Newest Member of ASTRIC Wireless Transceiver Family Conserves Power By Using Programmable Time Between Wake-ups
POCATELLO, Idaho--Oct. 21, 2002--AMI Semiconductor (AMIS) has added to its growing family of low power CMOS system-on-chip transceivers with the introduction of ASTRX2, a single-chip 433.92 MHz narrowband RF link that uses a programmable time between wakeups in Sniff Mode(TM) to conserve power.
The design has been optimized for low power applications where long battery life is required, such as implantable medical device applications and automotive applications including remote keyless entry, tire pressure control and adaptive radio control.
"Our announcement today of ASTRX2 is all about making it easier for our customers to choose the best solution for their wireless transceiver needs," said Bob Klosterboer, vice president of the US mixed-signal business unit of AMIS. "Our previously announced ASTRX1 system-on-chip multi-channel transceiver was designed for customers who seek compliance with the emerging 802.15.4 draft Zigbee standard. The frequency adjustable ASTRX2 is targeted for customer applications with extremely low power requirements that operate in the 260-700 MHz range."
ASTRX2 features a patent pending Quick Start Oscillator with an extremely fast 15us turn-on time that allows the on-board receiver to quickly power up to check for the presence of a signal in Sniff Mode. The Sniff Mode of ASTRX2 is programmable to optimize power conservation and system performance.
Offering two-way communications at customer selectable data rates of 1 to 19 Kbps over short ranges, the ASTRX2 transceiver also features a unique antenna diversity dual receiver that provides multi-path mitigation. The fully integratable ASTRX2 design includes a clock generator for an external microprocessor as well as a wake-up on programmed RSSI amplitude, allowing substantial power savings by reducing the on-time duty cycle of the receiver.
Both a control bus I2C interface and a separate data input/output serial interface are built into the design, which is housed in an 18-lead, 300-mil SOIC package. The transceiver operates from a 2.4 to 3.6V supply, with its low power architecture giving excellent battery life. Transmit and receive current consumption is 25mA and 7.5mA respectively. Receive power varies proportionally with the receiver on time due to the Sniff Mode feature. For example, a 10 percent duty cycle would result in an average receive power consumption of 750 micro amps.
ASTRX2 also features a variety of internal trim functions including TX power, independent receive channel trim and tune, Xtal frequency trim, Xtal fast start trim, internal RC frequency trim, sniff detect threshold and receive data slice threshold, Xtal for frequency and fast start, internal RC frequency, sniff for threshold and data slice threshold. Suitable for use in temperatures ranging from 0 degrees C to +55 degrees C, the ASTRX2 IC is both FCC and ETSI compliant.
Price and Availability
ASTRX2 will be priced at $1.95 in quantities of one million units, assuming an 18-lead SOIC package, with total bill of material cost estimated at $4. Samples will be available November 15, 2002, with production orders being accepted in January 2003. The product is immediately available for ASIC integration.
About AMI Semiconductor
AMI Semiconductor (AMIS) is a world leader in the design and manufacture of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). As a widely recognized innovator in state-of-the-art mixed-signal technologies and mid-range digital ASICs including ASIC conversion services, AMIS is committed to providing customers with the lowest cost, quickest time-to-market ASIC solutions. Offering unparalleled manufacturing flexibility and dedication to customer service, AMI Semiconductor operates globally with headquarters in Pocatello, Idaho, European corporate offices in Oudenaarde, Belgium, and a network of sales and design centers located in the key markets of the United States, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, please visit the AMIS Web site at http://www.amis.com.
Sniff Mode(TM) is a trademark of AMI Semiconductor.