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Microchip Technology AT86RF230-ZU
- Part No.:
- AT86RF230-ZU
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
AT86RF230-ZU.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX+MCU 802.15.4 32QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,877
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Product details
Overview
AT86RF230-ZU from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4-compliant RF transceiver IC designed for ZigBee®, 6LoWPAN, and RF4CE wireless sensor networks. It integrates differential RF front-end, on-chip PLL with loop filter, 128-byte frame buffer, and SPI slave interface. Operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V with -101 dBm receiver sensitivity and programmable output power up to +3 dBm.
For engineers reviewing the AT86RF230-ZU datasheet, AT86RF230-ZU pinout, AT86RF230-ZU application, or AT86RF230-ZU equivalent, key selection criteria include its 32-pin QFN package, ultra-low 20 nA sleep current, hardware-accelerated CSMA-CA and FCS, integrated TX/RX switch, and support for industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C).
Technical Context
The AT86RF230-ZU implements an offset-QPSK (O-QPSK) modulation scheme with half-sine pulse shaping and 32-length block coding per IEEE 802.15.4-2003. Its analog front-end features a low-noise amplifier (LNA), passive poly-phase filter (PPF), integrated channel filter (SSBF), and limiting amplifier driving a 3-bit RSSI ADC.
Digital baseband processing includes time/frequency synchronization, automatic frame retransmission, address filtering, and energy detection. The device uses two independent LDO regulators (AVDD/DVDD at 1.8 V) and supports external EVDD/DEVDD supplies. All register, frame buffer, and SRAM access occur via a byte-oriented SPI interface operating up to 8 MHz in synchronous mode.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Frequency Band | 2.4 GHz ISM band (2400–2483.5 MHz); supports IEEE 802.15.4-2003 O-QPSK PHY layer |
| Receiver Sensitivity | -101 dBm at 250 kbps; enables robust link budget of 104 dB with +3 dBm max TX power |
| Transmit Output Power | Programmable from -17 dBm to +3 dBm in 1 dB steps; allows RF link tuning without external PA |
| Sleep Current | 20 nA typical; minimizes battery drain in long-idle sensor node applications |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V; internal LDOs generate regulated 1.8 V AVDD/DVDD rails from single supply |
| Frame Buffer Size | 128-byte SRAM shared between TX and RX; supports full 127-byte IEEE 802.15.4 frames |
| Interface Protocol | SPI slave (Mode 0); requires only SEL, SCLK, MOSI, MISO, IRQ, SLP_TR, and RST signals |
Pinout & Package
AT86RF230-ZU is housed in a 32-pin, 5 mm × 5 mm, 0.5 mm pitch low-profile QFN package with exposed thermal paddle (electrically connected to AVSS). The package is RoHS-compliant and green-qualified.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| RFP / RFN | Differential RF I/O | 100 Ω differential antenna interface; integrated TX/RX switch eliminates need for external RF switch |
| SEL / SCLK / MOSI / MISO | SPI Interface | Standard 4-wire SPI slave interface; supports up to 8 MHz clock when CLKM is used as master source |
| IRQ | Interrupt Output | Active-high interrupt signal indicating frame reception, transmission completion, or state change |
| SLP_TR | Multi-function Control Input | Controls sleep/wake, TX start, and CLKM enable; function depends on current radio state machine mode |
| RST | Reset Input | Active-low asynchronous reset; initializes internal registers and state machine |
| CLKM | Clock Output | Programmable clock output (1 MHz default); usable as microcontroller clock source or timing reference |
| XTAL1 / XTAL2 | Crystal Oscillator Interface | Supports 16 MHz fundamental-mode crystal; internal oscillator provides stable 24 MHz reference for PLL |
| BATMON | Battery Monitor Input | Analog input for monitoring supply voltage; enables low-battery detection in battery-powered nodes |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Hardware-accelerated IEEE 802.15.4 functions | FCS computation, CCA, ED/RSSI, automatic CSMA-CA, frame retransmission, and address filtering reduce MCU firmware overhead |
