Microchip announces the PIC12LF1840T48A which is the first in a family of single-chip devices that integrate an eXtreme Low Power (XLP), 8-bit PIC microcontroller with a sub-GHz RF transmitter. The PIC12LF1840T48A’s combination of features in a single, 14-pin TSSOP package makes it useful for space-, power- and cost-constrained applications, such as remote keyless entry fobs for automobiles, garage doors and home security systems, as well as a broad range of other home and building automation systems.

The device is also optimised to run Microchip’s royalty-free KEELOQ advanced code-hopping technology. In addition to secure wireless communication, the PIC12LF1840T48A is designed to maximise battery life via an extremely low operating voltage of 1.8V. Furthermore, the XLP microcontroller has low sleep current consumption, and is efficiently integrated with the transmitter to enable fast wake-up and send functionality that takes full advantage of the MCU’s 8 MIPS operation.

Application note AN1393 ‘Using the PIC12LF1840T48A Microcontroller with integrated sub-GHz Transmitter’ is available for download. The PIC12LF1840T48A is available in a 14-pin TSSOP package. Samples are available today, and volume production is expected in January 2012.