Chandler, Ariz. — Microchip Technology Inc. has introduced the MRF24J40MA FCC-certified radio-frequency (RF) transceiver module. This module services the 2.4-GHz unlicensed industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) short-range wireless frequency band for the IEEE 802.15.4 specification for ZigBee or proprietary wireless-protocol systems.
The RF transceiver module includes discrete 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 U.S. (FCC), Canada (IC) and Europe (ETSI), and is expected to save time and money by eliminating the need to receive FCC certification for wireless products.
Providing a complete short-range IEEE 802.15.4 wireless networking solution, the MRF24J40MA transceiver module is surface mountable and can be used with hundreds of 8-bit, 16-bit, or 32-bit PIC microcontrollers (MCUs). 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 (Peer-to-Peer) software-protocol stacks. When combined with these development tools, the module enables designers with little or no RF design experience to design low-power wireless networking products quickly and inexpensively, said Microchip.
Applications include industrial monitoring and control, home and building automation, remote control, low-power wireless sensor networks, lighting control and automated meter reading.
Development support comes in the form of the PICDEM Z 2.4-GHz demonstration kit (Part # DM163027). This kit includes a pair of development boards with a PIC18LF4620 MCU, along with the ZENA network analyzer and wireless network configuration utility.
Pricing: The MRF24J40MA module is priced at $8.99 each in quantities of 1,000 and the PICDEM Z 2.4-GHz demonstration kit is priced at $269.
Availability: Production quantities of the MRF24J40MA module and the PICDEM Z 2.4-GHz demonstration kit can be ordered today at www.microchipdirect.com. Designers can also download any of Microchip's free ZigBee, MiWi and MiWi P2P protocol stacks from its online Wireless Design Center at www.microchip.com/wireless.
Product information: MRF24J40MA
Microchip Technology, www.microchip.com
