TI’s highly integrated 2.4-GHz RF front end extends range in low-power wireless systems by up to 15 times

RF range extender works with TI’s 2.4-GHz transceivers, transmitters and systems-on-chip

DALLAS (July 2008) - Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) today introduced the industry’s highest integrated 2.4-GHz radio frequency (RF) front end for low-power and low-voltage wireless applications. The CC2591 increases the range (link budget) in wireless systems by integrating a power amplifier for increased output power of +22 dBm and a low-noise amplifier for improved receiver sensitivity of +6 dB. (See www.ti.com/cc2591-pr.)

The CC2591 is a high-performance and cost-effective front end for all 2.4-GHz wireless systems, such as ZigBee® networks, sensors and industrial, consumer and audio equipment. The device provides a seamless interface to all of TI’s existing and future 2.4-GHz RF transceivers, transmitters and system-on-chip products for faster development time and improved RF performance.

“TI’s CC2591 provides such an improvement in range and coverage that Paxton Access can, for the first time, offer our customers an alternative to hardwiring their building access control systems,” said Mark Thompson, development director for Paxton Access Ltd. “This will significantly reduce system installation costs and allow units to be installed in difficult locations. The CC2591, combined with the CC2430 system-on-chip, has enabled us to develop a new generation of wireless access control systems.”

The CC2591 integrates a power amplifier, low-noise amplifier, balun, switches, inductors and RF-matching network. This unmatched level of integration simplifies high-performance designs and enables customers to develop a high output power wireless solution with very few external components.

“The highly integrated CC2591 adds a critical component in low-power RF designs by significantly extending the range in wireless systems, simplifying development and reducing time-to-market,” said Laurent Giai-Miniet, general manager of TI’s low-power RF products. “TI is committed to providing customers with the industry’s broadest and strongest portfolio of low-power RF solutions, both hardware and software, as demonstrated by the CC2591 introduction and the recently updated free Z-Stack™ software for ZigBee and ZigBee PRO specifications.”

Availability and packaging

The CC2591 is available now from TI and its authorized distributors in a 4 mm x 4 mm QFN-16 package. Suggested resale pricing starts at $3.15 in 1,000-piece quantities.

Customers can start development today with the CC2591EMK evaluation module kit priced at only $99.00 (US$).

Low-Power RF Developer Network

TI’s Low-Power RF Developer Network makes low-power RF design easier by enabling customers to find a suitable partner to assist with hardware design, modules, embedded software, gateways, commissioning tools, and more. The Low-Power RF Developer Network consists of recommended companies, RF consultants and independent design houses that provide a series of hardware module products and design services (www.ti.com/lprfnetwork).