BodyCom™ Technology
Summary
Microchip’s BodyCom Technology is a short-range, low-data-
rate communication solution for securely connecting to a
wide range of wireless applications.
Compared to other existing wireless technologies BodyCom
Technology offers lower active and standby energy usage,
increases security through bidirectional authentication,
provides a secure communication channel using the human
body and allows for simpler circuit-level designs.
How Does BodyCom Technology Work?
Activated by capacitively coupling to the human body, the
system communicates bidirectionally between a centralized
controller and one or more wireless mobile units. Intra-body
communication takes place using the human body as the
transmission medium.
Applications
Base Unit Mobile Unit
125 kHz
8 MHz
PIC®
Microcontroller
PIC®
Microcontroller
Capacitive
Coupling Pad
Capacitive
Coupling Pad
Signal
Demodulator
Signal
Demodulator
BodyCom™ Technology
■Access control
• Passive Keyless Entry
(PKE)
• Security systems
• Home/industrial
door locks
• Pet doors
■Personal safety & security
• Equipment
access/disable
• Power Tools
• Firearms
• Computer systems
■Medical
• Patient monitoring
• Hospital room access
• Equipment tracking
■Consumer
• Profi le Management
for gaming consoles
• Exercise equipment
Benefi ts
■Simpler implementation
• No RF antenna design necessary
• Low-frequency design using common microcontroller
and AFE frequencies (125 kHz/8 MHz), no external
crystals needed
• Complies with FCC Part 15-B, Radiated Emissions
• Lower overall BOM, compared to
existing technologies
■Lower power consumption
• No wireless transceiver required for
two-way communication
• Not using high-power inductive fi elds
■More secure communication channel
• Provides bidirectional authentication through the
human body
• Prevents the “Relay Attack” problem typical in
PKE solutions
■Supports advanced encryption solutions
• Such as KEELOQ® Technology with AES-128
Development Support
Information subject to change. The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo, dsPIC, PIC are registered trademarks and MiWi, PICtail and ZENA are trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the
U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are property of their respective companies. © 2013, Microchip Technology Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. 2/13
DS30685A
Visit our web site for additional product information and to locate your local sales office.
Microchip Technology Inc. • 2355 W. Chandler Blvd. • Chandler, AZ 85224-6199
www.microchip.com/bodycom
■ Free BodyCom Technology Development V1.0
Framework supplied via free software libraries for
all PIC® MCUs
• BodyCom Technology communication library
• Application code examples
• PC development GUI
■ BodyCom Technology Development Kit (DM160213)
• Central controller unit + two wireless mobile units
Applications Notes and Data Sheets
■AN1391: Introduction to the BodyCom Technology
■ DS41391: PIC16F/LF1826/27, 18/20/28-Pin Flash
Microcontrollers with nanoWatt XLP Technology
■ DS22304: MCP2035 Analog Front-End Device for
BodyCom Technology Applications
