Microchip Technology Delivers Complete ZigBee(TM) Protocol Platform with 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 Transceiver and Network-Analyzer Tool.Microchip Also Announces Free MiWi[TM] Protocol Stack The set of protocols used in a communications network. A protocol stack is a prescribed hierarchy of software layers, starting from the application layer at the top (the source of the data being sent) to the data link layer at the bottom (transmitting the bits on the wire). for IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, New York, www.ieee.org) A membership organization that includes engineers, scientists and students in electronics and allied fields. 802.15.4 Wireless Networking See wireless network. in Cost-Sensitive Applications with Limited Memory CHANDLER, Ariz. -- Microchip Technology  Microchip Technology (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a manufacturer of microcontroller, memory and analog semiconductors, founded in 1989 when Inc. (NASDAQ NASDAQin full National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations U.S. market for over-the-counter securities. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), NASDAQ is an automated quotation system that reports on : MCHP MCHP Maryland Children's Health Program MCHP Microchip Technologies (stock symbol) MCHP Micro-sized Combined Heat and Power (American Honda Motor Co. & Climate Energy, LLC) MCHP Maine Community Heritage Project ), a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced three new offerings for IEEE 802.15.4 wireless networking. Microchip's first RF transceiver, the MRF MRF Markov Random Field MRF Material Recovery Facility MRF Materials Recycling Facility MRF Motorcycle Riders Foundation MRF Medium Range Forecast (weather forecasting model) MRF Movement for Rights and Freedoms 24J40, is a 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 transceiver targeted for the ZigBee[TM] protocolCoand proprietary wireless protocolsCoin RF applications requiring low power and excellent RF performance. The ZENA[TM] wireless network analyzer A specialized hardware device or software in a desktop or laptop computer that captures packets transmitted in a network for routine inspection and problem detection. Also called a "sniffer," "packet sniffer," "packet analyzer," "traffic analyzer" and "protocol analyzer," the network tool further enables development of ZigBee protocol systems using Microchip's semiconductors. Finally, the MiWi[TM] protocol is a free, small-footprint protocol developed by Microchip for customers who do not need ZigBee protocol interoperability but want to use IEEE 802.15.4 transceivers in low-cost peer-to-peer, star and mesh networks. In fact, the MiWi protocol provides the lowest-cost fully functional network protocol for IEEE 802.15.4 transceivers. According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. In-Stat, the market for IEEE 802.15.4 wireless Personal Area Networking, via the ZigBee specification ZigBee is the specification of a low-cost, low-power wireless communications solution, meant to be integrated as the main building block of ubiquitous networks. It is maintained by the ZigBee Alliance, which develops the specification and certifies its proper implementation. network layer and other proprietary protocols, could grow 200% by 2009Cowith annual shipments surpassing 150 million units in 2009. Microchip is currently addressing the needs of this market with the only zero-cost-license and royalty-free ZigBee protocol stack, which is one of the smallest in the industry and provides a source-code format that allows designers to customize their product, utilizing Microchip's broad portfolio of compatible PIC([R]) microcontrollers. With the MRF24J40 transceiver, Microchip now offers a complete ZigBee protocol platform through the addition of a highly integrated RF transceiver that requires very few external components. Microchip's radio also offers low power consumption and performance that exceeds all IEEE 802.15.4 specifications, with full Media Access Controller (MAC) support and an Advanced Encryption Standard (cryptography, algorithm) Advanced Encryption Standard - (AES) The NIST's replacement for the Data Encryption Standard (DES). The Rijndael /rayn-dahl/ symmetric block cipher, designed by Joan Daemen and Vincent Rijmen, was chosen by a NIST contest to be AES. (AES) hardware encryption engine. "Microchip's MRF24J40 IEEE 802.15.4 transceiver can be combined with roughly 200 8-bit and 16-bit PIC microcontrollers, and dsPIC([R]) DSCs, to provide the most cost-optimized wireless networking solutions," said Ganesh Moorthy, Microchip's executive vice president. "In combination with our free ZigBee protocol stack, Microchip now offers a complete solution for one of the fastest-growing technology market segments." Alternative Protocols 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. Additionally, ZigBee protocol certification is costly and cumbersome for small- and medium-size companies. Microchip's 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's microcontrollers and MRF24J40 transceiver is used. "The