Jennic JN5148 single-chip 32-bit wireless microcontroller

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Jennic has announced a single-chip 32-bit wireless microcontroller which can be used for wireless networking communications based on the ZigBee PRO and IEEE802.15.4 standards. The device can be used for development of next-generation wireless mesh networks for battery-powered and data-rich applications.

The JN5148 32-bit wireless microcontroller achieves a system operating current consumption of 18 mA when receiving and 15 mA transmitting at +3 dBm, which is typically 35% lower than current solutions. With 128 KB ROM, 128 KB RAM and enhanced coding efficiency, the device has sufficient space for developers to integrate their embedded application software and the ZigBee PRO protocol stack into a single chip. It can also be used as a co-processor, enabling ZigBee PRO to be added easily and quickly to existing systems.

Programmable CPU clock speeds from 4 to 32 MHz and the use of five separate power domains provide the ability to select low power or high performance up to 32 MIPS CPU operation for the device to be used across the full range of applications from low-power battery-backed networks to high I/O, processor-intensive systems. The time-of-flight ranging engine integrated into the device revolutionises location-based services for sensor networks by providing improved accuracy over conventional signal strength-based systems with little incremental cost.

The JN5148 integrates a high-performance 32-bit RISC CPU core with mixed-signal peripherals and an IEEE802.15.4, 2.4 GHz transceiver. The 98 dB link budget and selectable high data-rate modes support indoor communication over distances of up to 50 m, while 128-bit AES encryption ensures a high level of security.

Implementation requires few additional devices; a crystal, discrete passives and a serial Flash memory. The first version of the device is offered with the company’s ZigBee PRO stack and is supported by a range of evaluation and development kits as well as reference designs, code examples and an online developer forum.

In addition to the stand-alone wireless controller, the device is available in a fully integrated U.FL module optimised for +2.5 dBm standard power, or +20 dBm high power.