Si10xx Wireless MCUs Power CEL's First Sub-GHz MeshConnect™ Modules
for Long-Range RF Connectivity in Non-Line-of-Sight Applications
AUSTIN, Texas & SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Silicon
Laboratories Inc. (NASDAQ: SLAB), a leader in high-performance,
analog-intensive, mixed-signal ICs, today announced that it is providing
the enabling wireless microcontroller (MCU) technology for a new line of
sub-GHz wireless mesh networking modules from California
Eastern Laboratories (CEL). Powered by Silicon Labs' Si10xx
wireless MCUs, the MeshConnect Sub-G modules are CEL's first module
series optimized for wireless applications in the sub-GHz ISM band
including smart meters, home automation, security systems, remote
keyless entry, irrigation control and weather stations.
Designed for dense operating environments, the MeshConnect Sub-G modules
deliver superior RF range and performance. The 868 MHz and 902-928 MHz
frequency ranges provide robust transmission for non-line-of-sight
applications. The modules can achieve a link budget up to 140 dB with a
sensitivity of up to -121 dBm. Higher link budgets enhance wireless
system performance in challenging operating environments.
The highly integrated, single-chip Si10xx wireless MCUs provide
industry-leading low power consumption, enabling extended battery life
for wireless systems based on MeshConnect modules that require battery
backup or fully portable operation. The wireless MCUs also enable the
modules to deliver ultra-low RF power consumption.
The MeshConnect Sub-G modules support multiple software platforms,
ensuring compliance with leading US and European operating standards.
These software platforms include Synapse SNAP embedded firmware,
wireless M-Bus, Silicon Labs' EZMac software and CEL's proprietary
application programming interface (API). The modules also provide a 1 MB
flash memory option to support over the air (OTA) programming, giving
system manufacturers and users the flexibility to perform software
updates and system optimizations quickly and easily.
CEL's wireless modules provide pre-certified hardware/software solutions
that accelerate time to market and reduce system cost and design risk.
Pre-certified solutions can reduce development time by months and
eliminate the costly certification process. To further speed time to
market, CEL offers developers the MeshConnect Sub-G Development Kit,
which enables rapid prototyping in days rather than months.
"Silicon Labs provides the industry's most integrated, robust, reliable
and power-efficient sub-GHz wireless MCU solutions," said Rich Howell,
director of business development at CEL. "Silicon Labs' Si10xx family
provides the optimal transceiver/MCU platform for our MeshConnect Sub-G
modules. By collaborating with Silicon Labs, we are able to deliver
CEL's first modules in the sub-GHz frequency range to support longer
range wireless communications."
A member of Silicon Labs' Wireless Partner Program, CEL provides a
comprehensive line of MeshConnect solutions including modules, ICs and
software packages for use in mesh, point-to-point and
point-to-multipoint systems.
"RF design is part engineering and part art, and CEL excels at
integrating best-in-class semiconductor and software elements into
market-ready wireless modules," said Mark Thompson, vice president of
Embedded Mixed-Signal products at Silicon Labs. "CEL's MeshConnect Sub-G
modules leverage our Si10xx wireless MCUs to deliver highly integrated,
pre-certified solutions for the rapidly growing wireless mesh networking
market."
Pricing and Availability
The MeshConnect Sub-G modules (part numbers ZICM0868P0 and ZICM0900P2)
are sampling now. Mass production is planned for Q2 2011. Module pricing
is less than $19 USD in thousand-piece quantities.
For more information about the MeshConnect Sub-G modules and development
kit or to order samples, visit www.cel.com.
For more information about Silicon Labs' Si10xx wireless MCU family or
to purchase samples and development tools, visit www.silabs.com/pr/wirelessmcu.
About CEL
California Eastern Laboratories (www.cel.com)
develops the MeshConnect™ line of IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee and other radio
modules and transceiver ICs and is a member of the ZigBee Alliance (www.zigbee.org).
Silicon Laboratories Inc.
Silicon Laboratories is an industry leader in the innovation of
high-performance, analog-intensive, mixed-signal ICs. Developed by a
world-class engineering team with unsurpassed expertise in mixed-signal
design, Silicon Labs' diverse portfolio of patented semiconductor
solutions offers customers significant advantages in performance, size
and power consumption. For more information about Silicon Labs, please
visit www.silabs.com.
Cautionary Language
This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on
Silicon Laboratories' current expectations. These forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of important
factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in
the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of factors that could
impact Silicon Laboratories' financial results and cause actual results
to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements,
please refer to Silicon Laboratories' filings with the SEC. Silicon
Laboratories disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise
any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise.
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Silicon Laboratories Inc.
Dale Weisman, +1-512-532-5871
dale.weisman@silabs.com
Source: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
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