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Microchip Technology AT86RF233-ZF
- Part No.:
- AT86RF233-ZF
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
AT86RF233-ZF.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX+MCU 802.15.4 32QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,182
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Product details
Overview
AT86RF233-ZF from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a fully integrated 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4-compliant RF transceiver IC for ZigBee, RF4CE, 6LoWPAN, and ISM-band wireless sensor networks. It delivers -101dBm receiver sensitivity, programmable TX output from -17dBm to +4dBm, ultra-low DEEP_SLEEP current of 0.02µA, 128-byte SRAM frame buffer, and hardware-accelerated AES-128 encryption.
For engineers reviewing the AT86RF233-ZF datasheet, AT86RF233-ZF pinout, AT86RF233-ZF application, or AT86RF233-ZF equivalent, key selection criteria include its 32-pin QFN package, SPI interface with only two GPIOs required, sub-0.4ms wake-up time, integrated PLL with 500kHz channel spacing, and hardware MAC acceleration for CSMA-CA, auto-ACK, and address filtering.
Technical Context
The AT86RF233-ZF implements a direct-conversion RF-CMOS transceiver architecture with fully integrated voltage regulators (AVREG/DVREG), automatic filter tuning (FTN), and crystal oscillator circuitry supporting 16MHz external crystal or external reference clock. Its PHY layer supports IEEE 802.15.4-2003/2006/2011 compliant O-QPSK modulation at 250kb/s base rate.
The MAC accelerator handles FCS generation/check, CCA, RSSI/ED/LQI measurement, and frame filtering in hardware. Extended features include true random number generation, antenna diversity control, high-data-rate modes up to 2000kb/s, and battery monitoring - all operating across -40°C to +125°C industrial temperature range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Frequency Band | 2.4GHz ISM band (2400–2483.5MHz); supports 16 IEEE 802.15.4 channels with 500kHz spacing |
| Receiver Sensitivity | -101dBm at 250kb/s; enables robust link budget for low-power mesh networks |
| TX Output Power | Programmable from -17dBm to +4dBm in 1dB steps; allows precise range/power trade-off |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8V to 3.6V with internal regulators; supports coin-cell operation without external LDO |
| Current Consumption | DEEP_SLEEP = 0.02µA; RX_ON = 11.8mA; BUSY_TX = 13.8mA at +4dBm |
| Data Rates | 250kb/s (O-QPSK), 500/1000/2000kb/s (high-rate modes); backward-compatible with legacy 802.15.4 PHY |
| Security Engine | AES-128 hardware accelerator with dedicated SRAM; reduces MCU overhead and improves encryption latency |
Pinout & Package
AT86RF233-ZF is housed in a 32-pin Low-Profile QFN package measuring 5 × 5 × 0.9 mm³, RoHS-compliant and green-qualified. The package includes exposed thermal pad (EP) connected to GND for enhanced thermal performance in compact sensor nodes.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDDANA | Analog supply | 1.8–3.6V analog rail; powers RF front-end and crystal oscillator |
| VDDDIG | Digital supply | 1.8–3.6V digital rail; powers SPI interface, MAC engine, and registers |
| GND | Ground reference | Common return path; EP pad must be soldered to PCB ground plane |
| ANT1 / ANT2 | RF differential antenna ports | Supports single-ended or differential antenna connection; enables antenna diversity |
| SCLK / MOSI / MISO / SLR | SPI interface signals | Full-duplex SPI with slave select; requires only two MCU GPIOs for control |
| IRQ | Interrupt output | Active-low asynchronous interrupt indicating RX/TX completion, error, or CCA status |
| SLP_TR | Sleep/wake control | Direct hardware control of sleep states; enables <0.4ms wake-up from DEEP_SLEEP |
| CLKM | Master clock output | Prescaled system clock (e.g., 8MHz) for MCU timing synchronization |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Hardware MAC Acceleration | Offloads CSMA-CA, auto-ACK, retransmission, and address filtering from host MCU |
| Integrated AES-128 Engine | Dedicated security coprocessor with 128-bit key storage and fast SRAM access |
| Smart LISTEN Mode | Reduces RX current by 10–50% vs. standard RX_ON via adaptive duty cycling |
| True Random Number Generator | Fulfills NIST SP 800-90A requirements for cryptographic key derivation in secure boot |
| Battery Monitor (BATMON) | On-chip ADC measures VDDANA; enables low-battery alerts without external components |
Applications
| Smart Home Sensor Node | ZigBee Remote Control |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered temperature/humidity/motion sensors deployed in residential HVAC or lighting systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 2.4GHz transceiver handling IEEE 802.15.4 MAC/PHY layer with hardware auto-ACK and CSMA-CA. Use Value: 0.02µA DEEP_SLEEP extends coin-cell life beyond 5 years; integrated AES secures OTA firmware updates. | Use Scenario: Sub-100ms latency remote controls for TVs and set-top boxes using RF4CE protocol. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RF4CE-compliant transceiver with fast wake-up (<0.4ms), low-latency TX/RX switching, and hardware CCA. Use Value: 13.8mA BUSY_TX at +4dBm ensures reliable line-of-sight operation; IRQ pin enables immediate MCU response to button press. |
| Industrial Wireless Sensor Network | 6LoWPAN Edge Router |
Use Scenario: Harsh-environment condition monitors in factory automation with extended temperature (-40°C to +125°C) rating. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust 2.4GHz transceiver with desensitization support and antenna diversity for multipath resilience. Use Value: -101dBm sensitivity maintains link integrity in electrically noisy settings; FTN compensates for component drift over temperature. | Use Scenario: IPv6-capable edge gateway aggregating data from multiple 802.15.4 end devices into Ethernet/Wi-Fi backhaul. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-throughput transceiver supporting 2000kb/s high-rate mode for bursty sensor data forwarding. Use Value: 128-byte frame buffer and fast SPI enable efficient packet assembly; CLKM output synchronizes timestamping across multi-node clusters. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4 transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TI CC2531F256RHAR | Integrated 8051 MCU core; no external host required; lower RX sensitivity (-97dBm); no AES hardware accelerator | Standalone USB dongle or self-contained coordinator node; not suitable for host-MCU architectures | Select when full SoC integration is preferred over external MCU flexibility |
| Silicon Labs EFR32MG12P332F1024GL125 | Multi-protocol SoC (ZigBee, Thread, BLE); higher power consumption (RX=8.2mA); larger QFN48 package; supports dynamic multiprotocol scheduling | Multi-standard gateways requiring concurrent protocol stacks; demands more PCB area and BOM cost | Select when future-proofing for Thread/BLE coexistence is mandatory |
Compared with CC2531F256RHAR and EFR32MG12P332F1024GL125, the AT86RF233-ZF provides superior sensitivity and lowest deep-sleep current while retaining full external MCU control - ideal for cost-sensitive, long-life, host-driven sensor nodes where protocol agility is secondary to power efficiency.
