, single-chip, single-die, BiCMOS device and changing the way we have viewed RF front-end solutions."
CeraMicro has designed RFaxis' RFX2401 and RFX2402 RFeICs into its eZigbee and SiP RF modules, respectively. RFaxis' single-chip, single-die, RFeICs are poised to replace conventional larger, multi-die front-end modules.
Leveraging BiCMOS technology, RFaxis' chips are designed to reduce the complexity of wireless designs, lower manufacturing costs via a smaller footprint and reduced bill of materials cost, accelerate time to market, provide superior performance for a competitive advantage, and are ultra low power to offer improved power efficiency over conventional front-end module technologies.
"CeraMicro is a SiP pioneer, and their relationships with and exposure to top-tier OEMS make them an ideal partner for RFaxis," noted Mike Neshat, president and CEO of RFaxis. "We anticipate a truly synergistic relationship with CeraMicro moving forward, as we work together to improve performance, reduce cost and accelerate time to market for OEMs."
Full production of CeraMicro's SiPs and RF modules utilizing RFaxis' RFeICs will commence in Q1 2010, and in significant volumes.
CeraMicro is the leading solution provider of Zigbee, WLAN, and Bluetooth SiPs and RF modules. CeraMicro's Zigbee modules (eZigbee) are widely used in various applications including asset management, energy management, monitoring & sensoring, lighting, security, HVAC, home care, utility metering, thermostats, consumer electronics remote controls, PC peripherals, and audio devices. Its RF SiP solutions are used in Wi-Fi 802.11n/a/b/g modules and Bluetooth modules.
According to Lincoln Tseng, CeraMicro's president and general manager: "After carefully evaluating many different RF front-end solutions, we found RFaxis' innovative RFeICs to be the best of the best, delivering upon the company's promise of a true high performance, single-chip, single-die, BiCMOS device and changing the way we have viewed RF front-end solutions."
CeraMicro has designed RFaxis' RFX2401 and RFX2402 RFeICs into its eZigbee and SiP RF modules, respectively. RFaxis' single-chip, single-die, RFeICs are poised to replace conventional larger, multi-die front-end modules.
Leveraging BiCMOS technology, RFaxis' chips are designed to reduce the complexity of wireless designs, lower manufacturing costs via a smaller footprint and reduced bill of materials cost, accelerate time to market, provide superior performance for a competitive advantage, and are ultra low power to offer improved power efficiency over conventional front-end module technologies.
"CeraMicro is a SiP pioneer, and their relationships with and exposure to top-tier OEMS make them an ideal partner for RFaxis," noted Mike Neshat, president and CEO of RFaxis. "We anticipate a truly synergistic relationship with CeraMicro moving forward, as we work together to improve performance, reduce cost and accelerate time to market for OEMs."
Full production of CeraMicro's SiPs and RF modules utilizing RFaxis' RFeICs will commence in Q1 2010, and in significant volumes.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
TI supports ZigBee Alliance plan to integrate IP standards for smart energy apps
BANGALORE, INDIA: Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) today announced the company’s strong endorsement of the ZigBee Alliance’s recent announcement to integrate Internet Protocol (IP) and open standards. The plan to incorporate global IT standards from the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) will allow continued growth of smart grid applications beyond the smart meter with the proven ZigBee Smart Energy public application profile.
“The ZigBee Alliance decision to expand its leading wireless networking standard to incorporate IP standards will solidify and accelerate developments and innovation of rapidly growing smart grid applications,” said Laurent Giai-Miniet, general manager of TI’s Low-Power RF business. “TI is a leading supplier in this market segment and will continue to invest in solutions for smart energy. TI is also the only supplier that can deliver solutions for ZigBee in all market segments with ZigBee PRO, RF4CE, Smart Energy profile and IP.”
“Our Energy Sector members have been looking for a coupling of ZigBee’s established, respected and mature wireless standards with native IP capabilities and IETF support,” said Bob Heile, chairman of the ZigBee Alliance. “This move addresses that need and will further position ZigBee as a leading solution for a variety of smart grid efforts underway around the world.”
