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MICROCHIP Expansion Board, ZigBit Xplained PRO, ATmega256RFR2 Wireless SoC, Radio Transceiver
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MICROCHIP Expansion Board, ZigBit Xplained PRO, ATmega256RFR2 Wireless SoC, Radio Transceiver
The ZigBit Xplained PRO is a professional-grade expansion board featuring the ATmega256RFR2 wireless System-on-Chip, integrating a high-performance 8-bit microcontroller with an IEEE 802.15.4 compliant 2.4 GHz radio transceiver. This development platform is essential for embedded systems engineers and IoT developers who need to prototype and deploy wireless mesh networking applications with low power consumption and extended range capabilities. The board solves critical challenges in wireless sensor network development by providing an all-in-one solution that eliminates the complexity of integrating separate RF components while maintaining industrial-grade reliability and certification compliance.
Product Overview
The ZigBit Xplained PRO expansion board is built around Microchip's ATmega256RFR2 wireless SoC, which combines a proven AVR microcontroller core operating at up to 16 MHz with a sophisticated 2.4 GHz radio transceiver supporting ZigBee, 6LoWPAN, and proprietary wireless protocols. The integrated transceiver operates in the unlicensed ISM band with configurable output power up to 3.3 dBm, enabling reliable point-to-point and mesh network topologies across distances up to 300 meters in open space. The board features comprehensive on-board peripherals including crystal oscillators for both the microcontroller and radio sections, impedance-matched antenna connectors, and a complete power management circuit with integrated voltage regulators that support battery operation with sleep currents below 2 microamperes in power-down mode.
What distinguishes this platform is its seamless integration with Microchip's Atmel Studio development environment and extensive software libraries including the Atmel Software Framework, which provides pre-built drivers for the radio stack, security modules, and peripheral interfaces. The board includes dedicated debugging interfaces through JTAG and PDI protocols, allowing real-time code execution monitoring and flash memory programming without external programmers. The ATmega256RFR2 integrates 256 KB of in-system programmable flash memory, 32 KB of SRAM, and 8 KB of EEPROM, providing ample storage for sophisticated wireless applications. Hardware-based AES encryption engine and cryptographic accelerators enable secure communication without significant CPU overhead, making this ideal for applications requiring authentication and data integrity in wireless sensor networks.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Product Type | Wireless SoC Expansion Board with Radio Transceiver |
| Brand | Microchip Technology |
| Microcontroller | ATmega256RFR2 - 8-bit AVR, 16 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB In-System Programmable |
| SRAM | 32 KB |
| EEPROM | 8 KB |
| Radio Frequency | 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 Compliant |
| Transmit Power | Up to 3.3 dBm |
| Receiver Sensitivity | -101 dBm at 1% PER |
| Data Rate | 250 kbps |
| Sleep Current | Less than 2 microamperes |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V to 3.6V |
| Supported Protocols | ZigBee, 6LoWPAN, Proprietary Wireless |
| Antenna Interface | SMA Connector with Impedance Matching |
| Debugging Interface | JTAG and PDI |
| Cryptographic Features | Hardware AES-128 Encryption Engine |
| Origin | Original and Authentic |
| Warranty | 7 days on manufacturing defects |
| Shipping | 1-5 days from Bengaluru |
| Delivery | 7-8 days across India |
| Support | 24/7 via Email and WhatsApp |
Key Features
- Integrated ATmega256RFR2 Wireless SoC combining 256 KB flash microcontroller with 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 radio transceiver for complete wireless solution in single chip
- Ultra-low power operation with sleep current below 2 microamperes enabling battery-powered applications with multi-year operational life
- Hardware-based AES-128 encryption engine providing secure wireless communication without CPU overhead, essential for IoT and industrial applications
- Comprehensive development board with SMA antenna connector, crystal oscillators, voltage regulators, and debugging interfaces for rapid prototyping
- Full compatibility with Atmel Studio IDE and Atmel Software Framework providing extensive libraries for ZigBee, 6LoWPAN, and proprietary protocols
- Extended transmission range up to 300 meters in open space with configurable output power and receiver sensitivity of -101 dBm
- Dual debugging interfaces supporting both JTAG and PDI protocols for real-time code monitoring and in-system programming
- Operating voltage range of 1.8V to 3.6V with integrated power management circuit suitable for battery and regulated supply operation
Applications and Use Cases
- Wireless Sensor Networks and IoT Applications - Deploy distributed sensor nodes for environmental monitoring, building automation, and industrial process control with mesh networking topology providing redundancy and extended coverage
- Home Automation Systems - Create ZigBee-based smart home solutions for lighting control, temperature management, and security systems with secure wireless communication and low power consumption
- Industrial Monitoring and Control - Implement wireless data acquisition systems for machinery health monitoring, predictive maintenance, and real-time process control in manufacturing environments
- Asset Tracking and Location Services - Develop battery-powered tracking devices for inventory management and personnel location systems using 6LoWPAN protocol over IPv6 networks
- Healthcare and Wearable Devices - Create wireless medical sensors for patient monitoring with secure encrypted communication and ultra-low power operation for extended wearable device battery life
- Smart Agriculture and Environmental Monitoring - Deploy wireless sensor networks for soil moisture, temperature, and humidity monitoring across agricultural fields with multi-hop mesh networking
How to Use
To begin development with the ZigBit Xplained PRO, first install the Atmel Studio IDE on your development computer and connect the board via USB for power and debugging. The board features integrated PDI and JTAG interfaces allowing direct in-system programming without external programmers. Configure the development environment by selecting the ATmega256RFR2 device in Atmel Studio, then download and install the Atmel Software Framework which provides pre-built drivers for the radio transceiver, peripheral interfaces, and wireless protocol stacks including ZigBee and 6LoWPAN implementations.
