My Inquiry
My Account
Microchip Technology ATA8520E-GHQW
- Part No.:
- ATA8520E-GHQW
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
ATA8520E-GHQW.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX+MCU 32VQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,729
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
ATA8520E-GHQW from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a single-chip SIGFOX™-compliant RF transceiver integrating an AVR® 8-bit microcontroller, protocol stack, ID/PAC storage, and RF front-end for EU (868/869 MHz) and US (902–906 MHz) bands. It delivers uplink/downlink operation with 100/600 bit/s (EU) or 600/600 bit/s (US), 32.7 mA TX current (EU), and 5 nA OFF-mode leakage. It serves as a complete modem in battery-powered IoT nodes for remote metering and asset tracking.
For engineers reviewing the ATA8520E-GHQW datasheet, ATA8520E-GHQW pinout, ATA8520E-GHQW application, or ATA8520E-GHQW equivalent, key selection considerations include SIGFOX regional band support (EU vs. US), SPI-controlled frame transmission timing (~7 s EU / ~2 s US), integrated PAC/ID retrieval, low-power wake-up via NPWRON pins, and QFN32 5×5 mm package compatibility with external front-end modules.
Technical Context
The ATA8520E-GHQW implements a fractional-N PLL for precise RF frequency synthesis across dual ISM bands, with separate uplink (TX) and downlink (RX) paths controlled by internal SPDT switches. Its digital baseband handles SIGFOX™ frame formatting, CRC, and modulation (DBPSK/GFSK) without host MCU intervention.
Operation relies on firmware-managed state transitions between OFF, idle, TX, and RX modes, coordinated via SPI commands (e.g., 0x0D Send Frame, 0x0E Send/Receive Frame). The embedded AVR core executes preloaded SIGFOX protocol stack and supports runtime configuration of crystal coefficients, TX/RX frequencies, and system supply mode (3V or 5V).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Bands | EU: 868.0–868.6 MHz (UL), 869.4–869.65 MHz (DL); US: 902–906 MHz (UL/DL) - enables region-specific certification and network registration |
| Data Rates | EU: 100 bps UL (DBPSK), 600 bps DL (GFSK); US: 600 bps UL/DL (DBPSK/GFSK) - defines payload latency and airtime per 12-byte frame |
| TX Current | 32.7 mA (EU), 16.7 mA (US) - determines battery life in transmit-dominant applications (e.g., periodic sensor reporting) |
| OFF Mode Current | 5 nA typical (≤600 nA at +85°C) - enables multi-year operation on coin-cell batteries |
| SPI Interface | ≤125 kHz, Mode 0 (CPOL=CPHA=0), MSB-first - ensures reliable communication with low-cost host MCUs using standard GPIO bit-banging |
| Supply Range | 1.9–3.6 V or 2.4–5.5 V; SIGFOX-compliant: 3.0 V ±5% or 3.3–5.5 V - supports direct connection to 3V LiSOCl₂ or 5V industrial rails |
| Operating Temp | –40°C to +85°C - qualifies for outdoor deployment in smart parking, utility metering, and industrial monitoring |
| ESD Protection | ±4 kV HBM, ±200 V MM, ±750 V FCDM - ensures robustness in handling-sensitive end-equipment assembly |
Pinout & Package
Package: 32-pin QFN, 5 mm × 5 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed die pad (connected to AGND).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| RF_IN (Pin 2) | Receiver analog input | Connects to LNA output of external front-end module; requires 50 Ω matching network for optimal sensitivity |
| RF_OUT (Pin 7) | Transmit power amplifier output | Drives antenna via TX filter; matched to 50 Ω; VS_PA supply must be configured via SPI for 5V operation |
| SPDT_ANT (Pin 4) | Antenna switch common terminal | Shared I/O for uplink (TX) and downlink (RX); internal SPDT routing eliminates need for external T/R switch |
| PB6/EVENT (Pin 28) | Digital status output | Active-low interrupt signaling frame completion, reset readiness, or error condition - enables event-driven host MCU sleep/wake |
| PC1–PC5, PB4, PB7 | Wake-up inputs | NPWRONx (low-active) and PWRON (high-active) pins allow flexible external wake sources (e.g., button, timer, sensor) |
| SCK/MOSI/MISO/NSS (Pins 23–27) | SPI interface | Full-duplex control interface; NSS must meet ≥65 μs setup before SCK; timing critical for command reliability |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated SIGFOX protocol stack | Eliminates host MCU firmware development for frame encoding, CRC, retry logic, and backend registration (ID/PAC) |
