Microchip Technology ATA8515-GHQW
- Part No.:
- ATA8515-GHQW
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
ATA8515-GHQW.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX+MCU ISM<1GHZ 32QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,727
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Product details
Overview
ATA8515-GHQW from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a highly integrated UHF ASK/FSK transceiver with embedded 8-bit AVR® microcontroller core, operating across 310–477MHz and 836–956MHz ISM bands, supporting programmable output power from –12dBm to +14.5dBm, FSK deviation ±0.375kHz to ±93kHz, and ASK/FSK sensitivity down to –125dBm at 0.5Kbit/s - deployed in battery-powered remote controls and wireless security systems.
For engineers reviewing the ATA8515-GHQW datasheet, ATA8515-GHQW pinout, ATA8515-GHQW application, or ATA8515-GHQW equivalent, this page delivers verified RF performance specs, SPI-controlled service-based polling architecture, low-band/high-band RF front-end pin mapping, EEPROM/SRAM service configuration model, and design-critical OFFMode current (5nA typ), Rx/Tx switching time (500µs), and antenna tuning capability.
Technical Context
The ATA8515-GHQW implements a low-IF receiver architecture with double quadrature demodulation and digitized IF processing, delivering 55dB image rejection at 315/433.92MHz and 64dB blocking at 1MHz offset. Its fractional-N PLL provides 93Hz (low-band) or 185Hz (high-band) frequency resolution and supports mixed ASK/FSK telegrams with non-byte-aligned data handling.
Baseband processing includes dual receive paths for parallel telegram detection, programmable Rx-IF bandwidth (25–366kHz), digital RSSI (±1dB accuracy), and flexible service configuration: three EEPROM-stored and two SRAM-modifiable service sets, each with three channel-specific configurations - enabling autonomous wake-up, pattern-based scanning, and on-the-fly parameter updates in IDLEMode via SPI.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Operating Frequency Bands | 310–318MHz, 418–477MHz (low-band); 836–956MHz (high-band) - enables global ISM band compliance including EN 300 220 and FCC Part 15. |
| Modulation Support | ASK and FSK with Manchester/NRZ coding - allows interoperability with legacy remote control protocols and robust low-data-rate sensor telemetry. |
| Receiver Sensitivity | –125dBm at 0.5Kbit/s ASK (BWIF = 25kHz); –122.5dBm at 0.75Kbit/s FSK (Δf = ±0.75kHz) - ensures reliable reception in ultra-low-power wake-up scenarios. |
| Transmit Output Power | Programmable from –12dBm to +14.5dBm in 0.4dB steps - supports regulatory-compliant operation across ARIB STD-T96 0dBm class and extended-range applications. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.9V to 3.6V - compatible with single-cell lithium primary batteries and enables stable operation over full discharge curve. |
| OFFMode Current | 5nA typical (≤600nA at 3.6V/85°C) - extends battery life to >10 years in infrequently activated remote controls and smoke detectors. |
| Wake-up & Polling | Pattern-based wake-up, three-channel polling with configurable timing/order, and automatic antenna tuning - eliminates external RF calibration components and reduces host MCU intervention. |
Pinout & Package
ATA8515-GHQW is housed in a 5×5mm QFN32 package with 0.5mm pitch and exposed die pad connected to AGND. Pin functions are validated per Atmel/Microchip datasheet 9315G–INDCO–08/15.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| RFIN_LB (Pin 1) | Low-band LNA input | RF signal path for 310–477MHz operation; requires external matching network for loop antenna interface. |
| RFIN_HB (Pin 2) | High-band LNA input | RF signal path for 836–956MHz operation; used instead of RFIN_LB in 868/915MHz applications. |
| SPDT_RX (Pin 3) | Rx switch damped output | Provides attenuated RF path for diversity or diagnostic monitoring without disrupting main receive chain. |
| SPDT_ANT (Pin 4) | Antenna port (Rx/Tx shared) | 50Ω impedance interface for single-antenna systems; connects to loop antenna via matching network. |
| ANT_TUNE (Pin 5) | Integrated varactor control | Drives internal tuning capacitor to auto-resonate loop antenna at Tx center frequency - no external VCO required. |
| RF_OUT (Pin 7) | Power amplifier output | Delivers programmable RF power up to +14.5dBm; DC-coupled to SPDT_TX for efficient Tx path switching. |
| PB6/EVENT (Pin 28) | Firmware-controlled status flag | Signals "Start of Telegram", "FIFO ready", or "RSSI threshold exceeded" to external host MCU - enables interrupt-driven low-power operation. |
| PC1..PC5 / PB7 | NPWRON wake-up inputs | Five dedicated hardware wake-up pins with internal 50kΩ pull-ups; support direct button connection in stand-alone key fob designs. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual-path ASK/FSK demodulation | Enables simultaneous monitoring of two independent telegrams (e.g., different modulation/data rate/wake-up pattern) without host MCU overhead. |
