First location detection system-on-chip for ZigBee wireless sensor networking

Texas Instruments Incorporated has introduced the industry’s first System-on-Chip (SoC) solution with a hardware location engine targeting low-power ZigBee/IEEE 802.15.4 wireless sensor networking applications. The CC2431, from the company’s Chipcon product line, targets applications such as asset and equipment tracking, inventory control, patient monitoring, remote controls, security and commissioning networks.

The CC2431 is based on the industry’s first available SoC solution for low-power RF applications, the CC2430. Both devices combine the excellent performance of the industry-leading CC2420 RF transceiver core with an enhanced 8051 microcontroller, up to 128 kB flash memory, 8 kB of RAM and many additional features – all in a small 7mm x 7mm package.

The CC2431’s RSSI-based location engine accurately calculates the node’s position based on the receive signal strength from CC2430-based reference nodes with known locations and can then send the location information to a collector (e.g. computer, PDA, handset). This capability reduces network traffic and communication delays compared to centralized location systems. In typical applications, accuracy of 3-5 meters can be achieved.

“Combined with the Z-Stack, the CC2431 provides the market’s most competitive ZigBee solution and illustrates the innovation and market leadership of the Chipcon product line,” said Art George, senior vice president of TI’s high-performance analog business. “Customers will now be able to develop reliable and robust wireless networks, while reducing time-to-market and minimizing production costs.”

TI’s Z-Stack protocol software is designed to the ZigBee 2006 specification and supports multiple platforms, including the CC2431, CC2430 and CC2420+MSP430 platform. The Z-Stack has been awarded the ZigBee Alliance’s golden unit status by the ZigBee test house TÜV Rheinland and is used by thousands of ZigBee developers worldwide. The Z-Stack is available for free downloading at www.ti.com/zigbee.

Texas Instruments Incorporated