RF Micro Devices (RFMD), into the design and manufacture of high-performance radio frequency components and compound semiconductor technologies, has announced its RFFM6201, a 2.4GHz band single-chip Zigbee front-end module (FEM) featuring an integrated power amplifier, low noise amplifier, and diversity switch.

The RFFM6201 delivers industry-leading current consumption (170mA at rated power) and high-power performance (+23dBm) for Home Area Networking (HAN)/Smart Energy applications. It is pin-for-pin compatible with RFMD’s RF6555 and offers 5dB higher output power, enabling customers increase power output and range without requiring changes in product layout.

“RFMD’s expanding FEM portfolio supports our customers’ rapid ZigBee product launches while reducing component count, size, cost, and power consumption. The RFFM6201 ZigBee FEM is specifically optimized for Smart Energy applications, including smart meters, energy usage control, or ‘demand response,’ and HAN devices. The RFFM6201 is also suited for industrial, wireless sensing, and control applications requiring low power, high performance and assured reliability,” said Rohan Houlden, general manager of RFMD’s Wireless Connectivity business unit.

ZigBee Smart Energy is the world’s leading standard for home area networks (HAN) used by smart grid programs to boost energy management and efficiency in homes around the world.