Melexis’ Programmable Multi-Channel RF Transceiver Targets Low Power Sub-GHz Applications

With built-in features such as dual-channel transmit/receive front-end, energy harvesting interface & transmit power detectors

Melexis, a global microelectronics engineering company, has introduced the MLX73290-M. This multi-channel RF transceiver IC draws on the company’s long-established technical expertise in low power wireless implementation. Addressing the sub-GHz ISM bands from 300MHz through to 960MHz, the product delivers two RF channels, each with a programmable RF power transmitter and a highly sensitive RF receiver. It is fully programmable via its serial peripheral interface (SPI).

This IC is highly suited to sub-GHz wireless applications like home/building automation, tire pressure monitoring (TPMS), automatic meter reading (AMR), alarm systems, passive keyless entry (PKE), medical diagnostics and telemetry. Its output power level ranges from -20dBm to 13dBm while its receiver sensitivity can attain -120dBm in a 15kHz bandwidth. With a maximum data rate of 250kbps, the transceiver is also capable of handling heightened data throughputs. Thanks to the high degree of programmability, engineers employing this IC are presented with plenty of scope when it comes to configuring and implementing an RF front-end. A wide variety of different RF parameters can be adjusted (number of channels, frequency resolution, output, frequency deviation, etc.), in order to satisfy specific application criteria. On-off keying (OOK), binary frequency shift keying (FSK), minimum shift keying (MSK), Gaussian minimum shift keying (GMSK) and Gaussian frequency shift keying (GFSK) modulation schemes are supported.

Two RF power detectors provide augmentation of radiated power performance during transmission. An energy harvesting interface allows battery-less power supply by using a solar cell in combination with a super capacitor. This accentuates its value in remote locations where power lines are impractical. Evaluation boards and software tools are also available.

The MLX73290-M is supplied in 5mm x 5mm 32-lead QFN package. It has an operational temperature range of -40°C to 105°C. For more information go to: www.melexis.com/MLX73290-M