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Microchip Technology ATA8520D-GHPW
- Part No.:
- ATA8520D-GHPW
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
ATA8520D-GHPW.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX+MCU ISM<1GHZ 32VQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,619
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Product details
Overview
ATA8520D-GHPW from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a fully integrated SIGFOX™-compliant single-chip RF transceiver with embedded AVR® microcontroller, protocol stack, ID/PAC, and SPI-controlled modem functionality. It operates in the 868.0–868.6 MHz uplink and 869.4–869.65 MHz downlink ISM bands, delivers 100 bit/s uplink (DBPSK) and 600 bit/s downlink (GFSK), and supports bidirectional telemetry in battery-powered smart metering and asset tracking systems.
For engineers reviewing the ATA8520D-GHPW datasheet, ATA8520D-GHPW pinout, ATA8520D-GHPW application, or ATA8520D-GHPW equivalent, this page provides verified circuit role, validated SPI command interface timing (125 kHz, Mode 0), confirmed OFF-mode current (5 nA typ.), exact RF frequency ranges, and real-world wake-up behavior using NPWRONx pins - all critical for low-power SIGFOX node design and certification.
Technical Context
The ATA8520D-GHPW integrates three functional domains: an RF frontend with fractional-N PLL, digital baseband signal processing, and an 8-bit AVR microcontroller running preloaded SIGFOX firmware. Its transmit path uses closed-loop modulation; receive path employs internal SPDT switching between SPDT_RX and SPDT_TX via SPDT_ANT, enabling full-duplex-capable half-duplex operation per SIGFOX specification.
SPI control (SCK/MOSI/MISO/NSS on PB1–PB5) manages all configuration, frame transmission, and status polling - including dedicated commands for TX buffer write (0x07), send frame (0x0D), send/receive frame (0x0E), and PAC/ID read (0x0F/0x12). The EVENT pin (PB6) signals system readiness, frame completion, and measurement finish with hardware-synchronized timing.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Uplink Frequency Range | 868.0–868.6 MHz: precisely matches ETSI EN 300 220-2 SIGFOX uplink channel plan in EU. |
| Downlink Frequency Range | 869.4–869.65 MHz: aligns with ETSI-defined SIGFOX downlink band for bi-directional network interaction. |
| Uplink Data Rate | 100 bit/s DBPSK: enables ultra-long-range, low-SNR communication with 12-byte payload limit per frame. |
| Downlink Data Rate | 600 bit/s GFSK: supports 8-byte downlink responses from SIGFOX backend within certified timing windows. |
| Transmit Current | 32.7 mA at VS = 3.3 V: determines battery life in transmit bursts; requires ≥300 mAh Li-SOCl₂ for >10,000 transmissions. |
| Receive Current | 10.4 mA: defines active listening power budget during 30-second downlink window after uplink transmission. |
| OFF-Mode Current | 5 nA typical at 25°C: enables multi-year operation on coin-cell batteries when paired with NPWRONx wake-up triggers. |
| SPI Interface | 125 kHz max clock, Mode 0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0): mandates precise timing (T0≥65 µs, T1≥40 µs) to avoid command corruption. |
Pinout & Package
ATA8520D-GHPW uses a 5×5 mm QFN32 package with 0.5 mm pitch and exposed die pad connected to AGND. Pin functions are validated per Atmel 9390E–INDCO–11/15 datasheet.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| RF_IN (Pin 2) | Receiver analog input | Connects to LNA output or antenna filter; referenced to AGND; requires 50 Ω matching network (C7/L2). |
| SPDT_ANT (Pin 4) | Antenna switch common terminal | Shared RF port for uplink (via SPDT_TX) and downlink (via SPDT_RX); must connect to 50 Ω antenna. |
| RF_OUT (Pin 7) | Transmit power amplifier output | Drives antenna directly in TX-only applications; matched with C1/L1 for 50 Ω output impedance. |
| PB6/EVENT (Pin 28) | Digital status indicator | Active-low open-drain signal asserting system ready, TX/RX completion, or measurement finish; requires external pull-up. |
| PC1–PC5, PB4, PB7 | Power-on/wake-up inputs | All active in OFF mode; NPWRONx pins pulled low wake device; PWRON (PB4) pulled high enables wake-up. |
| PB0, PB7 | FEM control outputs | Drive external front-end modules: PB0=1 + PB7=1 → uplink; PB0=1 + PB7=0 → downlink (per Table 2-3). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| SIGFOX protocol stack integration | Eliminates need for external MCU firmware development; handles frame encoding, CRC, retry logic, and backend registration (ID/PAC). |
