Introduction

The ATZB-RF-233-1-C ZigBit® module is an ultra-compact and low-power 2.4 GHz IEEE® 802.15.4/ZigBee® Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) module from Microchip with a built-in Radio Frequency (RF) Front End Module (FEM) that has an integrated power amplifier and low noise amplifier. This helps the ZigBit module reach a very high link budget of up to +124 dB. Based on the innovative mixed-signal hardware platform from Microchip, this module uses the AT86RF233 2.4 GHz Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) radio band transceiver with the FEM on a very compact module design that allows the customer to integrate the module to any of the recommended Microchip microcontrollers that the application fits. The radio transceiver provides high data rates from 250 kb/s up to 2 Mb/s, frame handling, outstanding receiver sensitivity and high transmit output power enabling a very robust wireless communication. The module is designed for wireless sensing, monitoring, control, data acquisition applications and more. This ZigBit module eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming RF development and shortens the time-to-market for wireless applications. For more details, refer to the AT86RF233 Low Power, 2.4GHz Transceiver for ZigBee, RF4CE, IEEE 802.15.4, 6LoWPAN, and ISM Applications Data Sheet (8351).

The ZigBit module has an MS-147 RF connector that can be used as an RF test port. The built-in chip antenna is designed and tuned for the ZigBit design to enable quick integration of the ZigBit module into any application.

Applications

The ZigBit module is compatible with the robust IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee stack that supports a self-healing, self-organizing mesh network, while optimizing network traffic and minimizing power consumption. For more details on software support information, refer to www.microchip.com/wireless.

The applications include the following:

  • Building automation and monitoring
    • Lighting controls
    • Wireless smoke and CO detectors
    • Structural integrity monitoring
  • Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) monitoring and control
  • Inventory management
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Security
  • Water metering
  • Industrial monitoring
  • Machinery condition and performance monitoring
    • Monitoring of plant system parameters, such as temperature, pressure, flow, tank level, humidity, vibration and more
    • Automated Meter Reading (AMR)