A complete energy-efficient wireless sensor node solution, powered by a solar energy harvesting device, is now available. The energy-harvesting reference design enables developers to implement self-sustaining, ultra-low-power wireless sensor networks for home and building automation, security systems, industrial control applications, medical monitoring devices, asset tracking systems and infrastructure, and agricultural monitoring systems. It is based on a model Si10xx wireless microcontroller and a model Si4431 Si4431 EZRadioPRO transceiver integrated circuit (IC). The transceiver operates from 240 to 930 MHz with receive sensitivity of -121 dBm and transmit power to +13 dBm. It is designed for extremely low current consumption from a power supply of 1.8 to 3.6 V, requiring only 18.5 mA current in receive mode and only 30 mA current in transmit mode. It is supplied in a 20-pin QFN package. The battery used in the reference design has a capacity of 0.7 mAh. In direct sunlight, the battery can be recharged fully in only two hours. While in sleep mode, the wireless sensor node will retain a charge for 7000 h. The complete reference design includes wireless network and USB software, along with a complete circuit design with RF layout, bill of materials (BOM), schematics, and Gerber files.
SILICON LABORATORIES, INC.
400 West Cesar Chavez
Austin, TX 78701
(877) 444-3032, (512) 416-8500, FAX: (512) 416-9669
www.silabs.com