Single chip integrates an ARM processor, software defined modem and RF transceiver; supports the growing number of digital protocols
Freescale Semiconductor introduced the industry’s first system-on-chip for the two-way radio market. The MC13260 consists of an integrated 32-bit ARM-9 processor, a software defined modem, an RF transceiver and audio converters specifically designed for the two-way radio market.
The single chip MC13260 offers a high level of integration, minimizing external components and slashing the required board area. As a result, the MC13260 requires less than one third the total parts count and less than half the board space of existing solutions.
The MC13260 contains a vector digital signal modem processor specifically optimized for communication systems, which provides a low power, high MIPS solution as compared to general purpose digital signal processors used in two-way radios today. This software-defined modem offers a single platform which can implement a wide range of communications protocols and provides the flexibility to adapt to evolving standards.
Features
- ARM926EJ-S MCU operating at clock speeds up to 150 MHz
- Modem processor (software-defined radio) operating at clock speeds up to 100 MHz
- 640 KB of integrated RAM
- MCU peripherals to support control and monitoring functions
- High-performance integrated RF transceiver supporting RF frequencies of 60 MHz–960 MHz
- Fully integrated, high-performance RF fractional-N synthesizer
- Integrated 13-bit audio CODEC with analog input/output
- Three 12-bit DACs for support functions
- 10-bit general purpose ADC with four multiplexed inputs
- Receiver supports linear modulation
- Linear transmit support using integrated I and Q DACs and an external modulator
- Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) module for secure communication
- Full-speed USB device with integrated PHY
- Low external part count
- Low supply voltage (2.775V) with on-chip LDO voltage regulators
- Low-power 90 nm CMOS technology
The high performance RF transceiver in the MC13260 is differentiated in the level of performance achieved in such a highly integrated product. The MC13260 is able to achieve the stringent analog and digital two-way radio performance requirements. For example, 75dB adjacent channel selectivity can be achieved in a 12.5kHz system. The RF synthesizer provides very low sideband noise while tuning over the 60-960MHz range. This allows the MC13260 to be used for radios in all the important two-way radio frequency bands.
Availability
The MC13260 is expected to be sampling in Q2 2011 to select customers with general availability expected in the first quarter of 2012.
