The MRF24J40 is a 2.4-GHz IEEE 802.15.4 transceiver targeted for the ZigBee protocol—and proprietary wireless protocols—in RF applications requiring low power and excellent RF performance.

Due to the fact that the ZigBee protocol has grown too large and complex for many applications, a large percentage of the market for IEEE 802.15.4 wireless Personal Area Networking is likely to use alternative, proprietary protocols, such as the MiWi protocol. The MiWi protocol is a free, small-footprint protocol developed for customers who do not need ZigBee interoperability but want to use IEEE 802.15.4 transceivers in low-cost networks. Additionally, ZigBee protocol certification is costly and cumbersome for many companies. The MiWi protocol provides a simpler, lower-cost solution for customers who do not need interoperability but still want to use robust IEEE 802.15.4 radios. No certification is required for MiWi protocol systems, and the protocol stack is provided under a free license, when the combination of Microchip Technology's microcontrollers and an MRF24J40 transceiver is used.

Also available is the ZENA wireless network analyzer tool that uses a simple graphical interface to configure the protocol stacks. This enables customers to reduce the code size of the stacks by removing optional features; it cuts development time by simplifying the interactions with the stacks. It also allows for customization of the stack to fit a particular need.  

In 10,000-unit quantities, the MRF24J40 starts at $2.99 each, in 40-pin, 6 × 6 mm QFN packages. The Zena tool is available for $129.99.

Microchip Technology, Inc.
www.microchip.com