COMMUNICATION SOLUTIONS

Single-Chip ZigBee Solutions Feature Bundled Software Stack

Two devices from STMicroelectronics – the SN250 and SN260 – provide designers with everything they need to implement a standards-compliant ZigBee solution. The SN250 SoC integrates a 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4-compliant radio transceiver and a state-of-the-art 16-bit microprocessor with the ZigBee software stack; the SN260 network processor implements just the ZigBee portion of the system, allowing users to choose their own applications processor and associated development toolchain.



Both devices employ the EmberZNet™ software stack, developed by STMicroelectronics' strategic partner for ZigBee technology, Ember Corporation. This highly-regarded, field-upgradeable, ZigBee-compliant stack is optimised for designs that require long battery life, a low external component count and a reliable, proven, industry-standard networking solution.

The integrated transceiver within the SN2xx devices provides performance above and beyond that specified in IEEE 802.15.4. It features 16 RF Channels, spaced by 5MHz (2.405GHz to 2.480GHz) and high adjacent channel rejection better than 30dB. A transmission boost mode offers up to 5dBm of output power to deliver an increased communication range. Receiver sensitivity in boost mode is ­98dBm. A flexible interface enables easy antenna connection, with or without an external power amplifier.

The devices’ on-chip MAC is 802.15.4-2003-compliant, and a powerful 16-bit RISC CPU is provided, allowing implementation of 128-bit AES data encryption with true random number generation. Embedded debugging features include SIF for code debugging and upgrades, and PTI for network packet trace.

The SN250 includes a wide range of peripherals – including two serial controllers with DMA (I2C master, SPI master/slave, and UART), two 16-bit all-purpose timers, one 16-bit sleep timer, a watchdog timer, and power-on-reset circuitry – allowing the construction of fully-featured application designs with few additional devices.

The devices are supported by a comprehensive set of embedded wireless networking tools developed to provide everything designers require to build intelligent, robust, decentralised device networks into their products. Development support includes the Ember Insight Desktop, a graphical debug tool that offers an integrated overview of an entire multi-node network. This is used alongside the Insight adapter, that provides a high-speed back-channel link with the device itself, and Insight Port to provide packet tracing capabilities.



The SN250 is available in a space-saving 7mm x 7mm 48-pin QFN package; the SN260 is supplied in a 6mm x 6mm 40-pin QFN package.

Features

• SoC or network processor for ZigBee applications
• Bundled, proven software stack
• Integrated 2.4GHz, IEEE 802.15.4-compliant transceiver
• 16 RF Channels, 5MHz spacing
• Adjacent channel rejection better than 30dB
• Transmission power up to 5dBm
• ­98dBm receiver sensitivity
• Hardware-based AES encryption
• Highly compact 40/48-pin, 6mm x 6mm/7mm x 7mm QFN packaging
• Network processor interfaces with host via simple SPI interface
• SoC version includes rich peripheral set
  • Two serial controllers with DMA (I²C master, SPI master/slave, and UART)
  • Two 16-bit all-purpose timers
  • One 16-bit sleep timer
  • Watchdog timer
  • Power-on-reset circuitry
• Integrated network-level development and debug tools

Applications

• Building automation and control
• Home automation and control
• Home entertainment control
• Asset tracking
• Healthcare
• Security

For further information, including the SN250 and SN260 Datasheets, and how to purchase a SN2xx Evaluation Kit, please click here