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Microchip Technology AT86RF231-ZU
- Part No.:
- AT86RF231-ZU
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
AT86RF231-ZU.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX+MCU 802.15.4 32QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,172
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Product details
Overview
AT86RF231-ZU from Microchip Technology is a 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4-compliant RF transceiver IC designed for ZigBee®, 6LoWPAN, and WirelessHART™ systems. It integrates differential RF I/O (RFP/RFN), 128-byte frame buffer, AES-128 hardware accelerator, and SPI interface with only two GPIO lines required. Delivers -101 dBm receiver sensitivity, +3 dBm max output power, and operates from 1.8–3.6 V in industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C).
For engineers reviewing the AT86RF231-ZU datasheet, AT86RF231-ZU pinout, AT86RF231-ZU application, or AT86RF231-ZU equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meanings of key specs, validated pin functions, and confirmed alternative parts for low-power 2.4 GHz mesh networking, sensor node, and industrial automation designs.
Technical Context
The AT86RF231-ZU implements an O-QPSK modulator with 32-length block coding and a fractional-N PLL supporting frequency hopping. Its analog front-end includes a differential LNA, integrated BPF, limiting amplifier, and ADC-based RSSI generation - all optimized for 250 kb/s base-rate IEEE 802.15.4 operation.
Digital baseband processing includes hardware-accelerated MAC functions: automatic ACK, CSMA-CA, address filtering, FCS check, and true random number generation. The SPI slave interface supports register, frame buffer, and AES engine access concurrently, with CLKM providing programmable clock output for host timing synchronization.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Operating Frequency | 2.4 GHz ISM band (2400–2483.5 MHz); supports IEEE 802.15.4-2006/2003 PHY layer |
| Receiver Sensitivity | -101 dBm at 250 kb/s; enables robust link budget up to 104 dB in typical 802.15.4 deployments |
| Output Power Range | -17 dBm to +3 dBm programmable; allows fine-tuned RF output for regulatory compliance and range optimization |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V; internal 1.8 V LDOs for AVDD/DVDD reduce external BOM count |
| Current Consumption | RX_ON = 12.3 mA; BUSY_TX = 14 mA at +3 dBm; SLEEP = 0.02 µA - enables multi-year battery life in sensor nodes |
| Data Rates | 250 kb/s (802.15.4 default), plus 500 kb/s, 1 Mb/s, 2 Mb/s in extended modes - supports high-throughput telemetry |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to +85°C; qualified for industrial embedded environments without derating |
Pinout & Package
AT86RF231-ZU uses a 32-pin QFN package (5 mm × 5 mm × 0.9 mm) with exposed paddle connected to AVSS. All analog (AVSS/AVDD), digital (DVSS/DVDD), and RF (RFP/RFN) grounds are physically separated on-die and require dedicated PCB ground planes per datasheet layout guidance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| RFP / RFN | Differential RF I/O | 100 Ω differential port; supports TRX switching internally - eliminates need for external RF switch in basic designs |
| /RST | Digital input | Active-low chip reset; internal pull-up in P_ON state ensures reliable initialization after power-up |
| /SEL, SCLK, MOSI, MISO | SPI interface | Standard 4-wire SPI slave; MSB-first, mode 0 timing; supports concurrent register, frame buffer, and AES access |
| IRQ | Digital output | Configurable active-high/low interrupt; doubles as Frame Buffer Empty indicator for efficient polling-free firmware |
| SLP_TR | Digital input | Multi-function control: sleep/wake, TX start, RX enable - reduces MCU GPIO usage in resource-constrained nodes |
| DIG1 / DIG2 | Digital outputs | Antenna diversity RF switch control (inverted pair); enables dual-antenna reliability without MCU intervention |
| DIG3 / DIG4 | Digital outputs | RX/TX indicator signals; drive external PA/LNA enable lines directly - simplifies RF front-end sequencing |
| XTAL1 / XTAL2 | Crytal oscillator | Supports 16 MHz fundamental-mode crystal; internal load caps eliminate external capacitors in basic configurations |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Hardware MAC Accelerator | Offloads CSMA-CA, auto-ACK, retransmission, and address filtering - reduces MCU firmware complexity and latency |
| AES-128 Security Engine | Dedicated parallel crypto core accessible via SPI; operates independently of PHY states except SLEEP - enables secure OTA updates |
| 128-byte Frame Buffer | Integrated SRAM for full 127-byte IEEE 802.15.4 payload; eliminates need for external buffer memory in compact nodes |
| Ultra-Low Sleep Current | 0.02 µA retention current - extends coin-cell battery life beyond 10 years in periodic-sensing applications |
| Fast Wake-Up Time | < 0.4 ms from SLEEP to RX_ON - meets strict TSCH slot timing requirements in deterministic wireless networks |
| Integrated Voltage Regulators | Separate 1.8 V AVREG/DVREG LDOs with state-dependent enable - cuts external regulator count and improves PSRR |
Applications
| Smart Utility Metering | Industrial Wireless Sensor Network |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered gas/water meters transmitting hourly consumption data over mesh network using ZigBee Smart Energy profile. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 2.4 GHz PHY transceiver handling packet framing, FCS, RSSI, and channel assessment per IEEE 802.15.4-2006. Use Value: -101 dBm sensitivity and 104 dB link budget ensure reliable 300+ meter range through concrete walls; 0.02 µA sleep current enables 15-year battery life. | Use Scenario: Distributed temperature/pressure sensors in factory floor monitoring system compliant with WirelessHART™ stack. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Time-synchronized radio node executing TSCH schedule with hardware-assisted frame timing and RX_START timestamping via DIG2. Use Value: Hardware CSMA-CA and auto-retransmission guarantee packet delivery in noisy industrial RF environments; fast 0.4 ms wake-up meets 10 ms slot deadlines. |
| Home Automation Gateway | Medical Wearable Telemetry |