| Configurable supply mode (3V/5V) | Supports both low-voltage battery systems and higher-voltage industrial rails via SPI command 0x11 and VS_PA routing |
| Crystal coefficient temperature compensation | 23-point lookup table (–48°C to +128°C, 8°C steps) enables stable frequency accuracy across wide ambient ranges |
| Dual-band RF front-end | Single device supports EU and US SIGFOX networks without hardware change - reduces BOM variants and inventory complexity |
| Hardware-accelerated frame timing | Fixed ~7 s (EU) or ~2 s (US) transmit duration relieves host MCU of precise timing management during airtime |
| Internal EEPROM storage | Persists system configuration, TX/RX frequencies, and crystal coefficients across power cycles - no external nonvolatile memory required |
Applications
| Smart Utility Metering | Asset Tracking |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered gas/water meters transmitting consumption data hourly to SIGFOX base stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Complete SIGFOX modem handling frame generation, RF transmission, and PAC/ID authentication - operates autonomously after initial SPI configuration. Use Value: 5 nA OFF current enables >10-year battery life; integrated protocol stack reduces firmware validation effort by >70% versus discrete transceiver + MCU solutions. | Use Scenario: GPS-less cargo containers reporting location via cell-tower triangulation and sending status updates over SIGFOX. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power RF transceiver managing uplink-only transmissions (no downlink required); uses PB0/PB7 to control external front-end module. Use Value: 16.7 mA TX current (US) and 2 s frame time minimize energy per transmission; QFN32 package allows compact PCB layout in space-constrained enclosures. |
| Smart Parking Sensors | Industrial Environment Monitoring |
Use Scenario: In-ground ultrasonic sensors detecting vehicle presence and reporting occupancy state every 15 minutes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standalone SIGFOX node performing periodic wake → measure → transmit → return to OFF mode; uses NPWRON1 (PC1) for timed wake-up. Use Value: Sub-μA OFF current ensures >15-year operation on primary lithium cells; –40°C to +85°C rating supports underground deployment in extreme climates. | Use Scenario: Factory-floor temperature/humidity sensors logging conditions and alerting on threshold breaches via SIGFOX network. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Integrated AVR core reads local sensors via GPIO, formats data, and triggers Send Frame (0x0D) - no external processor needed. Use Value: On-chip ID/PAC storage simplifies device provisioning; SPI-accessible supply/temperature measurement (0x13) enables self-diagnostics without additional ADC circuitry. |
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-modem; higher integration but requires external flash for full SIGFOX stack | Supports LoRaWAN fallback; larger 7×7 mm QFN48 package; higher active current (11 mA RX) | Choose when dual-RF protocol support or MCU compute headroom is required; not drop-in due to different pinout and firmware architecture |
| AXP100-100 | Dedicated SIGFOX transceiver (no MCU); requires external host MCU for protocol handling and ID management | Larger 6×6 mm QFN40 package; lower TX current (12 mA EU) but adds BOM cost and design complexity | Choose when strict separation of RF and control functions is mandated; requires full protocol stack porting and external EEPROM for PAC/ID |
Compared with STM32WL55JC and AXP100-100, the ATA8520E-GHQW uniquely combines certified SIGFOX compliance, embedded protocol stack, and ultra-low OFF current in a compact QFN32 - reducing total solution size and firmware development effort for dedicated SIGFOX endpoints.
Availability
ATA8520E-GHQW is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, asset tracking, smart parking, and industrial environment monitoring requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.
Supply support for ATA8520E-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 its legacy wireless product lines with full technical documentation and long-term support commitments.
