N517AS-B 868/915MHz FSK Module | +31dBm, -124dBm | CC1120
N517AS‑B: The 1.2W, >12 km Narrowband FSK Module for Critical Long‑Range Links
Based on TI CC1120 + Skyworks FEM | 868MHz (EU) / 915MHz (USA) | +31dBm output | -124dBm sensitivity
Demands kilometer‑scale connectivity in harsh, interference‑prone environments, generic 2.4GHz solutions fall short. The N517AS‑B narrowband FSK transceiver module is engineered from the ground up for maximum link budget – delivering an outstanding +31dBm (1.2W) transmit power and -124dBm receiver sensitivity at 1.2kbps.
Whether you are building smart meters, remote industrial sensors, agricultural weather stations, or long‑range IoT backbones, this module turns “difficult” coverage areas into reliable wireless networks.
👉 Explore the full N517AS‑B datasheet – Download PDF
Why Choose Narrowband + High Power?
Narrowband FSK inherently rejects in‑band noise and interference, making it far more robust than wideband or 2.4GHz solutions in crowded spectrum.
+31dBm (1.2W) output power overcomes path loss in dense foliage, urban canyons, and long rural links.
-124dBm sensitivity at 1.2kbps gives you an enormous 155dB link budget – the real secret behind >12 km range.
The N517AS‑B integrates a Texas Instruments CC1120 RF transceiver with a Skyworks FEM (Front‑End Module) – everything from matching network to filtering is tuned for optimum real‑world performance.
Key Technical Highlights
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Chipset | TI CC1120 + Skyworks FEM |
| Frequency | 860–930 MHz (868/915MHz ISM) |
| Modulation | (G)FSK, MSK, OOK |
| Max output power | +31 dBm (~1.2W) |
| RX sensitivity | -124 dBm @ 1.2 kbps |
| Data rate | 0.3 – 200 kbps (software programmable) |
| Typical range | >12 km LOS (1.2 kbps, 3 dBi antenna, 2.5m height) |
| Supply (logic) | 2.5 – 3.6V |
| PA supply | 2.5 – 5.5V |
| TX current | ~550 mA @ +31dBm burst |
| RX current | ~33 mA |
| Sleep current | <1 µA |
| Dimensions | 29.5 × 21.0 × 3.0 mm |
| Antenna | IPEX (U.FL) or RF pin |
| Interface | SPI + GPIOs |
| Temp range | -30°C to +75°C |
Application‑Focused Design
1. Smart Metering (AMI / AMM)
Gas, water, and electricity meters require ultra‑low power sleep combined with long reach to concentrators. The N517AS‑B’s <1µA sleep current and exceptional sensitivity ensure batteries last for years while meters in basements or metal cabinets still connect reliably.
2. Industrial IoT & SCADA
Monitor tank levels, pipeline pressure, or vibration sensors over vast factory floors or outdoor pipelines. The narrowband FSK nature resists motor noise and other industrial interference.
3. Agricultural & Environmental Sensing
Deploy soil moisture sensors, weather stations, or livestock trackers across square kilometers of farmland. Achieve >12 km line‑of‑sight – and still several kilometers in rolling terrain.
4. Smart City Infrastructure
Control streetlights, monitor waste bins, or manage parking sensors without deploying dozens of repeaters. One N517AS‑B gateway can cover an entire district.
📡 Learn more about long‑range IoT applications
Hardware Integration Made Simple
The N517AS‑B is a complete SMD module – you only need to provide:
A host MCU with SPI (any Cortex‑M, Arduino, ESP32, etc.)
3.3V logic supply + 5V (or 3.3‑5.5V) PA supply
An antenna (e.g., 868/915MHz dipole or whip with IPEX connector)
All RF tuning, impedance matching, and filtering is already done. Integrate in days instead of months.
🔌 Pinout & Dimensions
Refer to the Hardware Reference Manual for full pinout and layout guidelines.
Ordering Information – Choose Your Frequency
| Order Code | Chipset | Frequency | Output Power | Target Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N517AS-B-868M | CC1120+FEM | 860–880 MHz | +31 dBm | Europe (ETSI) |
| N517AS-B-915M | CC1120+FEM | 910–960 MHz | +31 dBm | USA / Americas (FCC) |
⚠️ Not sure which band applies to your country? Contact our RF support team – we help with regional compliance.
Get Started Faster with Evaluation Kits
We offer a complete N517AS‑B evaluation kit including:
Two N517AS‑B modules (868 or 915MHz)
Breakout boards with voltage regulators
Dual‑band antennas
Example code for Arduino and STM32 (SPI drivers, register settings, basic TX/RX)
Quick start guide
Complementary Products in the N51x Family
Build an entire long‑range ecosystem:
N516AS‑B (0.5W) – Lower power alternative for battery‑sensitive nodes
N517AS‑B (1.2W) – This model – best balance of range and current
N518AS (2W) – Extreme range for backbone links
N519AS (5W) – Maximum power for critical long hops
All modules share the same SPI interface and most register settings – easy to scale.
Certifications & Compliance
The N517AS‑B is designed to simplify your end‑product certification (FCC, CE, SRRC). While the module itself is not pre‑certified for every region, its excellent harmonic filtering and narrowband emission mask make passing tests straightforward. We provide reference test reports upon request.
Why Engineers Choose CoralRF Modules
Proven silicon – TI CC1120 is industry‑standard for long‑range Sub‑1GHz.
Optimised RF layout – Designed by RF engineers with decades of experience.
Open documentation – Full register maps, reference code, and hardware guides.
Global shipping – Same‑day quotes, volume discounts, and responsive support.
Ready to Extend Your Wireless Reach?
Stop struggling with unreliable connectivity. The N517AS‑B delivers the raw link budget you need to cover entire cities, farms, or industrial sites.
📦 Request a quote – /quote/N517AS-B
📞 Talk to an RF engineer – Contact sales
📄 Download the full datasheet – N517AS-B datasheet (PDF)