RF transceiver cuts costs, extends battery life

Semtech Corp. is offering a programmable RF transceiver that features a 135dBm link budget that is 10dB more than competing devices.

The SX1231, the latest in the company's low-power transceiver platform, provides a cost-effective solution for wireless applications using the industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) frequency band like automated meter reading and home/building automation systems.

The device reduces system operations cost through its low 16mA receive current and 33mA transmit current which delivers longer battery life. The highly integrated transceiver uses Semtech's TrueRF technology to integrate SAW filter functionality; the device also integrates the VCO tank, PLL loop filter and an RF switch to minimize external components.

The frequency range of the SX1231 is 290 MHz-1020 MHz, which includes the 433, 868 and 915 MHz license-free ISM frequency bands. The device features an integrated packet engine that offloads RF packetization from a microcontroller, freeing up this resource or allowing a designer to choose a lower cost or lower power alternative. The packet engine provides CRC error checking, AES-128 encryption and a 66byte FIFO.

The output power of the SX1231 is programmable in 1dB steps from -18dBm to +17dBm. The transceiver can be programmed between narrow-band and wide-band communications modes without the need to modify external components. The transceiver operates with GFSK, MSK, FSK, OOK, ASK modulations types up to 300Kbit/s with constant RF performance over the 1.8V to 3.7V power supply range. It also features market-leading immunity to out-of-band interferers with 80dB of blocking immunity and a self adaptive IIP3 from -18dBm to 8dBm and +35dBm IIP2 response.

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