ACADEMIA

RF Micro Devices announced it has teamed with Silicon Laboratories to deliver Sub-GHz solutions for a broad range of smart grid applications.

The RFMD RF6569 smart energy front-end module (FEM) and Silicon Labs' EZRadioPRO Si4464/63 transceivers have been combined to create the RF6569/Si4464/63 reference design. This high-performance Sub-GHz solution provides public utilities and consumers more control over how they monitor and save energy. The solution targets portable battery-powered equipment such as smart energy advanced metering infrastructure, security and home automation systems, industrial control systems, and sensor networks in the 902 to 928MHz and 868MHz ISM bands.

RFMD's highly integrated RF6569 module features a 915MHz/868MHz 30dBm power amplifier, a Tx harmonic output filter, a single-pole double--throw (SPDT) antenna switch, and an Rx through path. The RF6569 is housed in a 5.5 x 5.0 x 1mm package, reducing discrete component content while minimizing footprint and assembly costs. The transceiver interface is single-ended with separate Rx/Tx.

Rohan Houlden, general manager of RFMD's Wireless Connectivity business unit, said, "RFMD and Silicon Labs are leveraging each other's expertise to deliver high-performance, highly-integrated solutions that reduce design cycle times, lower customer costs, and accelerate product time-to-market. RFMD anticipates our collaboration with Silicon Labs will directly benefit our smart energy customers while supporting continued growth in the burgeoning smart energy marketplace."

"The combination of RFMD's RF6569 module and Silicon Labs' Si446x EZRadioPRO provides an energy-efficient solution for long-range RF applications such as smart utility metering," said Greg Fyke, director of wireless products at Silicon Labs. "The 4463-TCE30E915R-EK reference design gives developers an accelerated path to boost output power to 1W in a small form factor without sacrificing exceptional low-power operation."