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Microchip Technology AT86RF233-ZUR
- Part No.:
- AT86RF233-ZUR
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
AT86RF233-ZUR.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX+MCU 802.15.4 32QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:22,774
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Product details
Overview
AT86RF233-ZUR 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, and operates from 1.8V–3.6V with internal regulation - enabling coin-cell-powered IoT endpoints.
For engineers reviewing the AT86RF233-ZUR datasheet, AT86RF233-ZUR pinout, AT86RF233-ZUR application, or AT86RF233-ZUR equivalent, key selection considerations include its hardware-accelerated MAC features (CSMA-CA, auto-ACK, address filtering), AES-128 encryption engine, 128-byte SRAM frame buffer, SPI interface with only two GPIOs required, and support for high-data-rate modes up to 2000kb/s.
Technical Context
The AT86RF233-ZUR implements a direct-conversion RF-CMOS transceiver architecture with a fully integrated fast-settling PLL supporting frequency hopping and 500kHz channel spacing. Its baseband includes dedicated hardware accelerators for FCS computation, Clear Channel Assessment (CCA), RSSI/ED/LQI measurement, and IEEE 802.15.4™ 2011-compliant MAC functions including CSMA-CA, automatic retransmission, and frame filtering.
It integrates dual voltage regulators (AVREG/DVREG), battery monitor, true random number generator, and antenna diversity control logic. All RF and digital timing paths are synchronized to a single 16MHz crystal oscillator, with optional CLKM output for MCU clocking.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Frequency Band | 2.4GHz ISM band (2400–2483.5MHz); supports IEEE 802.15.4 channelization |
| Receiver Sensitivity | -101dBm at 250kb/s; enables robust link budget in low-power mesh networks |
| TX Output Power Range | -17dBm to +4dBm (programmable in 1dB steps); balances range vs. power consumption |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8V–3.6V with on-chip regulators; supports direct coin-cell (CR2032) operation |
| Deep Sleep Current | 0.02µA; preserves battery life for multi-year sensor node deployments |
| Data Rates | 250kb/s, 500kb/s, 1000kb/s, 2000kb/s; selectable per IEEE 802.15.4-2011 high-rate modes |
| Interface | SPI with interrupt pin and SLP_TR control; requires only two MCU GPIOs beyond SPI lines |
Pinout & Package
AT86RF233-ZUR is housed in a 32-pin Low-Profile QFN package measuring 5 × 5 × 0.9 mm³, RoHS-compliant and green-qualified.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDDANA | Analog supply input | 1.8–3.6V analog rail; powers RF front-end and crystal oscillator |
| VDDDIG | Digital supply input | 1.8–3.6V digital rail; powers baseband logic and SPI interface |
| GND | Ground reference | Common return for analog/digital sections; requires separate low-impedance routing |
| RSTN | Active-low reset input | Asynchronous hardware reset; pulls internal state machines to known condition |
| SLP_TR | Sleep/Transmit request control | GPIO-controlled state transition signal; manages TRX_OFF, RX_ON, BUSY_TX modes |
| IRQ | Interrupt output | Open-drain active-low signal indicating frame reception, transmission completion, or error |
| MISO/MOSI/SCK/SS | SPI interface signals | Full-duplex serial interface for register/frame buffer access; supports up to 8MHz clock |
| CLKM | Master clock output | Configurable prescaled clock output (e.g., 16MHz/2/4/8) for synchronizing external MCU |
| ANT1/ANT2 | RF antenna terminals | Supports antenna diversity switching; enables RX/TX path optimization in multipath environments |
| XIN/XOUT | Crytal oscillator connections | Drives internal 16MHz crystal; no external load capacitors required (integrated tuning) |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Hardware MAC Accelerator | Offloads CSMA-CA, auto-ACK generation, frame retransmission, and address filtering from host MCU |
| AES-128 Encryption Engine | Dedicated security coprocessor enabling authenticated encryption without CPU intervention or memory exposure |
| Smart LISTEN Mode | Reduces RX_ON current by 10–50% via adaptive wake-up scheduling and desensitization techniques |
| True Random Number Generator | Fulfills NIST SP 800-90B entropy requirements for secure key derivation in ZigBee/6LoWPAN stacks |
| Integrated Battery Monitor | Measures VDDANA voltage with 10-bit resolution; triggers IRQ on configurable low-battery threshold |
Applications
| Smart Home Sensor Node | ZigBee Lighting Control |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered temperature/humidity/motion sensors reporting to ZigBee coordinator every 30–60 seconds. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 2.4GHz transceiver handling PHY/MAC layer, frame buffering, and AES encryption before MCU handoff. Use Value: 0.02µA DEEP_SLEEP extends CR2032 life beyond 5 years; hardware auto-ACK ensures reliable mesh hop delivery. | Use Scenario: Wireless dimmer switch controlling LED drivers via ZigBee Light Link (ZLL) profile. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RF transceiver executing RF4CE command-response protocol with sub-100ms latency and low-jitter timing. Use Value: Fast wake-up (<0.4ms) and hardware CCA enable responsive user interaction; antenna diversity improves wall-penetration reliability. |
| Industrial Asset Tracker | 6LoWPAN Edge Router |
