Industry's smallest, lowest cost, lowest current consumption and low voltage supply, 2.4GHz RF Transceiver from Nordic VLSI

2 external components, 5x5mm size, 1.9V and low current operation

NORWAY (Oct.30th) - Providing global wireless equipment vendors with 2.4GHz transceiver technology at the price and complexity of lower frequencies, Nordic VLSI ASA today introduced the nRF2401 transceiver for global ISM applications. The nRF2401 is designed for wireless transceiver applications in wireless game controllers, PC peripherals, wireless headsets, sports and leisure equipment, toys, RF-ID, remote control, and interactive equipment. All configuration of the nRF2401 transceiver is done via a standard serial interface.

Highest integration
The nRF2401 is a highly integrated component for wireless communication manufactured in an ultra modern 0.18µm CMOS process. The entire transceiver including all inductors and filters is integrated in a single chip that gives the lowest cost solution to the end user. The only external components needed to make a complete RF system is a crystal and a resistor. Maximum current consumption is less than 15mA in receive mode, and 8mA in transmit mode @ -5dBm. The total solution fits into a 5x5mm package.

Innovative embedded features in nRF2401 to reduce cost and current consumption
The nRF2401 the receiver can receive on 2 channels simultaneously, for instance from a wireless mouse and keyboard transmitting at the same time, thus eliminating the need for adding 2 separate RX modules, thus halving costs and saving space. In addition, the nRF2401 takes advantage of the high datarate available-up to 1Mbit/sec. It uses an on-chip FIFO allowing the micro controller to clock in data at a low data rate and the RF transceiver to transmit at a very high rate. This feature called ShockBurst enables an extreme reduction in power consumption. Typical attainable reduction in power consumption can average 95% with a 10kbit/sec continuous link.

"For customers requiring wireless functionality, but where local regulations has prohibited the use of RF technology the nRF2401 represents the ideal solution. It is small, it uses extremely little current, and can operate on most known battery technologies. Effectively it can replace IR and typical 27MHz communication in most applications" says Geir Langeland, Product Manager for Nordic VLSI's standard products.

Additional features of the nRF2401:

• 2.4GHz operation
• 79 base channels, with 49 extra channels for certain territories
• 1.9 - 3.6V voltage supply
• 0 -1Mbit/sec datarate
• 0dBm output power
• CRC and address computation
• ShockBurst / direct mode
• 15mA Peak RX current
• Address stripping and CRC computation in RX
• Clock recovery on data
• Simultaneous dual receiver topology

Availability
Samples of the nRF2401 are available from Nordic VLSI for selected customers. Suggested resale price in quantities of 10,000 units is USD 3.50

Facts about Nordic VLSI ASA
Nordic VLSI is one of the leading European independent IC design houses developing, producing and delivering state-of-the-art integrated circuits for customers world wide. The company was founded in 1983, has shown a strong growth and has now locations in Trondheim and Oslo in Norway.

The company has special focus on components for wireless communication, mixed signal and complex digital and analogue integrated circuit design. Nordic VLSI is well positioned in the following market segments: RF, data and telecom, industrial, medical, automotive and consumer electronics. The company develops, markets and sells standard off the shelf integrated circuits, as well as integrated circuits based on customers specifications (ASICs). All operations are managed according to an ISO9001 approved quality assurance system. Nordic VLSI is also listed at the Norwegian stock exchange.

Further information about Nordic VLSI is available at www.nvlsi.no