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Microchip Technology AT86RF233-ZUS
- Part No.:
- AT86RF233-ZUS
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
AT86RF233-ZUS.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX+MCU 802.15.4 32QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
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Product details
Overview
AT86RF233-ZUS 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 11.8mA RX_ON current, 128-byte SRAM frame buffer, and hardware-accelerated AES-128 encryption - enabling secure, low-power mesh node design in battery-operated IoT endpoints.
For engineers reviewing the AT86RF233-ZUS datasheet, AT86RF233-ZUS pinout, AT86RF233-ZUS application, or AT86RF233-ZUS equivalent, key selection criteria include its 32-pin QFN package, SPI-based MCU interface with only two GPIOs required, integrated PLL supporting frequency hopping, hardware MAC acceleration (CSMA-CA, auto-ACK), and compliance with EN 300 328, FCC Part 15, and IEEE 802.15.4-2011.
Technical Context
The AT86RF233-ZUS implements a direct-conversion RF-CMOS transceiver architecture with fully integrated synthesizer, baseband filtering, and digital MAC accelerator logic. Its state machine supports seven operating modes including DEEP_SLEEP (0.02µA), TRX_OFF (300µA), RX_ON (11.8mA), and BUSY_TX (13.8mA), with sub-millisecond wake-up time (<0.4ms) and automatic FCS generation/verification.
It integrates dedicated hardware blocks for Clear Channel Assessment (CCA), RSSI measurement, Energy Detection (ED), Link Quality Indication (LQI), battery monitoring, and true random number generation - all accessible via SPI registers and synchronized to IEEE 802.15.4 PHY/MAC timing requirements for deterministic low-latency operation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Frequency Band | 2.4GHz ISM band (2400–2483.5MHz); supports 16 channels per IEEE 802.15.4 standard |
| Receiver Sensitivity | -101dBm at 250kb/s; enables robust link budget in interference-prone environments |
| TX Output Power | Programmable from -17dBm to +4dBm in 1dB steps; allows precise range/power trade-off tuning |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8V to 3.6V with internal regulators; supports direct coin-cell (e.g., CR2032) operation |
| Current Consumption | DEEP_SLEEP = 0.02µA; TRX_OFF = 300µA; RX_ON = 11.8mA; BUSY_TX = 13.8mA @ +4dBm |
| Data Rates | 250kb/s (IEEE 802.15.4 O-QPSK), plus extended modes up to 2000kb/s (proprietary high-rate) |
| Security Engine | AES-128 hardware accelerator with dedicated SRAM; offloads encryption from host MCU |
Pinout & Package
AT86RF233-ZUS is housed in a 32-pin Low-Profile QFN package measuring 5 × 5 × 0.9 mm³, RoHS-compliant and optimized for compact PCB layout with exposed thermal pad (EP) on underside.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDDANA / VDDDIG | Analog & Digital Supply | Separate 1.8–3.6V inputs; internal LDOs enable stable rail generation from single source |
| GND | Ground Reference | Multiple GND pins (Pins 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32); mandatory for RF stability and EMI suppression |
| SPI_MISO / MOSI / SCLK / SLAVESel | Digital Interface | 4-wire SPI bus; supports up to 8MHz clock; minimal MCU GPIO overhead (2 control lines + IRQ) |
| IRQ | Interrupt Output | Active-low asynchronous interrupt signaling state transitions (RX_START, TX_END, CCA_DONE, etc.) |
| SLP_TR | Sleep/Wake Control | Direct hardware control of sleep/wake states; enables <0.4ms wake-up without MCU intervention |
| ANT1 / ANT2 | RF Antenna Terminals | Differential RF ports supporting antenna diversity; matched to 50Ω with integrated balun |
| XOSC_IN / XOSC_OUT | Clock Input/Output | Supports 16MHz crystal; internal oscillator eliminates external clock source requirement |
| BATMON | Battery Monitoring | Analog input for direct Li-ion or coin-cell voltage sensing; enables runtime battery health tracking |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Hardware MAC Acceleration | Offloads CSMA-CA, automatic ACK transmission, retransmission, and address filtering from host MCU firmware |
| Integrated AES-128 Engine | Dedicated cryptographic block with 128-bit key storage and fast SRAM access - reduces security latency by >90% vs software implementation |
| Smart LISTEN Mode | Reduces RX current by 10–50% during idle listening via adaptive desensitization and duty-cycled sampling |
| True Random Number Generator | Fulfills NIST SP 800-90A entropy requirements for secure key derivation in ZigBee Trust Center and device commissioning |
| Extended Temperature Range | Operates from -40°C to +125°C - qualified for industrial gateways, smart metering, and automotive body electronics |
Applications
| Smart Home Sensor Node | ZigBee Lighting Control |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered temperature/humidity/motion sensors reporting to ZigBee coordinator every 30 seconds. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 2.4GHz transceiver handling IEEE 802.15.4 PHY/MAC layer, FCS validation, and RSSI-based neighbor discovery. Use Value: 0.02µA DEEP_SLEEP current extends CR2032 battery life beyond 5 years; hardware auto-ACK ensures reliable command delivery in mesh topology. | Use Scenario: Dimmable LED driver with remote RF4CE-compatible IR-to-RF bridge for TV remote interoperability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RF4CE protocol stack endpoint transceiver with low-latency TX response (<2ms) and channel agility for interference avoidance. Use Value: Programmable +4dBm output and -101dBm sensitivity maintain link integrity across multi-room environments; hardware CCA prevents packet collisions during rapid button-press bursts. |
| Industrial Wireless Sensor Network | 6LoWPAN Edge Router |