The ATA8520E-GHQW belongs to Microchip's SIGFOX-optimized RF SoC family, designed specifically for ultra-low-power, long-range IoT endpoints where regulatory certification, minimal external components, and rapid time-to-market are critical.
FAQ
What regulatory certifications does the ATA8520E-GHQW hold for SIGFOX operation?
The ATA8520E-GHQW is pre-certified for ETSI EN 300 220 (EU) and FCC Part 15.247 (US) as a SIGFOX™-compliant transceiver. Its integrated protocol stack and fixed-frequency operation eliminate the need for end-equipment re-certification when used within specified voltage, temperature, and antenna-matching constraints defined in the Atmel-9409C datasheet.
How is the ATA8520E-GHQW configured for EU versus US band operation?
The ATA8520E-GHQW is configured for EU or US bands via SPI command 0x11 (Store System Configuration), which sets the SysConf byte to select region-specific frequency plans and modulation schemes. Default factory settings target EU operation; US mode requires explicit SPI write and system reset to activate 902–906 MHz TX/RX frequencies and 600 bps DBPSK uplink.
Does the ATA8520E-GHQW require an external crystal oscillator?
Yes, the ATA8520E-GHQW requires a 32.768 kHz crystal connected to XTAL1/XTAL2 pins for real-time clock and frequency reference. Load capacitors are integrated internally, so only the crystal and two external 12 pF capacitors (per datasheet Figure 1-3) are needed - no external oscillator IC or trimming components.
Can the ATA8520E-GHQW operate in receive-only mode for SIGFOX downlink?
No, the ATA8520E-GHQW does not support standalone receive-only operation. Downlink reception is only enabled during the Send/Receive Frame (0x0E) command sequence, which follows uplink transmission. The device cannot monitor for unsolicited downlink messages outside this synchronized window.
What is the maximum payload size supported by the ATA8520E-GHQW for SIGFOX frames?
The ATA8520E-GHQW supports a maximum payload of 12 bytes per SIGFOX frame, written to the TX buffer via SPI command 0x07 (Write TX Buffer). Attempting to send more than 12 bytes triggers error code 0x30 (TX data length > 12 byte) in the SIGFOX status register, as confirmed in the Get Status (0x0A) response.
ATA8520E-GHQW 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:
- -
- Protocol:
- -
- Modulation:
- GFSK
- Frequency:
- 868MHz
- Data Rate (Max):
- 600bps
- Power - Output:
- 14.5dBm
- Sensitivity:
- -121.5dBm
- Memory Size:
- -
- Serial Interfaces:
- SPI
- GPIO:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.9V ~ 3.6V
- Current - Receiving:
- 10.4mA
- Current - Transmitting:
- 32.7mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-VQFN (5x5)
ATA8520E-GHQW FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ATA8520E-GHQW through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ATA8520E-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 ATA8520E-GHQW reliable?
The price and inventory of ATA8520E-GHQW are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ATA8520E-GHQW is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ATA8520E-GHQW?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ATA8520E-GHQW transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ATA8520E-GHQW?
ATA8520E-GHQW orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ATA8520E-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 ATA8520E-GHQW?
For technical support, including ATA8520E-GHQW datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ATA8520E-GHQW requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ATA8520E-GHQW is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ATA8520E-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 ATA8520E-GHQW meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ATA8520E-GHQW?
All ATA8520E-GHQW units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ATA8520E-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 ATA8520E-GHQW part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ATA8520E-GHQW:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
ATA8520E-GHQW Tags
-
ESP32-D0WD-V3
Espressif Systems
-
ESP8266EX
Espressif Systems
-
ESP32-S3
Espressif Systems
-
NRF24L01P-R7
Nordic Semiconductor ASA
-
NRF24L01P-R
Nordic Semiconductor ASA
-
ESP32-U4WDH
Espressif Systems
-
DA14531-00000OG2
Renesas
-
ESP32-C6FH4
Espressif Systems
-
DA14531-00000FX2
Renesas
-
NRF24L01P-T
Nordic Semiconductor ASA
-
NRF52810-QCAA-R
Nordic Semiconductor ASA
-
ESP32-S3FN8
Espressif Systems
Tech Hub
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
