Nordic Semiconductor Launches Latest Ultra-low Power 2.4GHz Transceiver

(Top News, 7 Apr 2008)

Nordic Semiconductor ASA has launched nRF24L01+, a single chip 2.4GHz transceiver that offers best-in-class radio performance, ultra-low power (ULP) operation, a 250kbps data rate option mode that triples operating range, and drop-in compatibility with its existing nRF24L01 2.4GHz ULP transceiver.

"The nRF24L01+ is effectively the nRF24L01 on steroids," says Thomas Embla Bonnerud, Nordic's Product Manager for Ultra Low Power Wireless.

The nRF24L01+ provides best-in-class radio performance for true ULP 2.4GHz radio solutions. This includes substantial enhancements in wideband blocking and intermodulation performance that make the radio a sound future-proofed solution for environments prone to intensive Wi-Fi interference. In addition, the inclusion of a fast front-end automatic gain control (AGC) further improves dynamic range and operational robustness with close proximity interferers.

With a peak current of only 13.5mA, the nRF24L01+ provides enough power budget to run applications on standard coin cell batteries for multiples years (the practical peak current limitation of a typical coin cell is 20mA). Prime coin cell battery-powered application candidates for the nRF24L01+ include wristwatches and wireless sensors (e.g. heart rate monitors and foot pods used in sports products). Prime AA or AAA battery-powered application examples include wireless mice, keyboards and RF remote controls that would benefit from battery lifetimes of up to one year.

In addition, the nRF24L01+ extends the feature set of the nRF24L01 with a 250kbps data rate option that by providing -94dBm sensitivity, can extend operating range by around three times compared to operation in 1Mbps mode.

The 250kbps mode is also fully air compatible with the 250kbps mode in Nordic's previous generation nRF2401A transceiver family (namely the nRF2401, nRF2401A, nRF2402, nRF24E1, nRF24E2), providing a direct migration path to a superior cost, power, and performance solution in existing designs.

Fully drop-in compatible with the nRF24L01 mechanically, functionally and electrically, the nRF24L01+ enables smooth transition path for designs that use the nRF24L01.

"The nRF24L01 has been our most successful product to date and for ULP 2.4GHz wireless connectivity it is by far the most widely adopted product in the industry," continues Bonnerud. "With the nRF24L01+ Nordic Semiconductor is setting a new industry benchmark in terms of radio performance for a true ULP 2.4GHz radio. Smart protocol stacks, like Nordic's existing Wireless Desktop Protocol, are critical to ensure good co-existence performance in noisy environments; so with the improved performance of the nRF24L01+ we have made our total solution even better."

Click here for more information on Nordic Semiconductor's nRF24L01+ 2.4GHz ULP transceiver

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