Table 1—On paper, the transceivers appear to offer similar functionality. The CC2420 costs $2 in large volumes, and is obtainable for approximately $10 per unit.

                    

Chipcon CC2420

(Ember EM2420)

Freescale

MC13192

ZMD

ZMD4410

Atmel

AT86RF210
PHY frequencies 2.4 GHz 2.4 GHz Sub 1 GHz Sub 1 GHz

Transmit receive switch

Built in

Not built in:  Use two antennas or an external TR switch.

Built in

Built in

Package size

7 × 7 mm

5 × 5 mm

7 × 7 mm

7 × 7 mm

Output power

1 mW

1 mW

1 mW

4 mW

Receive sensitivity (with 1% packet error rate)*. 802.15.4 requires only –85 dBm.

–94 dBm

–92 dBm

–100 dBm

–95 dBm

Adjacent channel rejection (5 MHz)*. 802.15.4 requires only 0 dB.

39 dB

23 dB

30 dB

23 dBm

Alternate channel rejection (10 MHz)*. 802.15.4 requires only 30 dB.

53 dB

35 dB

40 dB

40 dBm
AES encryption Supported by hardware Relies on the microcontroller to carry out this function. Relies on the microcontroller to carry out this function Relies on the microcontroller to carry out this function.
CRC Supported by hardware Supported by hardware Supported by hardware Companion microcontroller has hardware support for this function.

Other MAC support functions

(link quality, clear channel assessment, transmit, and receive FIFOs and CRC checking.)

Supported

Supported

Supported by hardware and microcontroller

Supported

Available now?

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

 * Rejection and sensitivity figures may not be quoted with the same test setup in all cases. Consult the respective datasheets for more information.