Use Scenario: Vibration and temperature monitoring nodes deployed in factory machinery with ambient temperatures up to 125°C. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust RF front-end with integrated balun, battery monitor, and hardware ED/CCA for self-healing network formation. Use Value: Extended -40°C to +125°C rating eliminates external thermal derating; BATMON pin enables predictive maintenance alerts before power failure. | Use Scenario: IPv6-over-IEEE 802.15.4 gateway bridging sensor data to Ethernet/Wi-Fi backbone using 6LoWPAN header compression. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability transceiver supporting 250kb/s O-QPSK and optional 1000kb/s high-rate mode for burst firmware updates. Use Value: 128-byte frame buffer + hardware FCS check reduces MCU RAM usage by 3.2kB per packet; SPI interface simplifies integration with ARM Cortex-M4 edge processors. |
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 CC2531RSM | Integrated 8051 MCU core; no external host required; lower RX sensitivity (-97dBm); no AES hardware accelerator | Standalone USB dongle or sniffer use; not suitable for host-controlled sensor nodes requiring low-power sleep coordination | Select when embedded protocol stack execution is preferred over host-driven architecture |
| Silicon Labs EFR32MG12P332F1024GL125 | SoC with ARM Cortex-M4F, 1024kB flash, +10dBm output, -102.7dBm sensitivity; higher BOM cost and power in RX mode (8.7mA) | Full-stack ZigBee 3.0 or Thread certification support; requires more complex SDK and larger PCB footprint | Select when full protocol stack offload, OTA updates, and multi-protocol flexibility (ZigBee/Thread/Bluetooth LE) are required |
Compared with CC2531RSM and EFR32MG12P332F1024GL125, the AT86RF233-ZUS provides optimal balance of ultra-low sleep current (0.02µA), hardware MAC acceleration, and minimal external component count - making it ideal for cost-sensitive, long-life, host-controlled sensor endpoints where MCU resources are constrained.
Availability
AT86RF233-ZUS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart home sensor nodes, industrial wireless monitoring systems, and ZigBee lighting control applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.
Supply support for AT86RF233-ZUS 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, security, and longevity for industrial, automotive, and IoT markets.
The AT86RF233-ZUS belongs to Microchip's legacy Atmel wireless transceiver product line, engineered specifically for standards-compliant, ultra-low-power 2.4GHz mesh networking in resource-constrained embedded devices.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for the AT86RF233-ZUS?
The AT86RF233-ZUS is specified for industrial and extended temperature operation from -40°C to +85°C and -40°C to +125°C. This dual-range qualification enables deployment in harsh environments such as smart meters, HVAC controls, and automotive cabin sensors. The AT86RF233-ZUS maintains full RF performance, including -101dBm sensitivity and ±1dB TX power accuracy, across the entire -40°C to +125°C range without derating.
Does the AT86RF233-ZUS support hardware AES encryption?
Yes, the AT86RF233-ZUS includes a dedicated AES-128 hardware accelerator with 128-bit key storage and fast SRAM access. It performs encryption/decryption independently of the host MCU, reducing latency and CPU load. The AT86RF233-ZUS supports ECB and CTR modes and integrates with IEEE 802.15.4 security layers for ZigBee and 6LoWPAN. Key loading and operation are controlled via SPI-accessible registers.
How many pins does the AT86RF233-ZUS require for basic SPI communication?
The AT86RF233-ZUS requires four SPI signal pins (MISO, MOSI, SCLK, SLAVESel) plus one interrupt pin (IRQ) and one sleep/wake control pin (SLP_TR) for full functionality - totaling six pins. However, only two additional GPIOs beyond SPI are needed for host control: IRQ for event notification and SLP_TR for state management. This minimal interface reduces MCU pin count pressure in space-constrained designs.
Is an external crystal required for AT86RF233-ZUS operation?
Yes, the AT86RF233-ZUS requires a 16MHz fundamental-mode crystal connected between XOSC_IN and XOSC_OUT pins. The device includes internal load capacitors (12pF nominal), so only the crystal and two optional external 0Ω resistors (for ESD protection) are needed. No external oscillator or clock source is necessary - the AT86RF233-ZUS generates all internal clocks, including the 32MHz master clock (CLKM) output for MCU synchronization.
What regulatory certifications does the AT86RF233-ZUS comply with?
The AT86RF233-ZUS complies with EN 300 328 (Europe), FCC CFR 47 Part 15 (USA), ARIB STD-T66 (Japan), and RSS-210 (Canada) for 2.4GHz ISM-band emissions and immunity. It also meets IEEE 802.15.4-2003/2006/2011 physical layer specifications. These certifications apply to reference designs using the recommended 50Ω antenna matching network and PCB layout guidelines documented in Atmel-8351E.
AT86RF233-ZUS 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, 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-ZUS FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AT86RF233-ZUS through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AT86RF233-ZUS 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-ZUS reliable?
The price and inventory of AT86RF233-ZUS are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AT86RF233-ZUS is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AT86RF233-ZUS?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AT86RF233-ZUS transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AT86RF233-ZUS?
AT86RF233-ZUS orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AT86RF233-ZUS 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-ZUS?
For technical support, including AT86RF233-ZUS datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AT86RF233-ZUS requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AT86RF233-ZUS is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AT86RF233-ZUS 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-ZUS meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AT86RF233-ZUS?
All AT86RF233-ZUS units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AT86RF233-ZUS, 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-ZUS part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AT86RF233-ZUS:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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