COMMUNICATION SOLUTIONS

Sub-1GHz Multi-Channel Transceiver Suits Low-Power ISM/SRD Applications

The CC1100 from Texas Instruments is a highly integrated and low-cost multi-channel RF transceiver designed for very low-power wireless applications. The circuit is mainly intended for the ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) and SRD (Short Range Device) frequency bands at 315MHz, 433MHz, 868MHz and 915MHz, but can easily be programmed for operation at other frequencies in the 300MHz to 348 MHz, 400MHz to 464MHz and 800MHz to 928MHz bands.



The RF transceiver is integrated with a highly configurable base band modem that supports various modulation formats and has a configurable data rate up to 500kbit/s. The CC1100 provides extensive hardware support for packet handling, data buffering, burst transmissions, clear channel assessment, link quality indication and wake-on radio.

The device’s main operating parameters and its 64byte transmit/receive FIFOs can be controlled via an SPI interface. In a typical system, the CC1100 will be used together with an inexpensive microcontroller and a few additional passive components.

The device is suitable for use in both residential and industrial environments for monitoring and control. Specific applications include AMR (Automatic Meter Reading), two-way RKE (Remote Keyless Entry), low-power telemetry, alarm and security systems and wireless sensor networks.

To help designers working in the rapidly expanding field of low-power RF communications, Arrow Electronics UK is hosting a series of free one-day technical workshops. Based around Texas Instruments’ products, the events will offer an introduction to issues such as obtaining regulatory approval; selection of components; the basics of RF PCB layout; antenna issues; and protocol selection and implementation.

Features

• Integrated RF transceiver and modem solution for low-power applications
• 300MHz to 348 MHz, 400MHz to 464MHz and 800MHz to 928MHz operation
• Excellent radio performance
• Very low power consumption: 15.6mA in receive mode
• Low system-cost: few external components
• Extensive development kit available
• Robust solution with excellent selectivity and blocking performance
• Programmable data rate from 1.2kbit/s to 500kbit/s
• Small size: 20-pin 4mm×4mm QLP
• Reference design including two-layer PCB with all components mounted on the same side

Applications

• Low-power wireless applications in the 315MHz, 433MHz, 868MHz and 915MHz ISM/SRD bands
• Automatic Meter Reading (AMR)
• Two-way Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
• Low-power telemetry
• Home and building automation
• Wireless alarm and security systems
• Industrial monitoring and control
• Wireless sensor networks

For further information, including the CC1100 Datasheet and the Low-power RF Selection Guide, please click here