Texas Instruments has launched a sub-GHz wireless system that an run for up to 20 years on a single cell, and offer a range of up to 20km, writes Nick Flaherty.
The new SimpleLink Sub-1 GHz CC1310 wireless microcontrollers (MCUs) are aimed at Internet of Things (IoT) applications such as building and factory automation, alarm and security, smart grid and wireless sensor network applications.
The low frequency operation from 315MHz allow a link range of up to 20km with enhanced sensitivity of -124dBm and a focus on coexistence with other wireless technologies.
The CC1310 integrates an ARM Cortex-M3 controller, sensor controller, low-power modes and 0.6 µA sleep current, scoring 158 on the ULPBench ultra low power benchmark, and provides link data rate sup to 4Mbit/s.
TI has simplified development with the SimpleLink CC1310 wireless MCUs by providing software options such as point-to-point communication examples with EasyLink and a wM-Bus protocol stack that uses the TI RTOS, as well as a Contiki 6LoWPAN mesh networking stack. Developers will also have access to development tools, reference designs, and support to ease the design process. Additionally, TI offers scalable memory to fit developer’s code size with 32kB, 64kB, or 128kB Flash.
SimpleLink Sub-1 GHz CC1310 wireless MCU-based development kits are available with the CC1310DK at $299 providing a complete Sub-1 GHz hardware, software and RF development platform. With two CC1310 evaluation modules, two antennas and a guide to getting started, the $99 CC1310EMK kit allows a simple connection t be set up and tested.
The CC1310 wireless MCUs operate in the 315 MHz, 433 MHz, 470 MHz, 500 MHz, 868 MHz, 915 MHz and 920 MHz ISM bands and will be available in 4x4, 5x5 and 7x7mm QFN packages. The devices available today are for 868 MHz, 915 MHz and 920 MHz ISM bands operation and the 7x7 pricing range from $2.80 to $3.60 in 1,000 unit volumes.