ADI Introduces Single-Chip Short-Range RF System

NORWOOD, MA /BUSINESS WIRE/ -- Analog Devices Inc. (ADI), a global leader in high-performance semiconductors for signal-processing applications and a leading provider of radio-frequency integrated circuits (RF ICs), announced the availability of an RF transceiver, targeting short-range wireless systems in the global 2.4 GHz ISM (industrial, science and medical) band. The transceiver supports the IEEE802.15.4 standard and can be used to implement solutions based on protocols such as Zigbee IPv6/6LowWPAN, ISA100.11a, and Wireless HART, as well as offering the flexibility to implement proprietary FSK-based protocols with data rates of up to 2 Mbps. ADI's new ADF7242 short-range transceiver offers best-in-class blocking resistance to increase the effective signal quality and range, as well as prolong battery life. Applications include smart meters/smart grid; wireless sensor networks, building automation, industrial wireless control, wireless remote controls, consumer electronics, and healthcare.

"With the global growth in smart grid wireless meters and infrastructure and the proliferation of cost-effective short-range wireless-based systems, such as Zigbee, there is an increasing demand for robust performance, low power consumption, flexibility, and ease of use, all combined within a single radio chip," said Peter Real, Vice President, Linear and RF group, Analog Devices Inc. "ADI's ADF7242 combines our high-performance RF, analog, signal processing, and integration expertise to deliver a robust solution that addresses these needs."

The ADF7242 RF Transceiver
The ADF7242 is a fully integrated, low-cost, low-power, short-range transceiver and has been designed with emphasis on flexibility, ease of use, and low current consumption. The ADF7242 features a robust communications processor to reduce system complexity and enable engineers to use less powerful and more power-efficient controllers. It features dual-mode IEEE802.15.4 and GFSK/FSK operations, whereby the same device can support the IEEE 802.15.4–based protocol standards at 250 Kbps, as well as proprietary protocols up to 2 Mbps, using GFSK/FSK modulation schemes on a single chip. The transmit and receive paths of the ADF7242 provide industry-leading blocking resistance that allows the device to operate in the crowded 2.4 GHz band, where interfering signals are greater than 30 times stronger. Furthermore, the high sensitivity and low power consumption more than double the operating range of the radio while increasing the battery life. A complete datasheet with full specifications can be viewed on the company's Web site.

Pricing, Availability and Complementary Products
The ADF7242 is available now in a 5 mm by 5 mm 32-pin LFCSP package and is priced at $2.82 per unit in 1000-unit quantities. The ADF7242 works well with a variety of ADI products, including the Blackfin Processor.

RF IC Portfolio
Using a unique combination of design skills, system understanding, and process technologies, Analog Devices offers a broad portfolio of RF ICs, covering the entire RF signal chain, from industry-leading high-performance RF function blocks to highly integrated WiMAX and short-range, single-chip transceiver solutions. The RF function blocks include PLL, integrated PLL/VCO, and DDS synthesizers; TruPwr RMS power detectors and logarithmic amplifiers; X-Amp variable gain amplifiers; power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, and other amplifiers; RF mixers; and direct-conversion modulator and demodulator products. These products are supported by a wide range of free design tools to ease the development of RF systems. For more information, visit the company's Web site.

About Analog Devices, Inc.
Innovation, performance, and excellence are the cultural pillars on which Analog Devices Inc. has built one of the longest standing, highest growth companies within the technology sector. Acknowledged industrywide as a world leader in data conversion and signal conditioning technology, Analog Devices serves over 60,000 customers, representing virtually all types of electronic equipment. Celebrating over 40 years as a leading global manufacturer of high-performance integrated circuits used in analog and digital signal processing applications, Analog Devices is headquartered in Norwood, MA, with design and manufacturing facilities throughout the world.