FSK Transceiver Targets 27-MHz Band

By operating in the unlicensed 27-MHz band, the AS3900 frequency-shift-keying (FSK) transceiver avoids the interference found in the popular 2.4-GHz band. As a result, less energy is absorbed by the human body by measure of the specific ...
Sept. 21, 2010
2 min read

By operating in the unlicensed 27-MHz band, the AS3900 frequency-shift-keying (FSK) transceiver avoids the interference found in the popular 2.4-GHz band. As a result, less energy is absorbed by the human body by measure of the specific absorption rate (SAR). The transceiver consumes 2.5 A current in polling mode and typically 3.8 and 4.9 mA in the receive and transmit modes, respectively. The AS3900 transmits data to 212 kb/s. While an RF antenna typically is sized according to the wavelength of the operating frequency, this transceiver operates with a small magnetic-loop antenna that resonates at 27 MHz. Magnetic coupling ensures that the signal travels only a short distance. In addition, the long wavelength at 27-MHz operation allows the AS3900 to provide accurate received-signal-strength-indication (RSSI) signal readings. The transceiver integrates a 32.768-kHz crystal oscillator, 24 b OTP memory on chip, battery-level detection, wakeup receiver functionality, digital RSSI, and a bidirectional serial digital interface (SDI) for simple interfacing. The built-in Link manager offers a hardwired protocol for self-management of all network functions. The AS3900 operates from a 2.2-V power supply (functional down to 2.0 V). P&A: less than $3.00 each in 1000Q.

austriamicrosystems USA, Inc.
Suite 400, 8601 Six Forks Rd.
Raleigh, NC 27615;
(919) 676-5292, FAX: (509) 696-2713
Internet: www.austriamicrosystems.com.

About the Author

Nancy Friedrich

Nancy Friedrich

RF Product Marketing Manager for Aerospace Defense, Keysight Technologies

Nancy Friedrich is RF Product Marketing Manager for Aerospace Defense at Keysight Technologies. Nancy Friedrich started a career in engineering media about two decades ago with a stint editing copy and writing news for Electronic Design. A few years later, she began writing full time as technology editor at Wireless Systems Design. In 2005, Nancy was named editor-in-chief of Microwaves & RF, a position she held (along with other positions as group content head) until 2018. Nancy then moved to a position at UBM, where she was editor-in-chief of Design News and content director for tradeshows including DesignCon, ESC, and the Smart Manufacturing shows.

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