| Integrated analog front-end | On-chip LNA, PPF, SSBF, PA, and fractional-N PLL eliminate discrete RF components beyond crystal and balun |
| Ultra-low-power operation | 20 nA sleep, 15.5 mA RX, 16.5 mA TX at +3 dBm - optimized for coin-cell-powered sensor nodes |
| Single-supply flexibility | Accepts 1.8–3.6 V; internal LDOs generate clean 1.8 V analog/digital rails - simplifies power design |
| Robust digital interface | SPI driver strength configurable per pin (2–8 mA); reduces EMI and ensures signal integrity across PCB traces |
Applications
| Smart Home Sensor Node | Industrial WirelessHART Node |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered temperature/humidity sensor transmitting data every 30 seconds to a gateway using ZigBee mesh. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 2.4 GHz transceiver handling PHY/MAC-layer packet assembly, modulation, and timing-critical CCA/CSMA-CA. Use Value: 20 nA sleep current extends CR2032 battery life beyond 5 years; hardware FCS and auto-retransmission ensure reliable delivery in noisy environments. | Use Scenario: Field-mounted pressure transmitter in hazardous area communicating via WirelessHART protocol to control system. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: IEEE 802.15.4-compliant RF transceiver providing deterministic latency, RSSI-based link quality feedback, and secure frame handling. Use Value: -101 dBm sensitivity and 104 dB link budget maintain connectivity over 100+ m in industrial RF noise; -40°C to +85°C rating ensures operation in harsh enclosures. |
| PC Peripheral Remote Control | 6LoWPAN Edge Router |
Use Scenario: RF4CE-compliant TV remote with bidirectional pairing and low-latency button response. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-latency 2.4 GHz transceiver supporting RF4CE command/response protocol with fast PLL settling (<1 ms) and IRQ-driven event handling. Use Value: Sub-millisecond power-up and hardware-accelerated frame acknowledgment deliver <10 ms end-to-end response; minimal BoM enables compact remote PCB layout. | Use Scenario: IPv6-over-IEEE 802.15.4 edge router bridging sensor network to Ethernet/Wi-Fi backbone. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-throughput 2.4 GHz transceiver managing concurrent 6LoWPAN frame buffering, fragmentation, and timestamped RSSI logging. Use Value: 128-byte frame buffer supports full 127-byte payloads; programmable CLKM output synchronizes MAC timing with external IPv6 stack timer. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| CC2530F256RHAT | Integrated 8051 MCU + 256 KB flash; higher active current (24 mA RX); no integrated LDOs | Best for standalone SoC designs needing embedded protocol stack; less suitable for host-MCU architectures | Select CC2530F256RHAT when MCU integration reduces BOM count; prefer AT86RF230-ZU for flexible host-processor choice and lower sleep current. |
| JN5169-001-M00 | 32-bit RISC CPU + 256 KB flash + ZigBee Pro stack; 22 mA RX; supports sub-GHz dual-band variants | Targeted at certified ZigBee Pro end devices; larger footprint (40-pin QFN); higher cost | Choose JN5169-001-M00 for pre-certified ZigBee Pro compliance; AT86RF230-ZU offers better power efficiency and simpler layout for custom stack implementations. |
Compared with CC2530F256RHAT and JN5169-001-M00, the AT86RF230-ZU delivers the lowest sleep current (20 nA vs ≥1 µA), smallest footprint (32-pin QFN), and highest integration of RF analog functions - making it optimal for ultra-low-power, host-processor-based IEEE 802.15.4 designs where MCU flexibility and battery longevity are critical.
Availability
AT86RF230-ZU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart home sensor nodes, industrial WirelessHART transmitters, RF4CE remotes, 6LoWPAN edge routers, and battery-powered IoT endpoints requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.
Supply support for AT86RF230-ZU includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Microchip Technology is a global semiconductor company delivering microcontrollers, analog, FPGA, and wireless solutions with emphasis on reliability, security, and longevity for industrial and automotive markets.
