Microchip Technology Inc. has unveiled its first stand-alone, analog front end (AFE) for smart, low-frequency (125 kHz typical) wireless authentication applications. The MCP2030 device is a 3-channel transponder AFE that provides programmable antenna tuning and adjustable modulation depth that runs as low as 8%. The MCP2030 AFE is suitable for passive-keyless-entry, tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), data acquisition and other wireless authentication applications. In addition to its modulation depth, the MCP2030 AFE offers adjustable, high-input sensitivity of 3 mVpp, typical. Its 3-input channel architecture enables 3-axis reception for improved performance independent of range, antenna orientation and environmental "noise." Each channel is equipped with dynamically selectable tuning capacitors up to 63 pF in 1pF steps to allow firmware-driven antenna tuning that improves signal matching without expensive hand tuning. An additional configuration feature of the MCP2030 AFE is its intelligent wake-up filter that extends battery life. The filter allows the external microcontroller to stay in low-power mode until it detects recognized input signals.

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The MCP2030 AFE communicates with a microcontroller over an SPI bus, and its features are dynamically controllable by the external microcontroller, depending on field application. The MCP2030 AFE is offered in 14-pin TSSOP, SOIC, and PDIP packages. Pricing for the SOIC and PDIP package options is $1.75 each in 10,000-unit quantities. Pricing for the TSSOP package option is $1.91 each in 10,000-unit quantities.