Use Scenario: ZigBee coordinator in smart lighting hub aggregating commands from mobile app and relaying to LED drivers and switches. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability transceiver supporting concurrent multiple PANs with hardware address filtering and AES encryption for secure command routing. Use Value: Integrated AES-128 engine enables end-to-end encryption without MCU overhead; 2 MB/s extended data rate supports firmware OTA bursts. | Use Scenario: Disposable ECG patch transmitting biometric data every 5 seconds to bedside monitor using 6LoWPAN over IEEE 802.15.4. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Ultra-low-power RF interface with battery monitor (BATMON) and true random number generator for TLS handshake entropy. Use Value: 12.3 mA RX_ON current and 14 mA TX current at +3 dBm minimize energy per bit; regulated 1.8 V supply ensures stable ADC reference during RF transmission. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CC2531F256RHAT | Integrated 8051 MCU; no external microcontroller needed; lower RX sensitivity (-97 dBm) | Built-in protocol stack support; higher BOM cost due to flash/MCU integration | Choose when standalone node functionality is prioritized over lowest power or external MCU flexibility |
| JN5169-001-M00 | ARM Cortex-M0+ MCU + 2.4 GHz transceiver; supports ZigBee PRO and JenNet-IP; -95 dBm sensitivity | Higher-level software abstraction; larger footprint (7×7 mm QFN); requires external 32 kHz crystal | Prefer for complex gateway or multi-protocol edge devices where MCU compute headroom matters more than minimal sleep current |
Compared with CC2531F256RHAT and JN5169-001-M00, the AT86RF231-ZU delivers superior link budget and lowest sleep current but requires external MCU - making it optimal for ultra-low-power, cost-sensitive sensor endpoints where firmware resides off-chip.
Availability
AT86RF231-ZU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial wireless sensor networks, smart utility metering, and medical wearable telemetry requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.
Supply support for AT86RF231-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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and IoT markets.
The AT86RF231-ZU belongs to Microchip's legacy 2.4 GHz RF transceiver product line, engineered specifically for standards-compliant, ultra-low-power IEEE 802.15.4 physical layer implementation in resource-constrained embedded systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum transmit power and corresponding current draw for AT86RF231-ZU?
The AT86RF231-ZU supports programmable output power up to +3 dBm, at which point its BUSY_TX current draw is 14 mA. This value is measured under nominal 3.3 V supply and represents peak consumption during active transmission - critical for battery-life estimation in wireless sensor nodes using the AT86RF231-ZU.
Does AT86RF231-ZU include hardware support for IEEE 802.15.4 MAC functions?
Yes, the AT86RF231-ZU includes dedicated hardware accelerators for key MAC operations: automated acknowledgment, CSMA-CA backoff, retransmission, address filtering, and FCS computation. These features operate independently of the host MCU and are fully documented in the AT86RF231-ZU datasheet sections covering Extended Operating Mode.
Can AT86RF231-ZU operate without an external crystal?
No - the AT86RF231-ZU requires either a 16 MHz fundamental-mode crystal connected to XTAL1/XTAL2 or an external 16 MHz clock source applied to XTAL1. The internal oscillator lacks the stability needed for IEEE 802.15.4 timing compliance, so omitting the crystal or clock source will prevent proper AT86RF231-ZU operation.
What is the function of the DIG1 and DIG2 pins on AT86RF231-ZU?
DIG1 and DIG2 are configurable digital outputs on the AT86RF231-ZU used primarily for antenna diversity RF switch control. They form an inverted pair enabling automatic selection between two antennas based on signal quality - a feature that enhances link reliability in multipath environments without MCU involvement during RX time.
Is AT86RF231-ZU RoHS compliant and what package does it use?
Yes, the AT86RF231-ZU is RoHS compliant and packaged in a 32-pin QFN (5 mm × 5 mm × 0.9 mm) with exposed thermal paddle electrically tied to AVSS. This green package meets JEDEC moisture sensitivity level 3 and supports standard reflow profiles - confirmed in the official AT86RF231-ZU product change notice and packaging specification.
AT86RF231-ZU Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Active
- 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):
- 2Mbps
- Power - Output:
- 3dBm
- Sensitivity:
- -101dBm
- Memory Size:
- 128B SRAM
- Serial Interfaces:
- SPI
- GPIO:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.8V ~ 3.6V
- Current - Receiving:
- 10.3mA ~ 12.3mA
- Current - Transmitting:
- 7.4mA ~ 14mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-QFN (5x5)
AT86RF231-ZU FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AT86RF231-ZU through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AT86RF231-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 AT86RF231-ZU reliable?
The price and inventory of AT86RF231-ZU are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AT86RF231-ZU is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AT86RF231-ZU?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AT86RF231-ZU transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AT86RF231-ZU?
AT86RF231-ZU orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AT86RF231-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 AT86RF231-ZU?
For technical support, including AT86RF231-ZU datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AT86RF231-ZU requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AT86RF231-ZU is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AT86RF231-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 AT86RF231-ZU meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AT86RF231-ZU?
All AT86RF231-ZU units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AT86RF231-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 AT86RF231-ZU part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AT86RF231-ZU:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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