For wireless communication setup, attach an appropriate 2.4 GHz antenna to the SMA connector on the board, ensuring proper impedance matching for optimal transmission and reception performance. The board operates from 1.8V to 3.6V, so connect power through the integrated voltage regulator circuit or directly from a battery for portable applications. Begin with provided example projects in the Atmel Software Framework to understand the radio configuration, interrupt handling, and power management features. The hardware AES encryption engine is accessed through dedicated cryptographic functions in the software libraries, allowing you to implement secure wireless communication by initializing encryption keys and processing data blocks through the hardware accelerator without additional CPU overhead. Use the debugging interfaces to set breakpoints, monitor register values, and verify proper radio operation during development and testing phases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wireless protocols does the ATmega256RFR2 support on this expansion board?
The ATmega256RFR2 supports multiple wireless protocols including ZigBee, 6LoWPAN for IPv6 connectivity, and proprietary wireless implementations. The board is fully compliant with IEEE 802.15.4 standard, allowing you to implement any protocol built on this physical layer specification. The Atmel Software Framework provides complete software stacks for both ZigBee and 6LoWPAN, eliminating the need to develop protocol layers from scratch. You can also implement custom wireless protocols by directly controlling the radio transceiver registers through the provided hardware abstraction layer.
How long can battery-powered applications operate with this board?
The ATmega256RFR2 achieves exceptional battery life through its ultra-low sleep current of less than 2 microamperes when operating in power-down mode. A typical AA battery providing 2500 mAh capacity could theoretically power a device in sleep mode for over 14 years. In practical wireless sensor applications with periodic wake-up cycles for data transmission, battery life typically ranges from 1 to 5 years depending on transmission frequency, data payload size, and antenna configuration. The board supports multiple sleep modes allowing you to optimize power consumption based on your specific application requirements.
Can I use this board with external microcontrollers or is it standalone?
The ZigBit Xplained PRO is a complete standalone development platform with the microcontroller and radio transceiver integrated into a single ATmega256RFR2 chip. However, the board can also function as an expansion module when connected to other Atmel Xplained development boards through the standard expansion connector interface. This flexibility allows you to either use it as a complete wireless solution or integrate it with additional processing power from external microcontrollers if your application requires enhanced computational capabilities beyond the AVR core.
What is the maximum transmission range of this wireless board?
The ZigBit Xplained PRO achieves transmission ranges up to 300 meters in open space line-of-sight conditions with the integrated 2.4 GHz antenna. The actual range depends on several factors including antenna quality and orientation, environmental obstacles, interference from other 2.4 GHz devices, and transmission power settings. In typical indoor environments with walls and obstacles, the practical range is 30 to 100 meters. The configurable output power up to 3.3 dBm and receiver sensitivity of -101 dBm provide flexibility to optimize range versus power consumption based on your specific deployment scenario.
How do I implement encryption on this board?
The ATmega256RFR2 includes a dedicated hardware AES-128 encryption engine that accelerates cryptographic operations without consuming CPU cycles. The Atmel Software Framework provides cryptographic function libraries that interface with this hardware accelerator. To implement encryption, initialize your encryption keys, load plaintext data into the hardware engine, and retrieve the encrypted output. The hardware implementation is significantly faster and more power-efficient than software-based encryption, making it ideal for battery-powered
Buy MICROCHIP Expansion Board, ZigBit Xplained PRO, ATmega256RFR2 Wireless SoC, Radio Transceiver Online in India
Purchase the MICROCHIP Expansion Board, ZigBit Xplained PRO, ATmega256RFR2 Wireless SoC, Radio Transceiver online at The Engineer Store, India's trusted source for genuine electronics. We deliver across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Surat.
