Micrel Inc. introduced the MICRF229 and the MICRF230, low-power, 400 MHz to 450 MHz, super-heterodyne, image reject, OOK/ASK receivers. Both devices feature –112 dBm sensitivity at a data rate of 1 kbps and operate from 3.5 V to 5.5 V. They consume less than 6 mA of current when receiving data continuously and are aimed at remote keyless entry (RKE), garage door openers, home automation, and other low-power, low data rate applications. The MICRF229 and MICRF230 are currently available in volume quantities, with 1,000 quantity pricing starting at $1.60.
"The global home automation and control market is slated for fast growth. These markets include security and lighting control," noted Brain Hedayati, vice president of marketing for linear and power solutions at Micrel. "Micrel’s new RF products continue to address this explosive market with our new low power, cost effective and robust RF solutions."
The MICRF229 and MICRF230 require only a crystal and a minimum number of external components to implement. The MICRF229 has an auto-poll feature that allows power consumption to be reduced to under 0.5 mW while the receiver awakes and polls for a valid signal before awaking the microcontroller. The MICRF230 employs an optional Squelch feature which disables the data output until valid bits are detected, allowing the microcontroller to remain in low-power shutdown mode drawing only 0.5 µA of supply current to save power. The MICRF229 and MICRF230 are specified with an operating temperature range of –40 °C to +105 °C and are offered in a 16-Pin 4.9 mm × 6.0 mm QSOP package.
