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Short range remote control - advise needed

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: CC2510F8, CC2510, CC2500

Hello There,

 

In one of my projects I am thinking about implementing a short range low power remote control.

By short distance I mean less then 1 meter (3 ft). and I'm looking for system on chip in order to save costs.

I have a very strict PCB size and layout constrains so I naturally looked at the 2.4 GHz solutions with PCB printed antenna.

I have some questions and I'm looking for a few advises from more experienced developers.

my questions are:

1. What is the estimated BOM cost for implementing a CC2510F8 module on my board? and do you recommend using some specific balun such as anaren BD2425N50ATI?

2. Do you think its better for me to design or buy a complete design? do you familiar with such a ready to print designs?

3. Is CC2510F8 is the right choice for my application?

4. Can you please recommend a crystal oscillator p\n for the CC2510?

4. What is the estimated cost for approving such a design for the Europe market?

Any further help and advices will be appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance

Ariel Stern

  • You have not said what you data rate, duty cycle, numer of nodes or power requirements are. For a meter there are a lot of options without using a complex packet radio unless opperation is critical (e.g. medical), needs encrypted data, or something else. Is the link two way? If so the CCxxxx approach is good.

    1. & 2.) Make or buy?  This depends on a number of things.  If you're designing a board for the rest of the circuit add the radio. If you are going to make a 100 plus make the radio. If it is for 3 units then no contest, buy something. Take a look at something like the RF2500T  that is part of a EZ430-RF2500 but without the MSP430 (the big chip) since the CC2510 has a MCU, check out CC2510 mini DK reference design. Baluns and chip antennas are < $0.74 for 1 and work well. Also see Johanson. 

    RF2500T  $23 for a MSP430 MCU, CC2500 transceiver, crystal, antenna, etc. With the CC2510 you might get close  to $10 in small qty.

    4.) Crystal  26MHz   NX2520SA-26.000000MHZ-B9  digikey P/N 644-1095-1-ND Qty 1 $2.30 and drops fast with quantity. I use 2 15pf 0402 C0G caps Kememt C0402C150J5GACTU $.05 ea. This combo is reliable -40C to +80C.

    5.) The price in the US is about $4K in FCC license and registration fees and $3K to $4K for the independent testing. $6K to $8K total assuming you are ready and one pass with only a few minor tweaks.