Modules Manage Low-Power Coms

The MRF89XA transceiver modules from Microchip Technology operate with low 3-mA receive current in sub-GHz wireless communications networks. The MRF89XAM8A (868-MHz) module and the MRF89XAM9A (915-GHz) module both integrate a power amplifier capable of +12.5 dBm output power at 1-dB compression and low-noise amplifier (LNA) that enables receiver sensitivity of -113 dBm in their respective bands. The transceiver modules include an integrated packet handler with a 64-B first-in, first-out (FIFO) memory for transmit and receive buffering. According to Steve Caldwell, Director of the company's RF Products Div., "The new MRF89XA transceiver and modules are ideal for low-power wireless sensor and metering communication. The combination of this transceiver with our nanoWatt XLP family of eXtreme Low Power PIC microcontrollers provides an industry-leading platform for Sub-GHz wireless networking." Applications include remote meter reading, home/building/industrial automation, and remote keyless entry (RKE) systems.