Jennic first to introduce 32-bit ZigBee PRO wireless microcontroller

32-bit architecture enables intelligent wireless networks in industrial and control applications
Single-chip wireless microcontroller or co-processor configuration
16 MIPS processing power, large memory resources and comprehensive set of on-chip peripherals
Sampling July with development kit planned for October 2008

Sheffield, UK -- June 23, 2008 -- Jennic announces the introduction of a ZigBee PRO software stack to run on its JN5139 32-bit single chip wireless microcontroller. Both embedded single chip and co-processor configurations are supported, allowing designers of industrial automation, energy metering and home or building control applications to create highly-integrated, cost-effective products.

When operating as an embedded single chip the software stack and processor provide a high performance, feature-rich implementation that supports both the ZigBee PRO protocol and the user’s application. As a co-processor, it allows ZigBee PRO networking functionality to be easily added to existing designs and applications. To accelerate time to market ZigBee PRO is also offered with Jennic’s comprehensive range of FCC and ETSI certified modules, removing RF design complexity.

Jim Lindop, Jennic’s CEO explained; “The ZigBee PRO stack is a natural extension to the Jennic product portfolio. This gives customers the flexibility they need to design wireless networks by combining the best-fit protocol for each application with a cost-effective, 32-bit single chip or co-processor implementations. Designers can confidently decide to use Jennic’s own proprietary JenNet stack, 6LoWPAN IP stack or ZigBee PRO, with the knowledge that they will have the tools and support to ensure a fast route to market.”

Jennic’s JN5139 32-bit wireless microcontroller combines the ZigBee PRO stack with significant internal memory resources and power management for minimising energy consumption. The microcontroller features 192kBytes of on-chip ROM for the IEEE802.15.4 MAC and 96kBytes of RAM for application software. It also integrates on-chip UARTs, SPI and 2-wire serial (I2C) interfaces, general purpose I/O (GPIO), timers, a 12-bit ADC, DAC and comparators, whilst power consumption is maintained below 5uA in low-power sleep mode. The integrated 2.4GHz, IEEE802.15.4-based transceiver supports a 100dB link for indoor communication over 30-50m, as well as secure 128-bit AES encryption.

Demonstrating at the European ZigBee Developers’ Conference in Munich (24th-25th June), sampling in July with general availability of the evaluation kit planned for October 2008.

About Jennic

Jennic is a fabless semiconductor company leading the wireless connectivity revolution by providing wireless microcontrollers for a broad range of applications. Its expertise in systems and software combined with world class RF and digital chip design provides low cost, highly integrated wireless microcontrollers with a focus on the IEEE802.15.4 and ZigBee standards. The company’s products include state-of-the-art low power wireless microcontrollers, modules, development platforms, protocol and application software. Headquartered in Sheffield, UK, Jennic also has offices in China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the USA. For more information, visit www.jennic.com.