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Microchip Technology ATA8520E-GHPW
- Part No.:
- ATA8520E-GHPW
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
ATA8520E-GHPW.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX+MCU ISM<1GHZ 32VQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,718
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Product details
Overview
ATA8520E-GHPW from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a single-chip SIGFOX™-compliant RF transceiver integrating an AVR® 8-bit microcontroller, protocol stack, ID/PAC generation, and RF front-end for EU (868–869.65 MHz) and US (902–906 MHz) bands. It supports bidirectional uplink/downlink operation with DBPSK/GFSK modulation, delivers 32.7 mA TX current (EU), and operates from 1.9–3.6 V or 2.4–5.5 V supply. It enables battery-powered SIGFOX node design in smart metering and asset tracking.
For engineers reviewing the ATA8520E-GHPW datasheet, ATA8520E-GHPW pinout, ATA8520E-GHPW application, or ATA8520E-GHPW equivalent, key selection considerations include its integrated SIGFOX protocol handling, dual-band frequency support, ultra-low 5 nA OFF-mode current, SPI-controlled operation, and QFN32 5×5 mm package with dedicated RF switch control pins.
Technical Context
The ATA8520E-GHPW implements a fractional-N PLL for precise RF synthesis and integrates three functional domains: RF frontend (LNA, PA, SPDT switch), digital baseband (modem logic, CRC, frame formatting), and embedded AVR® MCU executing firmware-managed SIGFOX protocol stack including ID/PAC management and system configuration. All signal processing-including DBPSK uplink and GFSK downlink demodulation-is handled on-die.
It uses a dedicated SPI interface (≤125 kHz, Mode 0) for command-driven control, with PB6/EVENT signaling status transitions (e.g., frame completion, reset ready). Power management includes six NPWRON inputs and PWRON for wake-up from OFF mode, where internal biasing maintains pin states even with DVCC off-enabling true zero-power standby in battery-critical applications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Bands | EU: 868.0–868.6 MHz (TX), 869.4–869.65 MHz (RX); US: 902–906 MHz (TX/RX) - enables regional certification without hardware change |
| Data Rates | EU: 100 bps (uplink, DBPSK), 600 bps (downlink, GFSK); US: 600 bps (both, DBPSK/GFSK) - defines payload timing and airtime budget per message |
| TX Current | 32.7 mA (EU), 16.7 mA (US) - determines battery life in transmit-limited deployments (e.g., hourly meter reads) |
| RX Current | 10.4 mA (EU), 10.5 mA (US) - sets receive window power cost during downlink polling |
| OFF-Mode Current | Typ. 5 nA (max 600 nA @ +85°C) - enables >10-year coin-cell operation in low-duty-cycle sensor nodes |
| Supply Range | 1.9–3.6 V or 2.4–5.5 V - supports direct Li-MnO₂ (3 V) or alkaline (4.5–5.5 V) battery connection without regulator |
| Operating Temp | –40°C to +85°C - qualified for outdoor industrial and utility metering environments |
| ESD Protection | ±4 kV HBM, ±200 V MM, ±750 V FCDM - ensures robustness in unshielded PCB layouts and field deployment |
Pinout & Package
ATA8520E-GHPW is housed in a 5×5 mm QFN32 package with 0.5 mm pitch and exposed die pad (connected to AGND). Pin functions are validated per Atmel-9409C-ATA8520E_Datasheet_Complete-09/2016 Section 1.3.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| RF_IN (Pin 2) | Receiver input | Connects to LNA input; requires external matching network for 50 Ω antenna interface |
| RF_OUT (Pin 7) | Power amplifier output | Drives antenna via external filter; matched to 50 Ω with C1/L1 per Figure 1-3 |
| SPDT_ANT (Pin 4) | Antenna switch I/O | Shared path for TX/RX; controlled internally or by PB0/PB7 for external FEM coordination |
| PB6/EVENT (Pin 28) | Status indicator | Active-low open-drain signal asserting on reset completion, frame send/receive, or measurement done |
| PC1–PC5, PB4, PB7 | Wake-up inputs | NPWRONx (low-active) and PWRON (high-active) enable deterministic OFF-mode exit without CPU involvement |
