Low energy radio consumes less than 3mW in continuous use
1 min read
Toumaz has introduced the TZ1053 Telran, an ultra low energy radio intended for use in wireless sensor networks, remote controls, green energy solutions, smart meters and environmental monitoring applications.
Built using Toumaz' AMx mixed signal technology, the 868MHz radio SoC can operate from 1V supply and consumes less than 3mW when in continuous use.
Paul Paddan, head of Toumaz' low power radio business unit, said: "We looked at the propagation at 2.4GHz, as well as at 868 and 413MHz and found it was 10dB worse at 2.4GHz that at 868MHz. While we have used the AMx technology for low power, we have also chosen a better frequency."
The integrated SoC comprises a transceiver, baseband and control logic. It also features eWARP, an enhanced 8051 microcontroller running Toumaz's Nanopower Sensor Protocol. This allows developers to program and control the part with high level commands either over a standard interface or 'over the air'.
Paddan noted: "With Bluetooth, you have application profiles and you end up needing people who can program. Why do you want to do that? We use high level mnemonics which make it easier to treat a link as a wireless cable."
Users can link up to eight Telran devices in point to point or star networks and can achieve data rates of up to 50kbit/s over 100m using line of sight.
The device, which is being made by Infineon on its 130nm C11 process, is currently sampling and volume is planned for June 2011.