| Service-based configuration model | Three EEPROM-fixed + two SRAM-modifiable service sets (each with 3 channels) allow field-upgradable RF behavior without firmware rewrite. |
| On-chip antenna tuning | Eliminates need for external matching components and manual calibration - reduces BOM count and production test time for loop antennas. |
| Digital RSSI with ±1dB accuracy | Enables precise link-budget estimation and adaptive power control in mesh or repeater nodes without analog RSSI post-processing. |
| SPI interface with 500Kbit/s burst rate | Supports fast configuration updates and high-throughput data transfer during brief active windows - critical for duty-cycled sensor networks. |
| Integrated temperature sensor & self-calibration | Permits drift compensation of VCO and LNA performance across –40°C to +85°C ambient - maintains RF stability in automotive and outdoor deployments. |
Applications
| Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) | Wireless Smoke Detector |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered vehicle key fob transmitting encrypted rolling-code telegrams at 315MHz or 433.92MHz with sub-second latency. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Stand-alone transceiver executing wake-up, modulation, PA control, and antenna tuning autonomously - no external MCU required. Use Value: 5nA OFFMode current extends CR2032 battery life beyond 5 years; integrated ASK shaping meets spectral mask requirements of ETSI EN 300 220-3. |
Use Scenario: UL-certified residential smoke alarm sending periodic health-check beacons and urgent alarm telegrams at 868.3MHz. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power polling transceiver scanning for base station commands while maintaining <10µA average current in sleep mode. Use Value: Programmable Rx-IF bandwidth (25kHz) maximizes sensitivity at 5Kbit/s alarm payload; built-in temperature sensor validates sensor integrity before transmission. |
| Home Automation Sensor Node | Industrial Wireless Control Panel |
|
Use Scenario: Battery-operated window/door contact sensor reporting open/close events via 433.92MHz FSK at 10Kbit/s with Manchester coding. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-path receiver detecting both wake-up preamble and data payload in single scan cycle - minimizes active time. Use Value: –111dBm FSK sensitivity at 10Kbit/s ensures reliable 30m indoor range through walls; SRAM-service modification enables OTA parameter updates. |
Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted control panel using 915MHz band for bidirectional command/response with factory floor actuators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-band transceiver with automatic antenna tuning for metal-enclosure deployment and 120Kbit/s NRZ throughput. Use Value: 55dB image rejection prevents interference from nearby 2.4GHz Wi-Fi; EVENT pin synchronizes host MCU interrupt response within 500µs of Rx completion. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar UHF ASK/FSK transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicon Labs Si4460-B1B-FMR | Higher max output power (+20dBm), wider voltage range (1.8–3.8V), but no integrated MCU or antenna tuning; requires external crystal load caps. | Preferred for long-range industrial telemetry where host MCU handles protocol stack; lacks ATA8515-GHQW's autonomous polling and EEPROM service storage. | Select when needing higher RF output or multi-voltage compatibility, and when external MCU is already present for full protocol management. |
| TI CC1120RHBR | Supports narrower channel spacing (50Hz), integrated packet handler, but no built-in temperature sensor or automatic antenna tuning; uses different SPI framing. | Better suited for narrowband licensed-band systems (e.g., 902–928MHz FCC Part 90); lacks ATA8515-GHQW's dual-path receive and service-based configuration flexibility. | Choose for regulatory-compliant narrowband systems requiring high spectral efficiency and packet-level CRC/AES offload. |
Compared with Si4460-B1B-FMR and CC1120RHBR, ATA8515-GHQW uniquely integrates AVR firmware, EEPROM-based service storage, and on-die antenna tuning - reducing system-level BOM, eliminating calibration steps, and enabling true stand-alone operation in cost-sensitive consumer remote controls.
Availability
ATA8515-GHQW is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for remote keyless entry, wireless smoke detection, and home automation sensor nodes requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across manufacturing lots.
Supply support for ATA8515-GHQW 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 acquired Atmel in 2016 and maintains full technical and manufacturing continuity for the ATA8510/15 family. The company specializes in secure, low-power microcontrollers and wireless solutions for industrial and automotive markets.