| SPI Pins (PB1–PB5) | Serial interface | SCK/MOSI/MISO/NSS at ≤125 kHz; timing-critical (T0 ≥ 65 μs, T1 ≥ 40 μs) per Figure 2-1 |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated SIGFOX protocol stack | Eliminates need for external host MCU to implement frame encoding, PAC/ID management, or retry logic |
| Dual-band RF front-end | Single hardware design supports EU and US regulatory domains via SPI-configurable frequency bands |
| Ultra-low OFF-mode current | 5 nA typical enables >10-year operation on CR2032 in applications transmitting once per hour |
| Internal crystal load capacitors | Reduces BOM count by integrating trimming caps; only external XTAL1/XTAL2 required for 868/902 MHz operation |
| Dedicated wake-up pins | Six independent NPWRON/PWRON inputs allow flexible external event triggering (e.g., button press, sensor interrupt) |
| Hardware SPI command set | 28+ verified commands (e.g., Send Frame 0x0D, Get PAC 0x0F) provide full control without firmware modification |
Applications
| Smart Metering | Asset Tracking |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered gas/water meters transmitting consumption data hourly to SIGFOX base stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary RF modem and protocol engine; handles frame assembly, PAC-based authentication, and precise timing of 100 bps uplink bursts. Use Value: 5 nA OFF-mode current extends CR123A battery life beyond 15 years; integrated ID/PAC eliminates secure element dependency. | Use Scenario: GPS-less logistics tags reporting location via cell-tower triangulation and sending status updates over SIGFOX. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power transceiver managing bi-directional communication: uplink telemetry and downlink configuration commands. Use Value: 600 bps downlink (GFSK) enables fast reconfiguration; 10.4 mA RX current minimizes energy cost of listening windows. |
| Home Automation | Industrial Monitoring |
Use Scenario: Wireless door/window sensors in smart homes sending open/close events using SIGFOX's public network. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Self-contained node controller; uses PB4/NPWRON to wake on magnetic reed switch closure and transmit within 10 ms. Use Value: Integrated AVR® executes wake → configure → transmit sequence autonomously; no external processor needed. | Use Scenario: Factory floor temperature/humidity monitors deployed in metal enclosures requiring robust RF performance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RF interface with built-in ESD protection (±4 kV HBM) and –40°C to +85°C operation for harsh environments. Use Value: On-die RF front-end and SPDT switch reduce sensitivity to PCB layout parasitics; AVCC/DVCC separation improves noise immunity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar SIGFOX transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AX5043-1-TX | Sub-GHz transceiver only (no MCU or protocol stack); requires external host MCU and SIGFOX firmware implementation | Higher BOM and firmware development effort; suitable when custom protocol extensions are needed | Select AX5043-1-TX only if full control over PHY layer or non-SIGFOX modulation schemes (e.g., LoRa) is required |
| STM32WL55JC | ARM Cortex-M4 + SX126x radio; supports SIGFOX via software stack but lacks pre-certified PAC/ID generation | Requires full-stack porting and backend registration integration; larger code footprint and longer certification cycle | Choose STM32WL55JC for multi-protocol flexibility (LoRa/FSK) where SIGFOX is one of several supported standards |
Compared with AX5043-1-TX and STM32WL55JC, ATA8520E-GHPW delivers shortest time-to-market for SIGFOX-only nodes due to its certified, self-contained protocol stack and zero-external-component RF matching-reducing validation effort and PCB area by >40%.
Availability
ATA8520E-GHPW is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, asset tracking, home automation, and industrial monitoring requiring stable component supply across global SIGFOX deployments.
Supply support for ATA8520E-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, including long-term supply assurance and technical documentation.
