Semtech low-power transceiver platform showcases best link budget and RF robustness

CAMARILLO, USA: Semtech Corp., a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, today announced the SX1231, a programmable radio frequency (RF) transceiver with market-leading sensitivity that is the latest in the company’s low-power transceiver platform.

The SX1231 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 transceiver features a 135dBm link budget that is 10 dB more than competing devices. The part 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-1020MHz, 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 66-byte FIFO.

The output power of the SX1231 is programmable in 1 dB steps from -18dBm to +17 dBm. The transceiver is unique in that it 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 300kbps with constant RF performance over the 1.8V - 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.

“Lower-cost ISM systems can spur new applications and markets. The SX1231 eliminates most of the passive components and the RF switch from designs, driving down the BOM costs without a sacrifice in performance,” said Marc Pégulu, Industrial Analog Product Line Manager for Semtech.

“The SX1231 completes Semtech’s portfolio of ultra low power RF transceivers by offering market breakthrough radio technology for sub-gigahertz applications that are seeking wide range and reliable communication.”

The SX1231 is certified for worldwide safety and transmissions regulations including the European (ETSI EN 300-220-1), the North American (FCC part 15) and Korea and Japan ARIB regulatory standards. The 5mm x 5mm SX1231 (QFN 24) offers designers the benefit of significant board space savings, and its small size and RoHS and WEEE compliance also contributes to energy conservation and hazardous waste reduction.