Our team in Bengaluru is available 24/7 to support your journey from product selection to project completion.
MICROCHIP Expansion Board, ZigBit Xplained PRO, ATmega256RFR2 Wireless SoC, Radio Transceiver
The ZigBit Xplained PRO is a professional-grade expansion board featuring the ATmega256RFR2 wireless System-on-Chip, integrating a high-performance 8-bit microcontroller with an IEEE 802.15.4 compliant 2.4 GHz radio transceiver. This development platform is essential for embedded systems engineers and IoT developers who need to prototype and deploy wireless mesh networking applications with low power consumption and extended range capabilities. The board solves critical challenges in wireless sensor network development by providing an all-in-one solution that eliminates the complexity of integrating separate RF components while maintaining industrial-grade reliability and certification compliance.
Product Overview
The ZigBit Xplained PRO expansion board is built around Microchip's ATmega256RFR2 wireless SoC, which combines a proven AVR microcontroller core operating at up to 16 MHz with a sophisticated 2.4 GHz radio transceiver supporting ZigBee, 6LoWPAN, and proprietary wireless protocols. The integrated transceiver operates in the unlicensed ISM band with configurable output power up to 3.3 dBm, enabling reliable point-to-point and mesh network topologies across distances up to 300 meters in open space. The board features comprehensive on-board peripherals including crystal oscillators for both the microcontroller and radio sections, impedance-matched antenna connectors, and a complete power management circuit with integrated voltage regulators that support battery operation with sleep currents below 2 microamperes in power-down mode.
What distinguishes this platform is its seamless integration with Microchip's Atmel Studio development environment and extensive software libraries including the Atmel Software Framework, which provides pre-built drivers for the radio stack, security modules, and peripheral interfaces. The board includes dedicated debugging interfaces through JTAG and PDI protocols, allowing real-time code execution monitoring and flash memory programming without external programmers. The ATmega256RFR2 integrates 256 KB of in-system programmable flash memory, 32 KB of SRAM, and 8 KB of EEPROM, providing ample storage for sophisticated wireless applications. Hardware-based AES encryption engine and cryptographic accelerators enable secure communication without significant CPU overhead, making this ideal for applications requiring authentication and data integrity in wireless sensor networks.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Product Type | Wireless SoC Expansion Board with Radio Transceiver |
| Brand | Microchip Technology |
| Microcontroller | ATmega256RFR2 - 8-bit AVR, 16 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB In-System Programmable |
| SRAM | 32 KB |
| EEPROM | 8 KB |
| Radio Frequency | 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 Compliant |
| Transmit Power | Up to 3.3 dBm |
| Receiver Sensitivity | -101 dBm at 1% PER |
| Data Rate | 250 kbps |
| Sleep Current | Less than 2 microamperes |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V to 3.6V |
| Supported Protocols | ZigBee, 6LoWPAN, Proprietary Wireless |
| Antenna Interface | SMA Connector with Impedance Matching |
| Debugging Interface | JTAG and PDI |
| Cryptographic Features | Hardware AES-128 Encryption Engine |
| Origin | Original and Authentic |
| Warranty | 7 days on manufacturing defects |
| Shipping | 1-5 days from Bengaluru |
| Delivery | 7-8 days across India |
| Support | 24/7 via Email and WhatsApp |
Key Features
- Integrated ATmega256RFR2 Wireless SoC combining 256 KB flash microcontroller with 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 radio transceiver for complete wireless solution in single chip
- Ultra-low power operation with sleep current below 2 microamperes enabling battery-powered applications with multi-year operational life
- Hardware-based AES-128 encryption engine providing secure wireless communication without CPU overhead, essential for IoT and industrial applications
- Comprehensive development board with SMA antenna connector, crystal oscillators, voltage regulators, and debugging interfaces for rapid prototyping
- Full compatibility with Atmel Studio IDE and Atmel Software Framework providing extensive libraries for ZigBee, 6LoWPAN, and proprietary protocols
- Extended transmission range up to 300 meters in open space with configurable output power and receiver sensitivity of -101 dBm
- Dual debugging interfaces supporting both JTAG and PDI protocols for real-time code monitoring and in-system programming
- Operating voltage range of 1.8V to 3.6V with integrated power management circuit suitable for battery and regulated supply operation
Applications and Use Cases
- Wireless Sensor Networks and IoT Applications - Deploy distributed sensor nodes for environmental monitoring, building automation, and industrial process control with mesh networking topology providing redundancy and extended coverage
- Home Automation Systems - Create ZigBee-based smart home solutions for lighting control, temperature management, and security systems with secure wireless communication and low power consumption
- Industrial Monitoring and Control - Implement wireless data acquisition systems for machinery health monitoring, predictive maintenance, and real-time process control in manufacturing environments
- Asset Tracking and Location Services - Develop battery-powered tracking devices for inventory management and personnel location systems using 6LoWPAN protocol over IPv6 networks
- Healthcare and Wearable Devices - Create wireless medical sensors for patient monitoring with secure encrypted communication and ultra-low power operation for extended wearable device battery life
- Smart Agriculture and Environmental Monitoring - Deploy wireless sensor networks for soil moisture, temperature, and humidity monitoring across agricultural fields with multi-hop mesh networking
How to Use
To begin development with the ZigBit Xplained PRO, first install the Atmel Studio IDE on your development computer and connect the board via USB for power and debugging. The board features integrated PDI and JTAG interfaces allowing direct in-system programming without external programmers. Configure the development environment by selecting the ATmega256RFR2 device in Atmel Studio, then download and install the Atmel Software Framework which provides pre-built drivers for the radio transceiver, peripheral interfaces, and wireless protocol stacks including ZigBee and 6LoWPAN implementations.