The ATA8520E-GHPW belongs to Microchip's SIGFOX-optimized SoC product line, designed specifically for ultra-low-power, certified wide-area IoT endpoints requiring minimal external components and rapid regulatory approval.
FAQ
What regulatory certifications does the ATA8520E-GHPW hold for SIGFOX operation?
The ATA8520E-GHPW is pre-certified for SIGFOX network compliance in both EU (ETSI EN 300 220) and US (FCC Part 15.247) regions. Its integrated protocol stack, ID/PAC generation, and factory-trimmed RF parameters eliminate need for end-product re-certification when used per datasheet layout guidelines and matching networks shown in Figures 1-3 and 1-4. Full test reports are available under NDA from Microchip.
How does the ATA8520E-GHPW manage power sequencing between VS, VS_PA, and DVCC/AVCC?
The ATA8520E-GHPW uses internal regulators to derive DVCC and AVCC from VS. For 3 V operation, VS_PA is tied directly to VS; for 5 V operation, VS_PA must be decoupled separately and the "Write System Configuration" SPI command (0x11) issued to enable internal LDO mode. Power-up timing is 10 ms (EU) or 30 ms (US) from OFF to idle mode, with all supplies stabilized before firmware execution begins.
Can the ATA8520E-GHPW operate in receive-only (downlink-only) mode?
No-the ATA8520E-GHPW does not support standalone receive-only operation. Its architecture requires uplink transmission capability for network registration and PAC exchange. Downlink is only available after successful uplink frame transmission and backend acknowledgment. Applications needing downlink-only functionality must use alternative transceivers with separate RX enable control.
What is the maximum payload size supported by the ATA8520E-GHPW for SIGFOX uplink frames?
The ATA8520E-GHPW supports up to 12 bytes of user payload per uplink frame, as defined by the SIGFOX specification. The TX buffer is written via SPI command 0x07 (Write TX Buffer), and payload length is enforced in hardware-attempting to send >12 bytes triggers error code 0x30 ("TX data length > 12 byte") in the SIGFOX status register returned by command 0x0A (Get Status).
How is crystal calibration handled across temperature for the ATA8520E-GHPW?
The ATA8520E-GHPW supports temperature-compensated crystal tuning via 23-point coefficient table (–48°C to +128°C, 8°C steps), stored in EEPROM using SPI command 0x1D (Store Crystal Coeff.). Calibration coefficients (in ppm, signed) are applied automatically during frequency synthesis. Command 0x14 (Start Measurement) triggers real-time temperature reading and updates calibration before each transmit, ensuring ±10 ppm stability over full operating range.
ATA8520E-GHPW Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Type:
- TxRx + MCU
- RF Family/Standard:
- General ISM < 1GHz
- Protocol:
- -
- Modulation:
- FSK, GFSK
- Frequency:
- -
- Data Rate (Max):
- -
- Power - Output:
- 14.5dBm
- Sensitivity:
- -121.5dBm
- Memory Size:
- -
- Serial Interfaces:
- SPI
- GPIO:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.9V ~ 5.5V
- Current - Receiving:
- 10.4mA
- Current - Transmitting:
- 46mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-VQFN (5x5)
ATA8520E-GHPW FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ATA8520E-GHPW through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ATA8520E-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 ATA8520E-GHPW reliable?
The price and inventory of ATA8520E-GHPW are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ATA8520E-GHPW is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ATA8520E-GHPW?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ATA8520E-GHPW transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ATA8520E-GHPW?
ATA8520E-GHPW orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ATA8520E-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 ATA8520E-GHPW?
For technical support, including ATA8520E-GHPW datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ATA8520E-GHPW requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ATA8520E-GHPW is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ATA8520E-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 ATA8520E-GHPW meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ATA8520E-GHPW?
All ATA8520E-GHPW units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ATA8520E-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 ATA8520E-GHPW part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ATA8520E-GHPW:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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