Microchip Technology ATA5429-PLSW

Overview

ATA5429-PLSW from Microchip Technology is a highly integrated UHF ASK/FSK multi-channel half-duplex transceiver operating in the 912.5–917.5 MHz band, featuring ±2.5 MHz programmable tuning range, –103.5 dBm FSK sensitivity at 20 kBaud, and 0–10 dBm adjustable output power. It integrates low-IF receiver (235 kHz IF), fractional-N synthesizer, RX/TX switch, RSSI, SPI interface (≤500 kbit/s), and 5 push-button inputs active in power-down mode - designed for secure remote keyless entry (RKE) and access control systems.

For engineers reviewing the ATA5429-PLSW datasheet, ATA5429-PLSW pinout, ATA5429-PLSW application, or ATA5429-PLSW equivalent, this page delivers verified RF performance specs, QFN48 package layout, real-world blocking/selectivity data (55 dB @ ±750 kHz), FIFO-buffered protocol handling, and validated alternatives for 915 MHz RKE system design.

Technical Context

The ATA5429-PLSW implements a low-IF architecture with 235 kHz IF frequency, 30 dB image rejection, and 170 kHz usable IF bandwidth, enabling high selectivity without external SAW filters. Its fractional-N synthesizer provides 800 Hz RF resolution and compensates XTAL tolerances, supporting stable multi-channel operation across 912.5–917.5 MHz.

Transmit path uses closed-loop FSK modulation via the synthesizer (PLL bandwidth optimized for isolation), while ASK employs PA switching; both modes share integrated RX/TX switch, single-ended RF I/O, and configurable self-polling logic with 16-byte FIFO buffering for challenge-response crypto protocols.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ATA5429-PLSW is housed in a 7 × 7 mm QFN48 package with exposed thermal pad (pin 49 not bonded). Pin functions are validated per Rev. 4841A–RKE–02/05 datasheet Figure 1-2 and Table 1-1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar UHF ASK/FSK transceiver applications.

Compared with ATA5429-PLSW, ATA5780-GQW adds cryptographic silicon at the cost of power efficiency, while SI4468-B1B-FMR trades integration for frequency flexibility and output headroom - making ATA5429-PLSW optimal for cost-sensitive, battery-constrained 915 MHz RKE endpoints.

Availability

ATA5429-PLSW is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for remote keyless entry, passive entry & start, home automation remotes, industrial telemetry transmitters, and energy metering systems requiring stable component supply across automotive and industrial temperature ranges (–40°C to +85°C).

Supply support for ATA5429-PLSW 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 specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and wireless solutions, with leadership in automotive and industrial connectivity ICs.

The ATA5429-PLSW belongs to Microchip's ATA54xx RKE transceiver family, engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, high-integration remote control and access systems operating in sub-GHz ISM bands.

FAQ

What is the exact operating frequency range supported by the ATA5429-PLSW?

The ATA5429-PLSW is specified for the 912.5–917.5 MHz band, aligning with the North American 902–928 MHz ISM allocation. This range is fixed per device variant - unlike the ATA5428 (862–872 MHz) or ATA5423 (312.5–317.5 MHz) - and requires no external VCO or PLL components for operation.

Does the ATA5429-PLSW require an external crystal oscillator?

Yes, the ATA5429-PLSW requires a fundamental-mode quartz crystal connected between XTAL1 (Pin 24) and XTAL2 (Pin 25). The device integrates load capacitors (9 pF typical), eliminating external caps; crystal frequency must match the target band's reference (e.g., 13.25311 MHz for 915 MHz operation per datasheet Figure 2-1).

How does the ATA5429-PLSW achieve high blocking performance without a SAW filter?

The ATA5429-PLSW achieves 55 dB blocking at ±750 kHz via its fully integrated low-IF receiver architecture (235 kHz IF), eighth-order on-chip IF filter, and high linearity (IIP3 = –20 dBm). This eliminates the need for external SAW filters in remote units - a key cost and size advantage confirmed in application circuits Figure 2-1 and Figure 2-3.

Can the ATA5429-PLSW operate from a single lithium coin cell?

Yes, the ATA5429-PLSW supports 2.4–3.6 V operation on VS1 supply, making it compatible with CR2032 (3 V nominal) and BR2032 (2.8 V) coin cells. Its 10.5 mA RX/TX current and power-down mode with active T1–T5 wake-up inputs enable multi-year battery life in typical RKE fobs.

What interfaces does the ATA5429-PLSW provide for microcontroller connection?

The ATA5429-PLSW uses a 4-wire SPI interface (CS, SCK, SDI_TMDI, SDO_TMDO) running up to 500 kbit/s, plus dedicated signals: CLK (4.5 MHz clock output), IRQ (interrupt request), N_RESET (MCU reset assertion), and VSINT (3.3 V MCU supply rail). No UART or I²C is supported - SPI is the sole digital control path.