For wireless communication setup, attach an appropriate 2.4 GHz antenna to the SMA connector on the board, ensuring proper impedance matching for optimal transmission and reception performance. The board operates from 1.8V to 3.6V, so connect power through the integrated voltage regulator circuit or directly from a battery for portable applications. Begin with provided example projects in the Atmel Software Framework to understand the radio configuration, interrupt handling, and power management features. The hardware AES encryption engine is accessed through dedicated cryptographic functions in the software libraries, allowing you to implement secure wireless communication by initializing encryption keys and processing data blocks through the hardware accelerator without additional CPU overhead. Use the debugging interfaces to set breakpoints, monitor register values, and verify proper radio operation during development and testing phases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wireless protocols does the ATmega256RFR2 support on this expansion board?
The ATmega256RFR2 supports multiple wireless protocols including ZigBee, 6LoWPAN for IPv6 connectivity, and proprietary wireless implementations. The board is fully compliant with IEEE 802.15.4 standard, allowing you to implement any protocol built on this physical layer specification. The Atmel Software Framework provides complete software stacks for both ZigBee and 6LoWPAN, eliminating the need to develop protocol layers from scratch. You can also implement custom wireless protocols by directly controlling the radio transceiver registers through the provided hardware abstraction layer.
How long can battery-powered applications operate with this board?
The ATmega256RFR2 achieves exceptional battery life through its ultra-low sleep current of less than 2 microamperes when operating in power-down mode. A typical AA battery providing 2500 mAh capacity could theoretically power a device in sleep mode for over 14 years. In practical wireless sensor applications with periodic wake-up cycles for data transmission, battery life typically ranges from 1 to 5 years depending on transmission frequency, data payload size, and antenna configuration. The board supports multiple sleep modes allowing you to optimize power consumption based on your specific application requirements.
Can I use this board with external microcontrollers or is it standalone?
The ZigBit Xplained PRO is a complete standalone development platform with the microcontroller and radio transceiver integrated into a single ATmega256RFR2 chip. However, the board can also function as an expansion module when connected to other Atmel Xplained development boards through the standard expansion connector interface. This flexibility allows you to either use it as a complete wireless solution or integrate it with additional processing power from external microcontrollers if your application requires enhanced computational capabilities beyond the AVR core.
What is the maximum transmission range of this wireless board?
The ZigBit Xplained PRO achieves transmission ranges up to 300 meters in open space line-of-sight conditions with the integrated 2.4 GHz antenna. The actual range depends on several factors including antenna quality and orientation, environmental obstacles, interference from other 2.4 GHz devices, and transmission power settings. In typical indoor environments with walls and obstacles, the practical range is 30 to 100 meters. The configurable output power up to 3.3 dBm and receiver sensitivity of -101 dBm provide flexibility to optimize range versus power consumption based on your specific deployment scenario.
How do I implement encryption on this board?
The ATmega256RFR2 includes a dedicated hardware AES-128 encryption engine that accelerates cryptographic operations without consuming CPU cycles. The Atmel Software Framework provides cryptographic function libraries that interface with this hardware accelerator. To implement encryption, initialize your encryption keys, load plaintext data into the hardware engine, and retrieve the encrypted output. The hardware implementation is significantly faster and more power-efficient than software-based encryption, making it ideal for battery-powered
Buy MICROCHIP Expansion Board, ZigBit Xplained PRO, ATmega256RFR2 Wireless SoC, Radio Transceiver Online in India
Purchase the MICROCHIP Expansion Board, ZigBit Xplained PRO, ATmega256RFR2 Wireless SoC, Radio Transceiver online at The Engineer Store, India's trusted source for genuine electronics. We deliver across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Surat.
Our team in Bengaluru is available 24/7 to support your journey from product selection to project completion.