TI’s commitment and investment in low-power wireless:
* TI has championed the evolution of all ZigBee software specifications, including ZigBee 04, ZigBee 06, ZigBee PRO and the recently announced ZigBee RF4CE
* As a ZigBee Alliance promoter, TI has been deeply involved in the technical development of the popular ZigBee Smart Energy public application profile
* TI has participated in ZigBee Smart Energy interoperability testing since inception and was among the first awarded Golden Unit status
* In 2008, TI joined the IPSO Alliance, which was formed to promote the Internet Protocol as the network technology of choice for connecting smart objects around the world
* TI has developed partnerships with IP-based third parties to provide solutions on TI platforms
* TI also supports open source IP-based software stack that enables the integration of IPV6-based applications, such as web servers
The incorporation of global IT standards from the IETF with the wide range of existing ZigBee public application profiles will empower the ZigBee user community to develop innovative solutions for wireless sensor networking devices and link them through a scalable utility IT network.
TI’s leading RF hardware and software expertise will be critical in the definition and development of the new specification. TI will continue to collaborate within the technical working groups and announce new and innovative products for smart grid applications.
“The ZigBee Alliance decision to expand its leading wireless networking standard to incorporate IP standards will solidify and accelerate developments and innovation of rapidly growing smart grid applications,” said Laurent Giai-Miniet, general manager of TI’s Low-Power RF business. “TI is a leading supplier in this market segment and will continue to invest in solutions for smart energy. TI is also the only supplier that can deliver solutions for ZigBee in all market segments with ZigBee PRO, RF4CE, Smart Energy profile and IP.”
“Our Energy Sector members have been looking for a coupling of ZigBee’s established, respected and mature wireless standards with native IP capabilities and IETF support,” said Bob Heile, chairman of the ZigBee Alliance. “This move addresses that need and will further position ZigBee as a leading solution for a variety of smart grid efforts underway around the world.”
TI’s commitment and investment in low-power wireless:
* TI has championed the evolution of all ZigBee software specifications, including ZigBee 04, ZigBee 06, ZigBee PRO and the recently announced ZigBee RF4CE
* As a ZigBee Alliance promoter, TI has been deeply involved in the technical development of the popular ZigBee Smart Energy public application profile
* TI has participated in ZigBee Smart Energy interoperability testing since inception and was among the first awarded Golden Unit status
* In 2008, TI joined the IPSO Alliance, which was formed to promote the Internet Protocol as the network technology of choice for connecting smart objects around the world
* TI has developed partnerships with IP-based third parties to provide solutions on TI platforms
* TI also supports open source IP-based software stack that enables the integration of IPV6-based applications, such as web servers
The incorporation of global IT standards from the IETF with the wide range of existing ZigBee public application profiles will empower the ZigBee user community to develop innovative solutions for wireless sensor networking devices and link them through a scalable utility IT network.
TI’s leading RF hardware and software expertise will be critical in the definition and development of the new specification. TI will continue to collaborate within the technical working groups and announce new and innovative products for smart grid applications.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
RFID, biometrics convergence -- II
Continuing from the previois blog, it's a pleasure to introduce RCG, who I met with my ex-colleague Darius in Hong Kong, late 2006. We were very impressed with RCG's capabilities. I'd like to put down here what I saw that day (and wish my friend to update me later).
Based in Hong Kong's Cyberport, RC Group (Holdings) Ltd is developing, producing and distributing state-of-the-art biometrics and RFID software through hardware and system integration. A leader in Asia Pacific region, RCG has plans for aggressive global expansion with its all-in-one biometrics and RFID applications.
RCG is offering the i4+ time and attendance system with biometric access control. It uses an ARM processor, and features high-precision fingerprint sensor and high-speed authentication processing engine. RCG developed the hardware and software for the product. It uses 13.56GHz Mi-Fare card, and supports fingerprint access and password. Current memory is 256MB, which is flexible as more RAM can be added. It supports up to 10,000 users.
RCG is offering the M29 biometric fingerprint door lock that supports 100 fingerprint enrollments. It incorporates the latest fingerprint recognition technology into the zinc-alloy doorlock. The M29 combines advanced algorithm and advanced, precise semiconductor sensor to guarantee a fast, reliable performance and good image-capturing capability.
