The widespread use of handheld remote controls has caused consumer-electronic manufacturers to look beyond infrared signals to wireless control of TVs, digital set-top boxes, environmental controls, sprinkler systems, and even appliances. To answer the requirements for these short-range wireless controls, Freescale recently introduced the MC1323x system-on-chip family of microcontrollers for ZigBee RF4CE consumer electronics. You can use other communication protocols, too.

Each MCU in this family of three devices, includes an 8-bit HCS08 microcontroller, an IEEE 802.15.4 transceiver (2.4 GHz), flash memory, RAM and peripherals specifically tailored for engineers who design consumer products. The new system-on-a-chip devices provide for dual uses--infrared or wireless--so manufacturers can continue to offer IR-based controls that will provide compatibility with newer equipment. That approach "smooths" the transition from IR to wireless controls for equipment designers, manufacturers, and consumers. To start, Freescale expects to concentrate in three markets: consumer electronics, health-care products, and industrial controls, including HVAC equipment.

The three devices offer 82 Kbytes of flash and 5 Kbytes of RAM (MC13233C) or 128 KBytes of flash and 8 Kbytes of RAM (MC13234C and MC13238C). The latter IC also includes a USB interface.Freescale has samples of the MC13233C chip available now.

Engineers who want to investigate the wireless approach to remote control can buy several development kits, from basic USB "sticks" to complete development boards and software. For kit information, contents lists, software information, specifications, and prices, visit: www.freescale.com/webapp/sps/site/prod_summary.jsp?code=1323x_Dev_Kits. Kits start at $US 199

On the wireless side, the devices can use a simple MAC, IEEE-802.15.4, SynkrosRF, ZigBee RF4CE, or a standard ZigBee or ZigBee Pro stack. Use of a ZigBee protocol stack requires membership in ZigBee Alliance (www.zigbee.org) as an adopter member ($US 3500/year). For information about Freescale's SynkroRF protocol, visit: www.freescale.com/webapp/sps/site/overview.jsp?code=PROTOCOL_SYNKRO.

The ZigBee Alliance oversees the RF4CE protocol: www.zigbee.org/Markets/ZigBeeRF4CE/ApplicationsandAvailability.aspx.

If you have an application that could benefit from a small, low-power wireless controller, take a look at what Freescale has to offer. --Jon Titus