MiWi protocol addresses the market need for a protocol that is simpler and lower cost to implement than the ZigBee protocol. Microchip recognized this need and developed the MiWi protocol for smaller networks that can be implemented on lower-cost PIC microcontrollers," Moorthy added. Regardless of which protocol a design engineer selects, Microchip's complete solution enables them to rapidly evaluate and begin developing a vast array of wirelessly networked IEEE 802.15.4 applications, including: building/home automation (security, lighting, HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning) In the home or small office with a handful of computers, HVAC is more for human comfort than the machines. In large datacenters, a humidity-free room with a steady, cool temperature is essential for the trouble-free , access); industrial (monitors, sensors, automation, control, lighting); personal healthcare (diagnostic tools, monitors); and consumer electronics (RF wireless remotes for TV/VCR/DVD/CD, toys, personal-computer peripherals). Development Tools Microchip's new ZENA wireless network analyzer tool (part # DM183023), available now for $129.99, uses a simple graphical interface See GUI. to configure the free Microchip ZigBee and MiWi protocol stacks. This enables customers to reduce the code size of the stacks by removing optional features; cuts development time by simplifying the interactions with the stacks; and allows customization of the stack to fit a particular need. Consisting of both hardware and software, the ZENA wireless network analyzer is an IEEE 802.15.4 protocol analyzer See network analyzer. that is capable of decoding ZigBee and MiWi protocol packetsCofrom the lowest layers to the top of the stack (including the security modules). The network-configuration display window allows users to see the traffic in real time, as it travels from one node to another. A session can also be saved to a file, to allow further analysis of all the network traffic. This augments Microchip's existing IEEE 802.15.4 development tools, including the $269.99 PICDEM[TM] Z 2.4 GHz Demonstration Kit (part # DM163027-4), which is an easy-to-use evaluation and development platform for IEEE 802.15.4 application designers. The kit includes all of the hardware, software source code and printed circuit board (PCB PCB: see polychlorinated biphenyl. PCB in full polychlorinated biphenyl Any of a class of highly stable organic compounds prepared by the reaction of chlorine with biphenyl, a two-ring compound. ) layout files needed to rapidly prototype wireless products. Additionally, an instructional application note is available on Microchip's Web site at www.microchip.com/zigbee. This development platform is based on Microchip's PIC18 high-performance microcontroller family, which supports IEEE 802.15.4 applications and offers a wide selection of products with 32 Kbytes to 128 Kbytes of Flash program memory in 28- to 100-pin packages. Transceiver Pricing and Availability Microchip's MRF24J40 IEEE 802.15.4 transceiver is available now for samples through Microchip's local sales offices, and production is planned for December. In 10,000-unit quantities, the MRF24J40 starts at $2.99 each in Pb-free/RoHS-compliant, 40-pin, 6x6 mm QFN QFN Quad Flat No-Lead QFN Queen Fan Newsletter (rock band) QFN Quad Flat No Leads packages. For additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's Web site at www.microchip.com/zigbee. Microchip Customer Support Microchip is committed to supporting its customers by helping design engineers develop products faster and more efficiently. Customers can access four main service areas at www.microchip.com. The Support area provides a fast way to get questions answered; the Sample area offers free evaluation samples of any Microchip device; microchipDIRECT provides 24-hour pricing, ordering, inventory and credit for convenient purchasing of all Microchip devices and development tools; finally, the Training area educates customers through webinars, sign-ups for local seminar and workshop courses, and information about the annual MASTERs events held throughout the world. About Microchip Technology Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona Chandler is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA. Chandler is one of the major suburbs of Phoenix. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 176,582. According to 2005 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 234,939. , Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com. Note: The Microchip name and logo, PIC, and dsPIC are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries. MiWi, ZENA, and PICDEM are trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies. Transceiver Photo and Block Diagram A chart that contains squares and rectangles connected with arrows to depict hardware and software interconnections. For program flow charts, information system flow charts, circuit diagrams and communications networks, more elaborate graphical representations are usually used. available through editorial contact |
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