Engineered for cost-sensitive markets, the latest wireless chip combines extended range, multi-year battery life, and built-in security to accelerate smart city, industrial, and automation deployments.
Silicon Labs has expanded its Series 2 portfolio with the launch of the FG23L wireless system-on-chip (SoC), now shipping with developer kits available globally. General availability is slated for September 30. Designed to bring long-range Sub-GHz connectivity to cost-sensitive applications, the FG23L combines extended range, strong security, and energy efficiency at a price point aimed squarely at high-volume IoT markets.
The key features are:
- Link budget: ~146 dB
- Provides up to 2× the range of similar devices
- Achieved through +20 dBm transmit power
- Enhanced by high receiver sensitivity
This performance, paired with ultra-low power consumption, supports battery life exceeding 10 years, a key requirement for deployments in smart cities, industrial sensors, and building automation systems where scale and longevity drive return on investment.
Security is another cornerstone of the FG23L. It integrates Silicon Labs’ Secure Vault™ Mid, offering protection against modern IoT threats while ensuring compliance with tightening cybersecurity requirements. Powered by a 78 MHz Cortex-M33 core and dual-core wireless architecture, the chip provides sufficient compute capability to handle advanced applications without escalating system costs. Developers also gain access to 23 GPIOs, a rich peripheral set, and streamlined tools like Simplicity Studio 5 and the Radio Configurator to accelerate design cycles across global Sub-GHz bands.
It is positioned as a gateway product that lowers the barrier to Sub-GHz adoption. It supports seamless migration to higher-end Silicon Labs parts, such as the FG23, for customers needing more memory or advanced features. This flexibility is expected to ease scaling for manufacturers working across industrial automation, agricultural IoT, electronic shelf labels, and infrastructure applications.
By striking a balance between cost, performance, and security, the SoC reflects Silicon Labs’ strategy of broadening the Sub-GHz IoT ecosystem. For developers and device makers under pressure to deliver reliable, secure, and affordable connectivity at scale, the FG23L presents a timely option.
