Microchip has added multiple offerings that make it easy to design in IEEE 802.15.4
wireless networking.

Microchip’s MRF24J40 is a 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 RF transceiver targeted for the
ZigBee™ protocol and proprietary wireless protocols
in RF applications requiring low power and excellent RF performance. The ZENA™
wireless network analyzer tool further enables development of ZigBee protocol systems
using Microchip’s devices. Finally, the MiWi™ protocol is a free, small-footprint
protocol developed by Microchip for customers who do not need ZigBee protocol
interoperability but want to use IEEE 802.15.4 transceivers in low-cost peer-to-peer, star
and mesh networks.
In fact, the MiWi protocol provides the lowest-cost fully functional network protocol for
IEEE 802.15.4 transceivers.

With the MRF24J40 transceiver, Microchip now offers a complete ZigBee protocol platform
through the addition of a highly integrated RF transceiver that requires very few external
components. Microchip’s radio also offers low power consumption and performance that
exceeds all IEEE 802.15.4 specifications, with full Media Access Controller (MAC) support
and an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) hardware encryption engine.

Alternative Protocols

Due to the fact that the ZigBee protocol has grown too large and complex for many
applications, a large percentage of the market for IEEE 802.15.4 wireless Personal Area
Networking is likely to use alternative, proprietary protocols, such as the MiWi protocol.
Additionally, ZigBee protocol certification is costly and cumbersome for small- and
medium-size companies. Microchip’s MiWi protocol provides a simpler,
lower-cost solution for customers who do not need interoperability but still want to use
robust IEEE 802.15.4 radios. No certification is required for MiWi protocol systems, and
the protocol stack is provided under a free license, when the combination
of Microchip’s microcontrollers and MRF24J40 transceiver is used.

Regardless of which protocol you select, Microchip’s complete solution enables you to
rapidly evaluate and begin developing a vast array of wirelessly networked IEEE 802.15.4
applications, including: building/home automation
(security, lighting, HVAC, access); industrial (monitors, sensors, automation, control,
lighting); personal healthcare (diagnostic tools, monitors); and consumer electronics (RF
wireless remotes for TV/VCR/DVD/CD, toys, personal-computer peripherals).

Microchip’s new ZENA wireless network analyzer tool (part # DM183023), available now for
$129.99, uses a simple graphical interface to configure the free Microchip ZigBee and MiWi
protocol stacks. This augments
Microchip’s existing IEEE 802.15.4 development tools, including the $269.99 PICDEM™ Z
2.4 GHz Demonstration Kit (part # DM163027-4), which is an easy-to-use evaluation and
development platform for IEEE 802.15.4 application designers.

For more information, please visit
www.microchip.com/ZigBee.

Note: The Microchip name and logo are registered trademarks
of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries. ZENA, MiWi and PICDEM are
trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries.
All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.