Atmel Extends its Family of RF Car Access Devices with Introduction of LF Antenna-Driver IC

Device Features Unique Performance for Growing Passive Entry Go (PEG) Car Access Market

CONVERGENCE SHOW, DETROIT, Oct. 18 -- Atmel(R) Corporation , a global leader in the development and fabrication of advanced semiconductor solutions, announced today the availability of its new LF antenna driver IC ATA5278 for handsfree car access Passive Entry Go (PEG) applications. The application-specific antenna driver device provides unique performance which includes the full functionality to generate a magnetic LF field in conjunction with an antenna coil to transmit data to a receiver in a key fob or card. Alongside the recently introduced LF antenna driver IC ATA5277, Atmel is now able to support both centralized (ATA5278) and decentralized (ATA5277) systems. In combination with Atmel's receiver IC ATA5282, a complete LF link for car access systems can be designed by systems engineers looking for a user friendly single solution.

One of the ATA5278's main features is the integrated boost converter that provides a constant current. This is mandatory to enable that the key fob's receiver reliably measures the field vector and the system correctly detects the position of the handsfree device. Competing devices achieve this by discrete solutions, which is very complex and costly, while the ATA5278 provides a constant current through LF antennas of up to 1 A within a battery supply voltage range from 7.5 V to 16 V.

The ATA5278's data transmission rate of typically 4 kbit/s can be doubled by using Atmel's Quick Start Control (QSC). The QSC function, implemented into the ATA5278, shortens the oscillation build-up and decay times. The IC is also short-circuit protected and provides open-load as well as over-temperature detection.

Samples of the antenna driver IC ATA5278 in small QFN28 packages are available now. Pricing starts at 2.63 US$ (10 k).

  Footnote
   LF = Low Frequency
   PEG = Passive Entry Go
   QSC = Quick Start Control
   RKE = Remote Keyless Entry

  About Atmel

Atmel is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of microcontrollers, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and radio frequency (RF) components. Leveraging one of the industry's broadest intellectual property (IP) portfolios, Atmel is able to provide the electronics industry with complete system solutions. Focused on consumer, industrial, security, communications, computing and automotive markets, Atmel ICs can be found Everywhere You Are(SM).

NOTE: Atmel(R), logo and combinations thereof, are registered trademarks, and Everywhere You Are(SM) is the trademark of Atmel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other terms and product names may be the trademarks of others.

  Information:
  Atmel's antenna-driver IC ATA5278 information may be retrieved at:
   http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/product_card.asp?part_id=3520

  Press Contacts:
   Dr. Susanne van Clewe, Marcom Manager Communications and Automotive
     Products
    Phone: +49 7131 67-2081, Email:  susanne.van-clewe@hno.atmel.com
   Clive Over, Director of Press Relations - USA and Asia
    Phone: +1 408 451 2855, Email:  cliveover@atmel.com
   Veronique Sablereau, Corporate Communications Manager - Europe
    Phone: +33 1 30 60 70 68, Email:  veronique.sablereau@atmel.com