Atmel Acquires MeshNetics ZigBee Intellectual Properties

Atmel's microcontrollers and RF transceivers combined with ZigBee PRO technology deliver best in class, low energy consumption ZigBee Solutions

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Feb. 3, 2009 -- Atmel(R) Corporation (Nasdaq: ATML) announced today that Atmel has acquired all MeshNetics(R) ZigBee(R) Intellectual Property Rights from LuxLabs BVI for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition of the MeshNetics ZigBee IP, includes BitCloud(TM) ZigBee PRO software and ZigBit(TM) wireless modules. Consequently, Atmel now offers the industry's most complete wireless solution to electronics equipment manufactures who are addressing the explosive growth of ZigBee wireless markets by offering solutions such as self-healing wireless networks that enable system solutions in the smart energy, building automation, telecommunications services and personal healthcare wireless application areas. This complete solution covers 700/800/900Mhz frequencies through to 2.4Ghz offering today's systems engineers the industry's best RF performance, boasting a link budget of over 120dB.

The BitCloud ZigBee PRO software stack is a full-featured, second generation embedded ZigBee certified stack for reliable, scalable, and secure wireless applications running on Atmel's wireless platforms. The stack offers support for large wireless ZigBee networks consisting of hundreds of devices that is optimized for ultra low power consumption and is provided with an application programming interface (API) for easy customization by OEMs and system integrators. The BitCloud software stack has been granted ZigBee Compliant Platform Certification for both AVR(R) and ARM(R) Microcontrollers and is available royalty free as a part of this solution. Also, BitCloud ZigBee PRO software for Atmel's Raven 2.4GHz Evaluation and Starter kit is available for immediate download and evaluation from the Atmel website. The Raven kit is based on megaAVR(R) picoPower(TM) technology and is a perfect platform for development of low power wireless applications.

"Manufacturers and design houses will be able to reduce their development time while slashing development costs with the adoption of Atmel's complete system solution for ZigBee Wireless technology," said Magnus Pedersen, Atmel's Product Marketing Director Wireless Solutions. "Our portfolio now includes Microcontrollers, RF transceivers, ZigBit modules, BitCloud ZigBee PRO software stack, IPv6 based 6LoWPAN software stacks, and tools to easily move our customers from prototype stage to certified products in high volumes," he added.

The ZigBee technology roadmap includes ZigBee PRO and ZigBee Public Profiles support for Atmel's new AVR XMEGA, and the AVR(R)32 family of microcontrollers.

Support

Worldwide support for Atmel's wireless solutions including ZigBee and 6LoWPAN is provided by the AVR support center.

Availability and Pricing

ZigBit(TM) wireless modules will be available from Atmel during Q1 2009. They are priced between $15-$20 in volumes of 1,000 units.
BitCloud(TM) ZigBee PRO stack for the Atmel Raven Kit is available now for free download and evaluation from the Atmel website.

About Atmel

Atmel is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of microcontrollers, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and radio frequency (RF) components. Leveraging one of the industry's broadest intellectual property (IP) technology portfolios, Atmel is able to provide the electronics industry with complete system solutions focused on consumer, industrial, security, communications, computing and automotive markets.

Information:

Atmel's BitCloud ZigBee PRO stack for Raven may be retrieved at http://www.atmel.com/bitcloud
For further information on MCU Wireless Solutions, go to http://www.atmel.com/wireless