Transceivers offer ‘new level’ of performance and power efficiency

Designed to maximize range and battery life for wireless systems, the Si446x EZRadioPRO devices are optimised to offer superior rf performance and ultra low power consumption. They are targeted at a range of wireless applications, including smart meters, security and home automation systems, industrial control systems, sensor networks and electronic shelf labels. The transceivers provide extended range for wireless applications by leveraging 'best in class' performance specifications in transmit output power (20dBm), sensitivity (-126dBm), link budget (146dB) and RX adjacent channel selectivity (58dB). They also feature a patented antenna diversity algorithm developed to counteract the effects of multipath and fading, effectively doubling the wireless range in a multipath/fading environment. Designed with continuous frequency coverage from 119 to 1050MHz, the Si446x transceivers support a number of advanced modulation techniques, including 4GFSK, FSK, GMSK and OOK with support for maximum data rates up to 1Mb/s. The transceivers comply with the 802.15.4 d/g specification and the Wireless M-Bus protocol for smart utility networks. They are also said to feature exceptional phase noise, selectivity and blocking specifications, making them suitable for emerging narrowband applications requiring compliance with FCC Part 90 Mask D, ARIB STD-T96/T67 and ETSI EN 300. Silicon Laboratories says the devices offer industry leading power efficiency, maximising battery life for power sensitive wireless applications and resulting in fewer battery replacements. The transceivers also achieve a 50nA sleep/standby current with register retention, consuming up to 75% less current in sleep mode than competing solutions. "Silicon Labs' Si446x family takes sub GHz wireless technology to a new level of narrowband performance and power efficiency," said Mark Thompson, vice president and general manager of Silicon Labs' embedded mixed signal products. "We've set a new milestone in ultra low power operation for wireless transceivers, achieving 50nA in sleep mode for the first time, making the Si446x transceivers an ideal solution for battery powered and green energy applications."