Synapse’s SNAP Available on 2Mbps Atmel Wireless Microcontroller to Offer Internet-enabled Wireless Mesh Network

The new combination embeds Synapse’s SNAP, the industry’s first Internet-enabled, wireless mesh network operating system, into the Atmel ATmega128RFA1 single-chip AVR® microcontroller with a 2.4GHz RF transceiver, utilizing the 2Mbps high speed mode.

Together, SNAP and Atmel ATmega128RFA1 provide game-changing productivity improvements, such as SNAP’s on-board Python interpreter for rapid application development and over-the-air programming, and Atmel’s low-power RF single-chip design that saves board space for their customers and lowers the overall Bill of Materials and power consumption. The IEEE 802.15.4 market is projected to grow at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of nearly 80% over the next several years, reaching almost 500 million chipset shipments in 2014 according to ABI Research.

Available for embedded designs or as a module, the ATmega128RFA1 is the most power-efficient MCU available (250nA deep sleep) and enables a new generation of battery-driven systems. With SNAP, developers can easily tap into this functionality and integrate such features as wake-on-radio and high data rate modes (2Mbits/sec) into their product designs.

Atmel customers will have access to the complete Synapse product line, which includes RF modules, Portal™ for network management and rapid application development, and SNAP® Connect for seamless access to the Internet. Also available will be Synapse Design Services for innovative engineering solutions in embedded wireless technology.

“The 8-bit ATmega128RFA1 was designed for networking applications delivering low power, and high performance in a small package,” said Magnus Pedersen, Atmel product marketing director of MCU wireless solutions. “The SNAP mesh network operating system supports these goals and was also designed for Internet connectivity. Together, this gives our customers tremendous scalability and flexibility in their product designs.”

“Our cooperation with Atmel, and SNAP’s port to their latest entry in the growing IEEE 802.15.4 market, are important steps in bringing advanced integrated wireless capabilities to Atmel customers. With the added benefits of easy, fast application development from SNAP, Atmel will continue to lead the industry in providing productive and innovative products,” said Wade Patterson, Synapse Founder, President and CEO.