Develop Low-power Wireless Sensor Nodes with the Industry’s Smallest Regulatory-certified Sub-GHz Module
February 26 2019 - 2:00AM
Designers of wireless, space-constrained sensor nodes require
connectivity solutions that minimize size and provide multiple
years of battery life. Microchip Technology Inc.
(Nasdaq:
MCHP) today announced the industry’s smallest IEEE
802.15.4-compliant module that combines an ultra-low-power
microcontroller (MCU) with a sub-GHz radio, accelerating time to
market and providing long-lasting battery life in
wireless-networked sensors. At half the size of the next smallest
module on the market, the
SAM R30 module meets the
needs of space-conscious designs such as home automation sensors
and controls.
Based on IEEE 802.15.4, the SAM R30 module supports proprietary
networks that can be easily customized and configured. This is
ideal for applications where interoperability is not desired due to
their inherent vulnerability to remote attacks, such as alarm
systems, building automation, smart cities and industrial sensor
networks. A key advantage of an IEEE 802.15.4-based network is that
member devices can sleep for extended periods of time and remain
part of the network. The SAM R30 module features
ultra-low-power sleep modes, with wake from General-Purpose
Input/Output (GPIO) or its built-in Real-Time Clock (RTC) while
consuming approximately 800 nA. Devices can sleep for years, only
waking as needed to transmit data.
Compact sensor designs can significantly reduce installation
components and simplify device deployment. Applications often rely
on simple double-sided tape for mounting, making decreasing the
size of the sensor a priority. The SAM R30 module measures just
12.7 x 11 mm and includes the necessary features to drive any
remote connected sensor, thereby eliminating the need for a
separate MCU in the design. The device also offers up to 256
kilobytes (KB) of Flash and 40 KB of RAM, as well as serial data
interfaces, USB, and digital and analog I/O for advanced sensor
development.
Operating in the sub-GHz RF spectrum, the SAM R30 module
delivers two times the connectivity range and better propagation
through walls and floors than similarly powered devices using the
2.4 GHz frequency band. This robustness is critical in applications
such as leak detection, where the sensor may be buried deep in a
remote cabinet, or for pool and spa controllers, which require
reliable sub-GHz solutions that can communicate through exterior
walls.
The SAM R30 module is certified with the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC), Industry Canada (IC) and Radio Equipment
Directive (RED), enabling designers to reduce time to market and RF
testing certification costs. Microchip provides developers the
flexibility to implement a proprietary point-to-point, star or
self-healing mesh network configurations with the free MiWi™
protocol stack.
“The Internet of Things consists of millions of battery-powered
sensors that rely on low-power operation and reliable wireless
performance,” said Steve Caldwell, vice president of Microchip’s
Wireless Solutions business unit. “The SAM R30 certified module
meets these needs while also providing a way for developers to
build more compact designs and accelerate time to market.”
The SAM R30 module joins Microchip’s IEEE
802.15.4-compliant wireless portfolio. With devices that
meet the unique needs of a variety of applications, developers can
select a single-chip 32- or 48-pin SAM R30 System-in-Package (SiP)
for flexible design layout or the certified SAM R30 module for
fastest time to market.
Development ToolsDevelopers can begin
prototyping with the ATSAMR30M-XPRO Extension Development Board,
supported by the Atmel ICE Debugger/Programmer (ATMEL-ICE) and the
easy-to-use Atmel Studio 7 Integrated Development Environment with
demo code examples supporting each network configuration.
Pricing and AvailabilityThe SAM R30 module
(ATSAMR30M18) is available now starting at $4.29 in 1,000-unit
quantities. The ATSAMR30M-XPRO Extension Development Board
(AC164159) is available for $38 each. For additional information,
contact a Microchip sales representative, authorized worldwide
distributor or visit Microchip’s website. To purchase products
mentioned here, visit Microchip’s purchasing
portal or contact an authorized distributor.
ResourcesHigh-res images available through
Flickr or editorial contact (feel free to publish):
- Application graphic:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/46180056285
- Board photo:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/40128931533/
About Microchip TechnologyMicrochip Technology
Inc. is a leading provider of microcontroller, analog, FPGA,
connectivity and power management semiconductors. Its easy-to-use
development tools and comprehensive product portfolio enable
customers to create optimal designs which reduce risk while
lowering total system cost and time to market. The company’s
solutions serve more than 130,000 customers across the industrial,
automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and
computing markets. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip
offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery
and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at
www.microchip.com.
Note: The Microchip name and logo, and the Microchip logo, are
registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the
U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein
are the property of their respective companies.
Editorial Contact:
Christie Haber
480-792-4386
christie.haber@microchip.com
Reader Inquiries:
Christie Haber1-888-624-7435
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