The AT86RF230-ZU belongs to Microchip's legacy Atmel wireless transceiver product line, engineered specifically for low-power, standards-compliant 2.4 GHz mesh networking in resource-constrained embedded systems.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range of the AT86RF230-ZU?
The AT86RF230-ZU is rated for industrial operation from -40°C to +85°C. This range is validated across all electrical specifications including receiver sensitivity (-101 dBm), transmit output power (+3 dBm), and sleep current (20 nA). The device maintains IEEE 802.15.4-2003 compliance and RF performance stability throughout this full range, making it suitable for deployment in uncontrolled environments such as factory floors, outdoor sensors, and HVAC systems.
Does the AT86RF230-ZU require an external RF switch?
No, the AT86RF230-ZU does not require an external RF switch. It integrates a fully functional TX/RX switch within the RF front-end, enabling seamless transition between transmit and receive modes using the same differential RFP/RFN pins. This integration reduces bill-of-materials cost, PCB area, and insertion loss - confirmed by the device's 104 dB link budget and compliance with EN 300 328 and FCC Part 15 requirements.
How is the AT86RF230-ZU powered, and what supply voltages does it accept?
The AT86RF230-ZU accepts a single supply voltage from 1.8 V to 3.6 V applied to DEVDD (digital) and EVDD (analog) pins. Internal LDO regulators generate clean, isolated 1.8 V AVDD and DVDD rails for analog and digital domains respectively. These regulators are state-controlled and automatically enabled/disabled based on radio operation mode - eliminating need for external regulators while ensuring noise isolation critical for RF performance.
Can the AT86RF230-ZU operate without a crystal oscillator?
No, the AT86RF230-ZU requires a 16 MHz fundamental-mode crystal connected to XTAL1 and XTAL2 pins for stable 24 MHz reference clock generation. While XTAL1 can accept an external clock signal, the datasheet specifies crystal operation as the primary and validated configuration. Crystal load capacitance must be matched (typically 12 pF) and parasitic capacitance minimized to meet IEEE 802.15.4 frequency accuracy requirements (±40 ppm), and no internal RC oscillator is provided.
What SPI modes and maximum clock rates does the AT86RF230-ZU support?
The AT86RF230-ZU supports SPI Mode 0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) only. In synchronous mode - where CLKM output drives the MCU master clock - the maximum SPI clock rate is 8 MHz. In asynchronous mode - where the MCU generates SCLK - the maximum rate is 7.5 MHz. Timing parameters t3 and t4 specify setup/hold requirements relative to SCLK rising edge, and all transfers are MSB-first with SEL active-low framing.
AT86RF230-ZU Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Type:
- TxRx + MCU
- RF Family/Standard:
- 802.15.4, General ISM > 1GHz
- Protocol:
- 6LoWPAN, WirelessHART™, Zigbee®
- Modulation:
- O-QPSK
- Frequency:
- 2.4GHz
- Data Rate (Max):
- 250kbps
- Power - Output:
- 3dBm
- Sensitivity:
- -101dBm
- Memory Size:
- 128B SRAM
- Serial Interfaces:
- SPI
- GPIO:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.8V ~ 3.6V
- Current - Receiving:
- 15.5mA
- Current - Transmitting:
- 9.5mA ~ 16.5mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-QFN (5x5)
AT86RF230-ZU FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AT86RF230-ZU through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AT86RF230-ZU on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for AT86RF230-ZU reliable?
The price and inventory of AT86RF230-ZU are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AT86RF230-ZU is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AT86RF230-ZU?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AT86RF230-ZU transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AT86RF230-ZU?
AT86RF230-ZU orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AT86RF230-ZU order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for AT86RF230-ZU?
For technical support, including AT86RF230-ZU datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AT86RF230-ZU requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AT86RF230-ZU is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AT86RF230-ZU products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that AT86RF230-ZU meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AT86RF230-ZU?
All AT86RF230-ZU units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AT86RF230-ZU, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The AT86RF230-ZU part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AT86RF230-ZU:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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