Nordic VLSI introduces the first complete low cost System on Chip (SoC) RF IC's for global 2.4GHz operation

NORWAY (Apr 30th) - Nordic VLSI today announced two new leading System on Chip components - the nRF24E1 transceiver and nRF24E2 transmitter. The entire radio, 8051 MCU, 9 channel 12 bit ADC, peripherals, inductors and filters, are integrated on a single die which gives the highest value and smallest Bill of Material (BoM) available in the market today. Both components are delivered in a 6x6mm, 36-pin QFN package and require extremely few external components. Based on the market leading nRF2401/02 RF architecture, nRF24E1 and nRF24E2, bring the level of integration one step further. In a unique market leading design, the most sophisticated low cost 2.4GHz ISM wireless components are paired with the industry standard 8051 MCU core, feature rich ADC and leading peripherals. This is the worlds first complete low cost System on Chip (SoC) RF IC's for global 2.4GHz operation.

The new components from Nordic VLSI ASA, are manufactured in an ultra modern 0.18u process, and have included all the great benefits of the nRF2401/02, such as ShockBurst, DuoCeiver, on-chip CRC and address computation/encoding. The nRF24E1 and nRF24E2 is well suited in wireless applications where the superior integration can be used to enhance performance, shorten development time and lower system cost. Examples well suited for the devices are wireless mouse and keyboards, wireless handsfree sets, sports and leisure equipment, toys, RF-ID, remote controls and industrial sensor applications.

Global application enabler: low cost and small size
The only external components needed to make a complete system are a crystal, resistor, and a low cost external 4KB EEPROM for initial program storage. The total solution fits into a 36-pin QFN package, measuring 6x6mm. Using the worldwide 2.4GHz frequency band the nRF24E1 and nRF24E2 eliminates the need for several hardware platforms to cover a global market -easing logistics and ensuring portability for products."The nRF24E1 and nRF24E2 is set to revolutionise a lot of applications using wireless technology today. We are anticipating that board space area and external component count in most designs can be reduced by 80% compared to existing solutions, severely cutting system cost" said Geir Langeland, Product Manager for Nordic VLSI's standard products.

Availability
The nRF24E1 and nRF24E2 and evaluation systems will start shipping end May 2003, with volume production in July 2003. Suggested resale price in quantities of 10,000 units is USD 3.25 for the nRF24E2 transmitter and USD 4.25 for the nRF24E1 transceiver.