Miniature RKE Transceiver Combines Multi-Band, Multi-Channel Operation with Ultra-Low Power Consumption

Toshiba Electronics Europe has launched a high-performance, low-power transceiver IC for remote keyless entry (RKE) applications. The TC32306FTG will allow automotive OEMs to standardise on a single, miniature, low-power device for a variety of remote keyless entry (RKE) applications - including designs requiring ‘answerback' functions that detect and transmit vehicle status information. Supplied in a QFN package that measures just 5.3mm x 5.3mm x 0.9mm, the new device will help designers to reduce the size of their RKE designs. Multi-band (315MHz/434MHz/868MHz/915MHz) operation makes the IC suitable for global deployment, while multi-channel fractional PLL operation (5kHz frequency step width) eliminates potential problems with interference from other RF sources by changing frequencies. The TC32306FTG offers both FSK and ASK (OOK) modulation, operates with supply voltages from 2.0V to 5.5V, and features a fixed crystal oscillation frequency of 30.32MHz. Transmit and receive data rates can be set at between 300bps and 10kbps. Transmitter output is adjustable in steps of approx. 0.5dB from ±0dBm in low-power mode to +10dBm in high-power mode. A signal-to-noise and distortion ratio (SINAD) of 12dB ensures very high receiver sensitivity. Toshiba's new IC is built on the company's 0.13μm RFCMOS process and designed for ultra-low power consumption. Respective typical receive and transmit currents at 3.0V operation are just 10mA and 12mA for FSK modulation and just 10mA and 8.5mA for ASK modulation. High-speed response through a quick start-up capability also contributes to low average power consumption during daily operation. Among the on-board functionality offered by the TC32306FTG is an auto signal detector, an RSSI comparator, a digital bit rate filter and a serial control interface for the four-wire SPI interface. www.toshiba-components.com