New ZigBee RF4CE chips launched
GreenPeak Technologies have launched three new chips designed to facilitate the development of robust, low cost ZigBee RF4CE remote control applications for television sets and set-top boxes. All three devices have full RF4CE functionality with embedded ZRC and are targeted at specific applications. The GP520 is a front-panel controller for set-top boxes with SPI/TWI interface, the GP530 is a front-panel controller for television sets with UART interface, and the GP540 is a complete, low-cost remote control on a chip, including an embedded keyboard scanner and full IR functionality. All devices are optimised for low cost, easy integration, and simple configuration. GreenPeak’s unique ultra low power and synchronisation for remote controls enables operation from a single coin cell battery for ten years or more. It also enables advanced thin remote control designs not requiring a battery lid, and it implements find-me and push functionality. GreenPeak additionally takes Wi-Fi coexistence a step further. Thanks to superior radio design with antenna diversity, GreenPeak RF4CE chips offer an extra 30 dB of interference immunity for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other RF signals. This patented technology uses two separate antennas to avoid typical indoor wave cancellation, which is becoming essential as more and more television sets and set-top boxes are being equipped with wireless network ports. Image: GreenPeak More info
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The new ZigBee Input Device standard, recently released by the ZigBee Alliance, is designed to give consumers improved options for using wireless mice, touchpads, keyboards, wands and remote control pointers at greater distances and even in nearby rooms. It replaces 30 year-old infrared (IR) technology with a standard, robust radio frequency (RF) solution. The ZigBee Input Device standard enables innovative two-way communication between devices, allowing them to provide more features than current devices. Furthermore, devices built using the standard will require significantly fewer batteries during their lifetime than IR devices with comparable functionality, making them greener.