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FROM EDN EUROPE: RF ASIC platform targets short-range data links

You can design system-on-chip ASIC devices that
incorporate short-range, licence-free RF data links operating as fast as 40 kbps
over distances as far as100m with the ASTRIC
(application-specific-transmit-and-receive-IC) technology platform from AMI
Semiconductor (href="contents/images/236607f1.pdf">Picture). The platform comes with extensive libraries of logic and linear functions, and you can incorporate it into microprocessor cores, including 8051, 6502, Z80, and ARM7. The RF portion of the design includes the ASTRX1 transceiver, which meets the requirements of the IEEE 802.15.4 draft standard. It operates in the 868- to 870-MHz or 902- to 928-MHz bands for Europe or North America, respectively. In stand-alone form, the transceiver costs $4.75 (100,000).

The 802.15.4 standard defines a direct-sequence-spread-spectrum communications scheme using bi-nary-phase-shift-keyed modulation. The ASTRX1 device uses a direct conversion (zero-IF) receiver with sensitivity of –95 dBm and transmitted power of 0 dBm. A 16-bit CRC feature provides error checking. The transmitter and receiver use 14 and 25 mA, respectively, from 3V. Applications include data telemetry, security and alarm systems, and remote metering and control.

AMI Semiconductor, +49 811 999 360, www.amis.com.