Secure sub-1-GHz SoCs combine long-range RF, energy efficiency
The EFR32FG23 (FG23) and EFR32ZG23 (ZG23) system-on-chip (SoC) sub-GHz wireless solutions combine long-range RF and energy efficiency with certified Arm PSA Level 3 security to meet the global demand for high-performance, battery-powered IoT products. The devices, says the company, provide developers with flexible, multiprotocol sub-GHz connectivity options supporting a wide range of modulation schemes and advanced wireless technologies, including Amazon Sidewalk, mioty, Wireless M-Bus, Z-Wave and proprietary IoT networks.
“This new evolution of our Series 2 platform is answering the ever-increasing demands for highly-integrated, long range wireless connectivity to enable cities, industries and homes to operate more efficiently and sustainably,” says Matt Johnson, president of Silicon Labs. “Silicon Labs’ new secure, ultra-low-power sub-GHz solutions extend wireless communication beyond one-mile, thus expanding the boundaries for developers who need scalable high-performance wireless to drive the transformative potential of the IoT.”
The FG23 and ZG23 are offered as providing an optimized combination of ultra-low transmit and receive radio power (13.2 mA TX at 10 dBm, 4.2 mA RX at 920 MHz) and best-in-class RF (+20 dBm output power and -125.3 dBm RX at 868 MHz, 2.4 kbps GFSK), making it possible for IoT end nodes to achieve 1+ mile wireless range while operating on a coin cell battery for 10+ years. The SoCs also leverage Secure Vault, certified PSA Level 3, enabling developers to safeguard IoT products against software and hardware attacks which can compromise intellectual property, ecosystems and brand trust.
The FG23 and ZG23, says the company, enable developers to create IoT products that enhance the efficiency and performance of a wide range of applications including smart infrastructure, metering, environmental monitoring, connected lighting, industrial controls, electronic shelf labels (ESL), building and home automation
Additional highlights include:
- Simplified single ended RF match delivers 40% lower BoM than existing solutions
- Broad frequency (110-727 MHz & 742-970 MHz) and modulation support (FSK, GFSK, OQPSK DSSS, MSK, GMSK and OOK)
- Advanced peripheral features for LCDs, push buttons and low power sensors
The FG23 targets Amazon Sidewalk, industrial IoT (IIoT), smart city, building and home automation markets that often require battery-powered end nodes with extended wireless communication range capabilities. The FG23 wireless SoC solution provides a flexible antenna diversity feature to enable best-in-class wireless link budget (-111.2 dBm RX @ 920 MHz, 50 kbps GFSK). Advanced wireless, coupled with FG23’s low active current (26 µA/MHz) and sleep mode (1.2 µA) make it an ideal solution for battery-powered field area network nodes, wireless sensors and connected devices in difficult to reach locations.
The ZG23 enhances Z-Wave Wireless by adding Secure Vault and offers the same RF and power performance as the FG23. Supporting Z-Wave Long Range and Mesh, these are the first SoCs to be optimized for both end devices and gateways and can also support all FG23 protocols. The ZG23 wireless solution targets smart home, hotel and multi-dwelling unit (MDU) markets. Ultra-compact ZG23-based SiP modules (ZGM230S), supporting Z-Wave only, will also be made available to simplify development and speed-time-to-market.
FR32FG23 SoCs in 5 mm x 5 mm QFN40 and 6 mm x 6 mm QFN48 packages are shipping today. FG23 development kits are also available, with kit pricing starting at $39.99. EFR32ZG23 SoCs, ZGM230S modules and accompanying kits will be available to the public in Q4 2021.
For more, see “Long Range, Ultra-Low-Power Sub-GHz Wireless Solutions.”
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