15.04.2009

Jennic’s New Single-chip Wireless Microcontroller Sets Benchmarks for ZigBee PRO and IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Mesh Networking

● New benchmark for the lowest system operating current of any single-chip wireless microcontroller
● Integrates more memory than any other single-chip wireless microcontroller, having ample space for ZigBee PRO, either embedded together with an application, or as a co-processor
● Revolutionises location-based services for sensor networks with an innovative Time of Flight ranging engine
● Available as a standalone wireless controller chip or fully integrated module family for easy design-in and fast time to market

Jennic, available through GLYN High-Tech Distribution, announces a new single-chip 32-bit wireless microcontroller which sets new benchmarks for wireless networking communications based on the ZigBee PRO and IEEE802.15.4 standards. The combination of the lowest operating current consumption and highest memory density of any single-chip wireless microcontroller, plus an innovative Time of Flight ranging engine, will enable the development of next-generation wireless mesh networks for battery-powered and data-rich applications.

The JN5148 32-bit wireless microcontroller achieves a system operating current consumption of 18mA when receiving, and 15mA transmitting at +3dBm, which is typically 35% lower than current solutions. With 128kB ROM, 128kB RAM and enhanced coding efficiency, the JN5148 has sufficient space for developers to integrate their embedded application software and the ZigBee PRO protocol stack into a single chip. It can also be used as a co-processor, enabling ZigBee PRO to be added easily and quickly to existing systems.

Programmable CPU clock speeds from 4 to 32MHz and the use of five separate power domains provide the ability to select low power or high performance up to 32 MIPS CPU operation for the JN5148 to be used across the full range of applications from low-power battery-backed networks to high I/O, processor intensive systems. A unique patent-pending Time of Flight ranging engine integrated into the device revolutionises location-based services for sensor networks by providing improved accuracy over conventional signal strength based systems with little incremental cost.

Jennic VP, Sales and Marketing, Tony Lucido, explains; “All Jennic products are designed to provide a fast route to high-performance wireless network development by combining field proven stacks with innovative silicon features. A responsive support environment brings high-performance network development to designers with little or no experience of mesh networking, and helps experienced network designers to realise their most ambitious designs quickly and easily.” The JN5148 integrates a high-performance 32-bit RISC CPU core with mixed-signal peripherals and an IEEE802.15.4, 2.4GHz transceiver. The 98dB link budget and selectable high data-rate modes support indoor communication over distances of up to 50 meters, whilst 128-bit AES encryption ensures a high level of security.

Implementation requires very few additional devices; a crystal, discrete passives and a serial Flash memory, with a total bill of materials cost for external components of under 50c. The first version of the JN5148 is offered with Jennic’s ZigBee PRO stack and is supported by a comprehensive range of evaluation and development kits as well as reference designs, code examples and an online developer forum. In addition to the standalone wireless controller, the JN5148 is available in a fully integrated uFI module optimised for +2.5dBm standard power, or +20dBm high-power, providing a rapid and easy to implement route to product introduction.

Competitively priced, the JN5148 is sampling now to lead customers with full production planned at the end of the first half 2009. 

For more details about Jennic JN5148 wireless microcontroller and JN5148-based modules, please send us an email at sales@glyn.com.au