Sub-GHz module targets ultra-low-power WPAN designs

The module is based on a Microchip SAMR30E18A system-in-package (SiP) with 32-bit Arm Cortex-M0+ core and up to 256Kbytes of flash and 40Kbytes of RAM.

Designed for use in unlicensed sub-1GHz frequency bands worldwide — such as 780MHz (China), 868MHz (Europe), and 915MHz (North America) — the module delivers receive (RX) sensitivity up to -105dBm and transmit (TX) output power up to +8.7dBm.

Twice the connectivity range and better communication is enabled through walls and floors than similarly powered devices using the 2.4GHz frequency band.

Featuring an ultra-low-power sleep mode of under 800nA, the SAM R30 module is ideal for Internet of Things (IoT) sensor applications that require long battery life.

Further, developers can implement propriety point-to-point, star, or self-healing mesh networks with Microchip’s MiWi protocol stack.

Mouser also stocks the SAM R30M Xplained Pro Evaluation Kit, which includes an onboard embedded debugger, QTouch button, two Xplained Pro extension headers, and embedded current measurement circuitry.

The board features both a chip antenna and an SMA connector for an external antenna, a digital temperature sensor, and USB-UART/I²C convertor. It is supported by the Atmel Studio integrated development platform, which provides predefined application examples.

Both the module and the evaluation kit are certified with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Industry Canada (IC), and Radio Equipment Directive (RED), allowing designers to focus on time-to-market instead of RF testing certification costs