The S903 from RCG is a biometric fingerprint access control device featuring a state-of-the-art semiconductor fingerprint sensor. It features 64MB flash memory that is expandable. It can store up to 3,000 fingerprints. RCG was scheduled to add card support by Q4-2006.
RCG's FX Guard Pro biometric access control with face-recognition technology. It has a built-in IR sensor and RFID reader is optional. It is the first facial recognition application that runs primarily on TCP/IP. It adopts RCG's ultra-fast, highly accurate facial verification engine. RCG works with a partner in Germany for facial recognition. It also offers a Mi-Fare RFID card reader or EM card. Symbol is providing RCG the RFID tags, readers and antennae.
On the RFID side, RCG is offering mobility solutions, asset management and security control, and middleware. On the mobility side, it offers inventory database control and access device, and field service solution (using Symbol’s mobile PDA with GPRS).
RCG is also offering the asset monitoring system and control solution. It uses Symbol RFID tag and program readers, uses its own middleware and provides the solution, which is essentially aimed at the SMEs. It is a partner with EPCGlobal.
RCG has been included in the list of Hong Kong’s pilot projects. It also offers middleware and does the entire RFID software for the middleware in Hong Kong. It also adopts some SOA concepts.
Commenting on the outlook for 2007, Dr. Kam Hong Shum, CTO, said that one trend would be the convergence of RFID and biometrics. Next, there would be integration of devices into ERP, HR and payroll, etc. According to him, biometrics had huge potential. For RFID, there could be more of check-and-trace solutions, ported on devices such as Wi-Fi, GPS/GPRS terminals, besides using ZigBee for location tracking.
Based in Hong Kong's Cyberport, RC Group (Holdings) Ltd is developing, producing and distributing state-of-the-art biometrics and RFID software through hardware and system integration. A leader in Asia Pacific region, RCG has plans for aggressive global expansion with its all-in-one biometrics and RFID applications.
RCG is offering the i4+ time and attendance system with biometric access control. It uses an ARM processor, and features high-precision fingerprint sensor and high-speed authentication processing engine. RCG developed the hardware and software for the product. It uses 13.56GHz Mi-Fare card, and supports fingerprint access and password. Current memory is 256MB, which is flexible as more RAM can be added. It supports up to 10,000 users.
RCG is offering the M29 biometric fingerprint door lock that supports 100 fingerprint enrollments. It incorporates the latest fingerprint recognition technology into the zinc-alloy doorlock. The M29 combines advanced algorithm and advanced, precise semiconductor sensor to guarantee a fast, reliable performance and good image-capturing capability.
The S903 from RCG is a biometric fingerprint access control device featuring a state-of-the-art semiconductor fingerprint sensor. It features 64MB flash memory that is expandable. It can store up to 3,000 fingerprints. RCG was scheduled to add card support by Q4-2006.
RCG's FX Guard Pro biometric access control with face-recognition technology. It has a built-in IR sensor and RFID reader is optional. It is the first facial recognition application that runs primarily on TCP/IP. It adopts RCG's ultra-fast, highly accurate facial verification engine. RCG works with a partner in Germany for facial recognition. It also offers a Mi-Fare RFID card reader or EM card. Symbol is providing RCG the RFID tags, readers and antennae.
On the RFID side, RCG is offering mobility solutions, asset management and security control, and middleware. On the mobility side, it offers inventory database control and access device, and field service solution (using Symbol’s mobile PDA with GPRS).
RCG is also offering the asset monitoring system and control solution. It uses Symbol RFID tag and program readers, uses its own middleware and provides the solution, which is essentially aimed at the SMEs. It is a partner with EPCGlobal.
RCG has been included in the list of Hong Kong’s pilot projects. It also offers middleware and does the entire RFID software for the middleware in Hong Kong. It also adopts some SOA concepts.
Commenting on the outlook for 2007, Dr. Kam Hong Shum, CTO, said that one trend would be the convergence of RFID and biometrics. Next, there would be integration of devices into ERP, HR and payroll, etc. According to him, biometrics had huge potential. For RFID, there could be more of check-and-trace solutions, ported on devices such as Wi-Fi, GPS/GPRS terminals, besides using ZigBee for location tracking.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
