Develop low-power wireless sensor nodes with small sub-GHz module

Microchip has released what is claimed to be the industry’s smallest IEEE 802.15.4-compliant module that couples an ultra-low-power MCU with a sub-GHz radio, expediting time to market and offering long-lasting battery life in wireless-networked sensors. At half the size of the subsequent smallest module on the market, the SAM R30 module satisfies the demands of space-conscious designs such as home automation sensors and controls. Based on IEEE 802.15.4, the module supports proprietary networks that can be simply customised and configured. This is perfect for applications where interoperability is not wanted due to their inherent vulnerability to remote attacks, such as building automation, alarm systems, smart cities and industrial sensor networks. A key advantage of an IEEE 802.15.4-based network is that member devices can sleep for long periods and continue as part of the network. The module provides ultra-low-power sleep modes, with wake from GPIO or its built-in RTC while consuming approximately 800nA. Devices can sleep for years, only waking as required to transmit data. The module is certified with the FCC, IC and RED, allowing designers to lessen time to market and RF testing certification costs. The company gives developers the flexibility to implement a proprietary point-to-point, star or self-healing mesh network configurations with the free MiWi protocol stack. The module joins the company's IEEE 802.15.4-compliant wireless portfolio. With devices that satisfy the unique requirements of a mixture of applications, developers can select a single-chip 32 or 48-pin SAM R30 SiP for flexible design layout or the certified module for fastest time to market.