Silicon Labs Introduces FG28 SoC for Advanced Electronic Connectivity

June 12, 2023 - Silicon Labs, a global leading manufacturer committed to establishing a more connected world through safe and intelligent wireless connectivity technologies has announced the launch of their new dual-band FG28 System-on-Chip (SoC) designed specifically for electronic components distributors. The FG28 SoC features sub-GHz and 2.4 GHz low-power Bluetooth (Bluetooth LE) radio frequencies, an integrated Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) accelerator for machine learning inference, and Silicon Labs' industry-leading Secure Vault™ security technology.

Daniel Cooley, Chief Technology Officer of Silicon Labs, stated, "The FG28 SoC addresses several critical requirements of our customers when it comes to developing and deploying low-power wide-area networks. By including protocols like Bluetooth, the FG28 provides users with an easy way to configure and deploy new devices on the network, and the sub-GHz frequency range is designed to support device-to-device communication over distances exceeding one mile. This enables the use of innovative edge applications in smart agriculture, smart cities, and community networks like Amazon Sidewalk."

The dual-band functionality of the FG28 SoC enables support for multiple protocols within a single design. As connectivity and computing capabilities continue to be applied to edge devices, emerging applications require comprehensive connectivity options like a Swiss Army knife. By utilizing sub-GHz connections provided by networks such as Wi-SUN, the FG28 can serve as a battery-powered endpoint in smart cities. For example, it can function as a tracker on trash bins, aiding in locating bins and checking the last emptying time. It can also be applied to irrigation systems in sprawling commercial farms or serve as livestock trackers and health monitors in vast pastures. Bluetooth connectivity not only facilitates easy deployment of devices onto the network but also enables operators to locally connect to devices for diagnostics, data downloads, and other operations. The FG28 SoC offers several additional features that unlock new applications for sub-GHz devices:

· The industry's first sub-GHz SoC with an integrated AI/ML hardware accelerator, supporting machine learning inference on edge devices for predictive maintenance alerts, monitoring critical soil conditions like humidity and pH levels, and more.

· 1024 kB flash memory and 256 kB RAM to meet the memory requirements of various protocol stacks and technology stacks.

· Industry-leading support for intermediate and advanced Secure Vault features, enhancing device trust and allowing designers to select the desired security level for their applications.

· High-efficiency RF core with low active and sleep currents, as well as fast wake-up times, making it an ideal choice for battery-powered endpoints.

· Up to 49 general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pins for robust peripheral connectivity.