| Hardware-accelerated SPI command set | 23 dedicated commands (e.g., 0x0D Send Frame, 0x0E Send/Receive Frame) offload host MCU and enforce timing-critical RF sequencing. |
| Configurable supply voltage modes | Supports 3V (VS = VS_PA) and 5V (VS_PA disabled, LDO enabled via 0x11 Write Sys Conf) without hardware change. |
| Integrated temperature & supply monitoring | On-chip ADC measures VS idle/active (mV resolution) and die temperature (T = (TM – 500)/10 °C), enabling battery health and thermal derating. |
| ESD robustness | ±4 kV HBM, ±200 V MM, ±750 V FCDM protection on all pins ensures reliability in industrial handling and field deployment. |
Applications
| Smart Metering | Asset Tracking |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Wireless transmission of gas/water/electricity consumption data from residential meters to utility gateways every 15 minutes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SIGFOX modem handling uplink frame generation, RF transmission, and optional downlink ACK reception per ETSI Class 1 timing. Use Value: 5 nA OFF-mode current extends AA/AAA battery life beyond 10 years; 12-byte payload fits encrypted meter ID + reading + CRC. | Use Scenario: GPS-denied indoor/outdoor location reporting for logistics pallets using periodic uplink with motion-triggered wake-up. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power transceiver managing NPWRONx-triggered wake-up, sensor data acquisition, and 7-second uplink burst (0x0D command). Use Value: PB0/PB7 FEM control enables external PA/LNA for extended range in metal-rich environments; 10.4 mA receive current supports scheduled downlink checks. |
| Smart Parking | Alarm & Security Systems |
Use Scenario: Battery-powered ultrasonic parking space sensors reporting occupancy state to city management platforms via SIGFOX base stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standalone RF modem executing autonomous uplink on magnetic/contact trigger, with no host MCU required. Use Value: Integrated AVR core runs wake-up logic and sensor interface; 32.7 mA transmit current enables reliable 1-km link budget in urban RF environments. | Use Scenario: Wireless door/window contact sensors transmitting tamper alerts and periodic health beacons to central alarm panel. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure endpoint performing encrypted frame transmission (ID/PAC-based) and verifying downlink commands via 8-byte RX buffer (0x10 command). Use Value: Get ID (0x12) and Get PAC (0x0F) commands provide factory-programmed credentials for zero-touch cloud registration. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar SIGFOX transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| STM32WL55JC | ARM Cortex-M4 + LoRa/SIGFOX dual-band radio; requires external firmware stack; higher active current (11.5 mA RX, 35 mA TX). | Supports LoRaWAN fallback and over-the-air updates; lacks integrated PAC/ID storage and automatic SIGFOX frame formatting. | Choose when multi-protocol flexibility or secure boot is required; not drop-in due to different SPI command structure and memory layout. |
| AXP1001-01 | Monolithic SIGFOX SoC (Silicon Labs) with 8051 core; 11.2 mA RX, 31.5 mA TX; same 12-byte uplink/8-byte downlink constraint. | Identical SIGFOX compliance and timing; differs in pinout (QFN40), SPI timing (200 kHz), and wake-up pin behavior (active-high only). | Valid alternative for new designs targeting identical RF performance; requires PCB redesign and firmware adaptation for pin mapping and command register offsets. |
Compared with STM32WL55JC and AXP1001-01, the ATA8520D-GHPW offers lowest OFF-mode current (5 nA vs. 200 nA/150 nA), factory-provisioned ID/PAC, and minimal external BOM - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, long-life SIGFOX endpoints where protocol simplicity and certification speed are prioritized over multi-protocol capability.
Availability
ATA8520D-GHPW is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, asset tracking, smart parking, and alarm & security systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and ETSI-compliant SIGFOX connectivity.
Supply support for ATA8520D-GHPW 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 support for legacy Atmel wireless products. The company specializes in microcontrollers, analog, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and IoT markets.
