Freescale targets metering and medical applications

The MC12311 includes software and development tool support and is suitable for smart metering, medical, building and home automation applications. The platform combines a sub 1GHz rf transceiver featuring high link budget and strong blocking immunity and a low power, high speed 8bit HCS08 microcontroller in a single land grid array package. Support is provided in the form of multiple protocol stacks, development tools and reference designs. According to Freescale, the MC12311 helps designers quickly connect to the smart grid by making it easier to add wireless connectivity to many types of equipment. The device is said to provide improved propagation and increased range for home area network rf communication. It has been designed to connect smart meters to remote displays that show consumption data and thermostats that help control energy use. For medical applications, Freescale says it can replace cables to eliminate problems associated with wired connectivity, including cable or connector damage, as well as the potential spread of infection. "Our new MC12311 smart radio offers consistent and robust rf performance as well as feature rich flexibility to help simplify and speed our customers' path to market," said Bruno Baylac, director of Freescale's Metering, Medical and Connectivity Solutions business. The platform is available in an RoHS compliant 8x8, 60pin LGA package, supporting -40 to 85°C operating temperatures with a voltage range from 1.8 to 3.6V. Sample quantities are available now.