Microchip Simplifies RF Networking Design By Introducting Certified 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4
Radio Transceiver Module
Microchip has recently introduced the MRF24J40MA RF module. The MRF24J40MA has an integrated PCB antenna, matching circuitry and supports the ZigBee
, MiWi and MiWi P2P protocols. The MRF24J40MA Module connects to hundreds of PIC Microcontrollers via a 4-wire SPI interface and is an ideal solution for wireless sensor networks, home automation, building automation and consumer applications.
The MRF24J40MA certified RF transceiver module services the 2.4GHz unlicensed
Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) short range wireless frequency band for the IEE 802.15.4 specification, for Zigbee or proprietary wireless – protocol systems.
It includesdiscrete 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 significant time and money by eliminating the need to seek local certification for wireless products.
The MRF24J40A transceiver module is surface mountable and can be used with many 8 bit, 16 bit, or 32 bit PIC microcontrollers. The module is supported by Microchip’s PICDEM Z Demo kit and the Zena Wireless Network Analyzer as well as Microchip’s free Zigbee , MiWi and MiWi P2P software protocol stacks.
MiWi and MiWi P2P protocols are simple wireless protocols that are designed for low data rate, short distance, cost constrained networks. Based on the IEEE 802.15.4 wireless personal area network (WPAN) specification, the MiWi protocol stacks are small foot-print alternatives to ZigBee and are ideal for cost-sensitive applications with limited memory.
The MiWi P2P protocol stack supports star and peer to peer wireless – network topologies with an ultra-small code implementation of 3k bytes for Microchip’s PIC Microcontrollers.
Additionally, the new MiWi P2P stack provides sleeping – mode, active scan and energy detect features that enable robust operation whilst supporting the low power requirements of battery operated devices.
Protocol stacks are provided under a free license when using Microchip's microcontrollers and the MRF24J40-I/ML.MRF24J40-I/ML. transceiver. Many new designs are expected following the introduction of this new module - lower volume opportunities will become more viable as approval costs will be minimised.
Features & benefits:
Certified Module enables designers to minimise approval costs.
PICDem Z can use same module with different footprint - minimising development issues. Low cost Module makes RF Networking viable on lower volume applications.
Small memory footprint for the MiWi and MiWi P2P protocols – allows use of lower cost PIC microcontrollers.
4 Wire SPI Interface allows easy connection to hundreds of PIC microcontrollers.
Application information:
Industrial Monitoring and Control, home and building automation, remote control, low power wireless sensor networks, lighting control and automated meter reading.
Product information table:
| Mftrs. Part No. | Product Description | Additional Information |
MRF24J40MA | Certified Module | |
AC163028 | Certified Module | Fits PICDem Z Kit |
AC164134-2AC164134-2 | Certified Module | PICtail Plus Footprint |
DM163027-4 | PICDem | |
AC163027-4 | PICDem | |
AC163027-1 | PICDem | |
MRF24J40-I/ML.MRF24J40-I/ML. | RF Transceiver device |