The MC1322x's PiP contains a 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) capable of running up to 26-MHz, a fully compliant IEEE 802.15.4 transceiver, balun and RF matching components. By integrating these devices into a small-footprint land-grid array (LGA) package, Freescale has virtually eliminated the need for external RF components. Battery-powered systems only require an antenna and crystal to be connected for operation, according to Freescale.

Optimized for Lithium-ion or NiCad batteries, the MC1322x is designed to support batteries as small as coin cells or use standard alkaline batteries that can provide up to 20 years of system life, which is double the expectation for current ZigBee products.

Freescale's MC1322x platform also features a TurboLink technology mode, engineered to increase data rates by up to 2-Mbits/s between nodes. The MC1322x devices will switch automatically between the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol and TurboLink technology packets, allowing the developer to take advantage of the high-speed capabilities, while simultaneously controlling and monitoring a ZigBee mesh network.

Freescale's BeeKit Wireless Connectivity Toolkit provides an easy-to-use configuration tool for creating networks ranging from simple point-to-point to full ZigBee mesh networks.

Freescale plans to add RAM- and flash-based PiP products to the MC1322x family.

The company plans to offer the MC1322x device in two package options: a 9.5mm x 9.5mm LGA and a 7mm x 7mm QFN. The devices also are planned to be available in standard mode or TurboLink technology mode.

Pricing: Suggested resale pricing for the standard mode devices in LGA packaging is $5.50 in 10K quantities.
Availability: Samples to key OEM customers expected in May 2007; general market sampling is planned for December 2007.

Related Content
For a an article entitled, Tips for Creating ZigBee Applications: click here.
For an article entitled, What you need to know to designing a winning ZigBee application: click here.
For a technical paper entitled, RF Power Options in ZigBee Solutions: click here.
For a course/lecture on Freescale Zigbee Offering: click here.

Freescale Semiconductor Inc., 1-800-521-6274, www.freescale.com