Use Scenario: GPS-tagged equipment monitor transmitting location data over low-duty-cycle 6LoWPAN mesh. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: IEEE 802.15.4 PHY/MAC endpoint with hardware FCS, RSSI, and LQI for adaptive routing decisions. Use Value: -101dBm sensitivity maintains link at edge of coverage; 2000kb/s high-rate mode accelerates firmware OTA updates. | Use Scenario: IPv6-capable gateway bridging 802.15.4 sensor network to Ethernet/Wi-Fi backbone. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-throughput transceiver supporting multiple concurrent 6LoWPAN frames with hardware frame filtering and buffer management. Use Value: 128-byte SRAM FIFO and SPI burst access minimize host MCU overhead; CLKM output synchronizes time-critical IPv6 header compression. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CC2531F256RHAT | Integrated 8051 MCU core; no external host required; lower RX sensitivity (-97dBm); no AES engine | Self-contained USB dongle or standalone sniffer; not suitable for host-MCU architectures requiring separation of RF and processing | Select when full system-on-chip integration is preferred over modular RF+MCU design |
| JN5169-001-M00 | ARM Cortex-M0+ MCU + 2.4GHz transceiver; higher sleep current (1µA); supports JN-TRX stack only | Pre-integrated ZigBee PRO stack deployment; limited to NXP's ecosystem and toolchain | Select for rapid ZigBee PRO certification with minimal firmware development effort |
Compared with CC2531F256RHAT and JN5169-001-M00, the AT86RF233-ZUR provides superior RF performance (-101dBm), lowest deep-sleep power (0.02µA), and flexible host-agnostic SPI interface - making it optimal for resource-constrained, long-life, multi-protocol (ZigBee/RF4CE/6LoWPAN) designs where MCU independence and security acceleration are critical.
Availability
AT86RF233-ZUR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart home sensor nodes, industrial asset trackers, ZigBee lighting controls, and 6LoWPAN edge routers requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges (-40°C to +125°C).
Supply support for AT86RF233-ZUR 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 connectivity solutions with emphasis on reliability, longevity, and industrial-grade qualification.
The AT86RF233-ZUR belongs to Microchip's legacy Atmel wireless transceiver product line, engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, standards-compliant 2.4GHz IoT endpoints operating under strict battery and size constraints.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for the AT86RF233-ZUR?
The AT86RF233-ZUR is qualified for industrial and extended temperature operation from -40°C to +85°C and -40°C to +125°C. This dual-range rating allows deployment in harsh environments such as factory floors, outdoor utility meters, and automotive cabin monitoring systems without thermal derating. The AT86RF233-ZUR maintains full specification compliance-including RX sensitivity, TX power accuracy, and current consumption-across both ranges.
Does the AT86RF233-ZUR support AES-128 encryption in hardware?
Yes, the AT86RF233-ZUR includes a dedicated AES-128 hardware accelerator that performs encryption/decryption independently of the host MCU. It supports ECB and CCM* modes per IEEE 802.15.4-2011, with key storage in protected SRAM. The AT86RF233-ZUR offloads cryptographic operations to reduce MCU load and prevent key exposure in RAM - essential for ZigBee SE and 6LoWPAN secure joining.
How many pins does the AT86RF233-ZUR require for basic SPI communication?
The AT86RF233-ZUR requires only six pins for functional SPI operation: VDDANA, VDDDIG, GND, SCK, MOSI, MISO, SS, and IRQ - but only two additional GPIOs beyond standard SPI (SLP_TR and RSTN) are needed for full state control. The AT86RF233-ZUR eliminates need for separate reset supervisor or level shifters due to its 1.8–3.6V I/O tolerance and integrated regulators.
What crystal frequency is required for the AT86RF233-ZUR?
The AT86RF233-ZUR requires a 16MHz fundamental-mode crystal connected between XIN and XOUT pins. The device integrates load capacitance and automatic tuning circuitry, eliminating external capacitors. The AT86RF233-ZUR uses this crystal to generate all internal clocks, including the PLL reference, and can output a prescaled version (CLKM) for MCU synchronization.
Is the AT86RF233-ZUR compliant with FCC and CE regulatory standards?
Yes, the AT86RF233-ZUR is pre-certified compliant with FCC CFR 47 Part 15, EN 300 328 (Europe), ARIB STD-T66 (Japan), and RSS-210 (Canada). Its integrated RF front-end, calibrated PA, and built-in CCA/ED logic ensure consistent emissions and interference mitigation. The AT86RF233-ZUR simplifies end-product certification by providing documented test reports and layout guidance aligned with these standards.
AT86RF233-ZUR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- 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 ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-QFN (5x5)
AT86RF233-ZUR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AT86RF233-ZUR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AT86RF233-ZUR 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-ZUR reliable?
The price and inventory of AT86RF233-ZUR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AT86RF233-ZUR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AT86RF233-ZUR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AT86RF233-ZUR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AT86RF233-ZUR?
AT86RF233-ZUR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AT86RF233-ZUR 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-ZUR?
For technical support, including AT86RF233-ZUR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AT86RF233-ZUR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AT86RF233-ZUR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AT86RF233-ZUR 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-ZUR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AT86RF233-ZUR?
All AT86RF233-ZUR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AT86RF233-ZUR, 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-ZUR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AT86RF233-ZUR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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