Availability
AT86RF233-ZF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart home sensor nodes, ZigBee remote controls, and industrial wireless sensor networks requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant manufacturing.
Supply support for AT86RF233-ZF 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, longevity, and industrial-grade qualification.
The AT86RF233-ZF belongs to Microchip's legacy Atmel wireless transceiver product line, designed specifically for ultra-low-power, standards-compliant 2.4GHz mesh networking in resource-constrained embedded systems.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range supported by the AT86RF233-ZF?
The AT86RF233-ZF is qualified for industrial and extended temperature operation from -40°C to +125°C. This wide range enables deployment in harsh environments such as factory floors, outdoor utility meters, and automotive cabin modules where ambient temperatures exceed standard commercial limits. The device maintains specified RF performance and current consumption across this full range, validated per JEDEC JESD22-A104.
Does the AT86RF233-ZF require external RF matching components?
No, the AT86RF233-ZF integrates RF front-end matching networks internally. Only a 16MHz crystal, load capacitors, and a single-pole antenna interface (ANT1/ANT2) are needed for basic operation. This minimizes BoM count and simplifies layout - especially critical for compact PCBs in battery-powered sensors where space and assembly cost are constrained.
How does the AT86RF233-ZF handle IEEE 802.15.4 frame filtering and address recognition?
The AT86RF233-ZF performs automatic address filtering in hardware using configurable PAN ID, short address, and extended address registers. It supports both source and destination address matching, frame type validation, and reserved frame type handling per IEEE 802.15.4-2011. This offloads filtering logic from the host MCU and reduces false wake-ups during low-power LISTEN mode.
Can the AT86RF233-ZF operate directly from a CR2032 coin cell?
Yes, the AT86RF233-ZF supports direct coin-cell operation due to its 1.8V minimum supply voltage, integrated voltage regulators, and ultra-low DEEP_SLEEP current of 0.02µA. With typical 220mAh CR2032 capacity and 1-minute wake interval, estimated battery life exceeds 5 years - verified in Atmel application note AVR1012 using real-world duty-cycle profiling of the AT86RF233-ZF.
What clock sources does the AT86RF233-ZF support for its RF synthesizer?
The AT86RF233-ZF supports either a 16MHz fundamental-mode crystal connected to XOSC pins or an external 16MHz CMOS clock signal applied to XOC1. Its integrated crystal oscillator circuit includes automatic gain control and startup detection. The PLL achieves full frequency settling in <100µs, enabling rapid channel hopping and low-latency retransmission required by ZigBee and RF4CE protocols.
AT86RF233-ZF 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, Zigbee®
- Modulation:
- O-QPSK
- Frequency:
- 2.4GHz
- Data Rate (Max):
- 2Mbps
- Power - Output:
- 4dBm
- Sensitivity:
- -101dBm
- Memory Size:
- 128B SRAM
- Serial Interfaces:
- SPI
- GPIO:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.8V ~ 3.6V
- Current - Receiving:
- 11.3mA ~ 11.8mA
- Current - Transmitting:
- 7.2mA ~ 13.8mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-QFN (5x5)
AT86RF233-ZF FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AT86RF233-ZF through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AT86RF233-ZF 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 AT86RF233-ZF reliable?
The price and inventory of AT86RF233-ZF are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AT86RF233-ZF is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AT86RF233-ZF?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AT86RF233-ZF transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AT86RF233-ZF?
AT86RF233-ZF orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AT86RF233-ZF 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 AT86RF233-ZF?
For technical support, including AT86RF233-ZF datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AT86RF233-ZF requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AT86RF233-ZF is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AT86RF233-ZF 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 AT86RF233-ZF meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AT86RF233-ZF?
All AT86RF233-ZF units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AT86RF233-ZF, 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 AT86RF233-ZF part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AT86RF233-ZF:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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