Cypress Semiconductor Corp.'s next-generation programmable radio system-on-a-chip (SoC), the PRoC LP, integrates the proven, robust wireless USB LP 2.4-GHz transceiver with the low-cost enCoRe II 8-bit flash microcontroller (MCU). PRoC LP simplifies coding and board layout to cut design time and reduce board space requirements for innovative, small form-factor wireless human interface devices (HID) such as mice, presenter tools and RF remote controls.

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The device uses patented frequency-agile direct-sequence, spread-spectrum (DSSS) technology to offer interference immunity for wireless systems operating in the worldwide 2.4-GHz ISM band, making it suitable for crowded RF environments.

"By integrating a radio and a Flash MCU, Cypress's PRoC LP enables a component reduction that adds up to significant savings for wireless PC peripherals, where cost is highly important," said Brian O'Rourke, senior analyst in the Converging Markets and Technologies Group at In-Stat. "Many consumers use wireless peripherals in crowded RF environments, which the interference immunity of Cypress's 2.4-GHz wireless USB protocol addresses."

"PRoC LP's pairing of the lower power consumption and superior interference immunity of wireless USB LP with the enCoRe II Flash MCU makes it the perfect solution for wireless HID applications," said Norm Taffe, executive vice president, Computation and Consumer Division at Cypress.

The in-system reprogrammable Flash-based MCU enables last-minute firmware changes and eliminates the need for external EEPROM to store binding parameters. This highly integrated wireless solution also reduces component count by operating off a single crystal and by integrating voltage converters and passives, thus lowering system cost and board layout complexity. PRoC LP delivers up to a 1 Mbps data-rate and a -97 dBm receive sensitivity, and it functions at 0.87 mA average current to extend battery life in HID applications to one year. In addition, it incorporates the user-friendly KISSBind feature, which enables a user to intuitively link a wireless peripheral to the desired host by simply bringing them in close proximity with one another, thus lowering customer support calls.

While the PRoC LP CYRF69103 is aimed at mice and other peripherals, the CYRF69213 is designed for USB bridges/dongles. Both the devices come in 40-pin QFN packages. Currently in sampling mode , full production is slated for February.