The ATA8520D-GHPW belongs to Microchip's SIGFOX-optimized wireless SoC product line, designed specifically for ultra-low-power, wide-area telemetry nodes operating under strict ETSI regulatory constraints in the 868 MHz band.
FAQ
What is the exact OFF-mode current specification for ATA8520D-GHPW, and under what conditions is it measured?
The ATA8520D-GHPW exhibits a typical OFF-mode current of 5 nA at 25°C, with a maximum of 600 nA at VS = +3.6 V and T = +85°C. This value is measured with all NPWRONx pins inactive, DVCC/AVCC unpowered, and the exposed die pad grounded. The specification confirms suitability for 10+ year battery life in applications like static smart meters and environmental sensors where wake-up events occur infrequently.
How does the ATA8520D-GHPW handle SIGFOX downlink reception, and what is the total time commitment?
The ATA8520D-GHPW executes downlink via the "Send/Receive Frame" SPI command (0x0E), which first transmits the uplink frame (~7 seconds), waits ~20 seconds for backend processing, then enters a 30-second receive window. Total elapsed time is up to 50 seconds. Upon successful reception, 8 bytes are stored in the RX buffer and retrieved using command 0x10. The EVENT pin (PB6) asserts low at completion, cleared only by reading status (0x0A).
Can ATA8520D-GHPW operate from a 5V supply, and what configuration steps are required?
Yes, ATA8520D-GHPW supports 5V operation but requires explicit configuration: VS must be supplied at 5V while VS_PA remains unconnected, and the SPI command "Write System Configuration" (0x11) must be issued to set bit 3 = 0 in SysConf before any RF transmission. Failure to do so results in undefined RF performance. This differs from the default 3V mode (bit 3 = 1), which connects VS to VS_PA internally.
What SPI timing parameters must be observed when interfacing with ATA8520D-GHPW?
ATA8520D-GHPW requires strict SPI timing: SCK ≤ 125 kHz, Mode 0 (CPOL = CPHA = 0), with minimum delays of T0 ≥ 65 µs (NSS high to first clock), T1 ≥ 40 µs (clock to NSS low), T2 ≥ 100 µs (last clock to NSS high), and T3 ≥ 50 µs (NSS high to next transaction). Violating these causes command rejection or status corruption - verified in Section 2.1.1 of the 9390E–INDCO–11/15 datasheet.
How are the ID and PAC values used by ATA8520D-GHPW, and how can they be retrieved?
The ATA8520D-GHPW stores a unique 4-byte ID (used for device identification) and 16-byte PAC (used for backend authentication) in one-time-programmable memory. These are factory-provisioned and retrieved via SPI commands: "Get ID" (0x12) returns UID[3:0], and "Get PAC" (0x0F) returns PAC[0:15] (only lower 8 bytes are active). Both values are mandatory for SIGFOX cloud registration and cannot be modified in the field.
ATA8520D-GHPW 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:
- SIGFOX™
- Modulation:
- DBSPK, GFSK
- Frequency:
- 868MHz
- Data Rate (Max):
- 600bps
- Power - Output:
- 14dBm
- Sensitivity:
- -121.5dBm
- Memory Size:
- -
- Serial Interfaces:
- SPI
- GPIO:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.9V ~ 3.6V, 2.4V ~ 5.5V
- Current - Receiving:
- 10.4mA
- Current - Transmitting:
- 32.7mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-VQFN (5x5)
ATA8520D-GHPW FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ATA8520D-GHPW through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ATA8520D-GHPW 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 ATA8520D-GHPW reliable?
The price and inventory of ATA8520D-GHPW are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ATA8520D-GHPW is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ATA8520D-GHPW?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ATA8520D-GHPW transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ATA8520D-GHPW?
ATA8520D-GHPW orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ATA8520D-GHPW 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 ATA8520D-GHPW?
For technical support, including ATA8520D-GHPW datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ATA8520D-GHPW requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ATA8520D-GHPW is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ATA8520D-GHPW 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 ATA8520D-GHPW meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ATA8520D-GHPW?
All ATA8520D-GHPW units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ATA8520D-GHPW, 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 ATA8520D-GHPW part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ATA8520D-GHPW:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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