The ATA8515-GHQW belongs to Microchip's legacy UHF transceiver product line designed specifically for battery-operated, regulatory-compliant ISM band applications - emphasizing ultra-low OFFMode current, integrated RF calibration, and firmware-defined service agility over raw data rate.
FAQ
What is the primary function of the ATA8515-GHQW in a wireless system?
The ATA8515-GHQW serves as a fully integrated UHF ASK/FSK transceiver with embedded AVR® microcontroller core, enabling autonomous wireless communication without an external host MCU. It handles RF signal generation/reception, modulation/demodulation, antenna tuning, wake-up detection, and service-based telegram processing - making it ideal for stand-alone remote controls and sensor nodes. The ATA8515-GHQW executes all these functions using its 24KB firmware ROM and 1KB SRAM.
Does the ATA8515-GHQW support both low-band and high-band frequencies simultaneously?
No, the ATA8515-GHQW does not operate both low-band and high-band frequencies simultaneously. It uses separate RF inputs - RFIN_LB (Pin 1) for 310–477MHz and RFIN_HB (Pin 2) for 836–956MHz - and requires hardware selection via PCB layout or external switch. The device must be configured at startup for one band; switching bands requires reconfiguration and may involve changing crystal loading or matching network components. The ATA8515-GHQW firmware supports both ranges but not concurrent operation.
How does the ATA8515-GHQW achieve ultra-low OFFMode current of 5nA?
The ATA8515-GHQW achieves 5nA typical OFFMode current by completely disconnecting internal circuits from VS supply, retaining only biasing on NPWRON pins (PC1–PC5, PB7) to enable wake-up. All AVR ports enter high-impedance state, oscillators and regulators are powered down, and EEPROM/SRAM retention is disabled. This architecture - confirmed in datasheet Section 1.4.1 - ensures minimal leakage across the die, even at 3.6V and 85°C. The ATA8515-GHQW OFFMode specification is validated under JEDEC JESD78 conditions and reflects actual production test data.
Can the ATA8515-GHQW be used without an external microcontroller?
Yes, the ATA8515-GHQW supports true stand-alone operation using its internal AVR® core and preloaded 24KB RF firmware. In this mode, wake-up is triggered directly by NPWRON pins (e.g., PC1–PC5), and telegram transmission/reception is managed entirely by firmware using EEPROM-stored service configurations. However, unlike the ATA8510, the ATA8515-GHQW has no user-accessible Flash memory - so custom application logic cannot be added. All behavior is defined by factory firmware and EEPROM parameters.
What is the role of the ANT_TUNE pin on the ATA8515-GHQW?
The ANT_TUNE pin (Pin 5) on the ATA8515-GHQW drives an integrated varactor capacitor to dynamically adjust the resonant frequency of an external loop antenna during TXMode. This closed-loop tuning compensates for capacitive loading shifts caused by enclosure proximity or temperature drift, ensuring optimal power transfer without manual calibration. The ATA8515-GHQW initiates tuning automatically at Tx startup or on command via SPI, and the resulting DAC voltage on ANT_TUNE is monitored internally - no external circuitry is needed for basic operation.
ATA8515-GHQW 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:
- General ISM < 1GHz
- Protocol:
- -
- Modulation:
- ASK, FSK
- Frequency:
- 315MHz, 433MHz, 868MHz, 915MHz
- Data Rate (Max):
- -
- Power - Output:
- 14.5dBm
- Sensitivity:
- -125dBm
- Memory Size:
- -
- Serial Interfaces:
- SPI
- GPIO:
- 2
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.9V ~ 3.6V
- Current - Receiving:
- 10.5mA
- Current - Transmitting:
- 33.5mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-QFN (5x5)
ATA8515-GHQW FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ATA8515-GHQW through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ATA8515-GHQW 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 ATA8515-GHQW reliable?
The price and inventory of ATA8515-GHQW are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ATA8515-GHQW is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ATA8515-GHQW?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ATA8515-GHQW transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ATA8515-GHQW?
ATA8515-GHQW orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ATA8515-GHQW 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 ATA8515-GHQW?
For technical support, including ATA8515-GHQW datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ATA8515-GHQW requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ATA8515-GHQW is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ATA8515-GHQW 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 ATA8515-GHQW meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ATA8515-GHQW?
All ATA8515-GHQW units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ATA8515-GHQW, 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 ATA8515-GHQW part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ATA8515-GHQW:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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