N539DS: CC1311R3 | +37dBm | Smart Metering & IoT | 5 Watt High-Power 169MHz RF Module
- Detail
- Parameters
N539DS 169MHz High-Power Sub-1GHz Transceiver Module
Based on TI CC1311R3 – Ultra-Long Range for Utility and Industrial IoT
Overview
N539DS module base CC1311, PA and LNA, purpose‑built for the European 169 MHz frequency band. Delivering +37 dBm output power and -112 dBm receiver sensitivity at 50 kbps, N539DS enables reliable communication links exceeding 15 km in open terrain. N539DS leverages a thermally optimized PCB design—featuring extensive copper flooding and clustered thermal vias—to maintain full 5W (+37 dBm) output power. Continuous output power operation with active cooling.
Optimized for 169 MHz band operation, Directly targets Wireless M‑Bus smart metering, remote utility monitoring, and long‑haul industrial telemetry. All RF matching, temperature‑compensated frequency control, and power amplification are fully integrated.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Wireless MCU | TI CC1311R3 (48 MHz Cortex‑M4, 352 kB flash, 80 kB SRAM) |
| RF Front‑End | Integrated PA + LNA, tuned for 169 MHz |
| Frequency Range | 165 – 175 MHz (programmable within band) |
| Max Output Power | +37 dBm (5 Watt) typical |
| RX Sensitivity | -124 dBm @ 1.2 kbps, -112 dBm @ 50 kbps |
| Max Data Rate | 4 Mbps (limited by band, typically used at lower rates for range) |
| Typical Range | Up to 15 km+ (line‑of‑sight, ideal); 2–5 km in urban/suburban |
| Core Supply (VCC) | 2.0–3.6 V |
| PA Supply (VCCPA) | 4.5–5.5 V (needs 2 .5 A peak capability) |
| TX Current (peak) | ~2500 mA @ +37 dBm |
| RX Current | ~15 mA typical (with core in low-power mode) |
| Antenna Interface | 50Ω RF pad or IPEX connector |
| Dimensions | 43.0 × 29.0 × 3.0 mm |
| Operating Temp | -40°C to +70°C (industrial) |
Why Choose the N539DS
N539DS combines 169 MHz propagation with 5W power for 15+ km range and deep penetration—beyond what higher frequencies can reach.
CC1311R3 – Next-Generation Efficiency
The CC1311R3 is TI's latest Sub‑1GHz wireless MCU, offering:
352 kB flash and 80 kB SRAM – ample memory for complex stacks like Wireless M‑Bus, Wi‑SUN, or proprietary protocols
Enhanced security – TrustZone, AES‑256, ECC, and secure boot for protected deployments
Ultra‑low power – 15 mA RX current, 15 µA standby with RTC
Integrated sensor controller – handles external sensors at minimal power
Full support in TI's SimpleLink SDK
Development Flow
Most CC1311R3 pins are broken out. Flash and debug via JTAG, use TI SimpleLink SDK, and treat it like any other Cortex‑M4 project. The module is fully compatible with TI's development tools and Code Composer Studio™.
Where It Goes
Smart metering concentrators – Wireless M‑Bus (Mode N) for water, gas, and heat meters across entire cities
Utility network infrastructure – Repeaters and data collectors for remote meter reading
Long‑range sensor networks – Agricultural monitoring, pipeline pressure, environmental logging in remote areas
Asset tracking – Containers, rail cars, heavy equipment that move across regions
Backup communications – When cellular isn't available or costs too much
Industrial IoT gateways – Collecting data from sensors spread across large facilities
Pin Layout (28‑Pin)
| Pin(s) | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3, 6, 14, 26, 28 | GND | Ground |
| 4, 5 | VCCPA | PA supply (4.5–5.5 V, must handle 2 A peaks) |
| 13 | VCC | Core supply (3.0–3.6 V) |
| 15 | RESET | Module reset (active low) |
| 7–12, 18–25 | DIOx | Programmable GPIOs of CC1311R3 |
| 16, 17 | TMS, TCK | JTAG debug interface |
| 27 | RF | 50Ω RF I/O |
Compare the Family
| Model | Core | PA | Output Power | Form Factor | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N532DS | CC1311R3 | Int. PA | +26 dBm | SMD | Low‑power sensors, Extreme range |
| N536DS | CC1311R3 | Int. PA | +33 dBm | SMD | Extreme range, industrial gateways |
| N538DS | CC1311R3 | Int. PA | +35 dBm | SMD | 169 MHz ultra‑long range, utility metering, deep penetration |
| N539DS | CC1311R3 | Int. PA | +37 dBm | SMD | 169 MHz ultra‑long range, utility metering, deep penetration |
📘 Learn more about Sub‑1GHz IoT gateway solutions.
All modules supported by TI SimpleLink SDK and our developer resources.
Ordering Information
| Order Code | Frequency Range | Output Power |
|---|---|---|
| N539DS-CC1311R3-169M | 165 – 175 MHz | +37 dBm |
Other frequencies available upon request for high-volume projects.
Design Notes
Power Supply
At +37 dBm, the module draws up to 2.5 A peaks. 5 V supply needs low noise and enough bulk capacitance to handle those transients.
Antenna
169 MHz antennas are larger than those for higher frequencies. Choose a well‑matched antenna tuned to your exact frequency (e.g., 169.5 MHz) and keep the RF trace short.
Thermal Management
Pulsed operation keeps heating manageable. But if you're transmitting long packets at high duty cycles, consider a small heatsink or airflow.
Regulatory
169 MHz is a harmonised band in Europe (ETSI EN 300 220), but power levels up to 5 W may require licensing or adherence to specific duty cycle limits. Ensure you understand local regulations before deployment. We provide compliance guidance to help.
Get Started
Specifications subject to change. Actual range depends on antenna, environment, and local regulations. Ensure compliance with regional radio laws before deployment.