N518CS-B High-Power RF Module | CC1200 | +35dBm | 169/433/868/915MHz | 15km Range(1)
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N518CS-B High-Power Sub-1GHz RF Transceiver Module
3.2W Wideband Power for Extreme-Range Connectivity
Product Overview
The N518CS is a long‑range wireless module for port automation, pipeline monitoring, and agricultural telemetry – applications where reliable communication over vast distances is critical.
With +33 dBm (2W) output and –126 dBm sensitivity, it achieves a 15+ km LOS link budget, removing the need for repeaters and maintaining stability even in noisy environments.
Built on TI's CC1200 transceiver with external PA/LNA, it supports wideband and narrowband (down to 12.5 kHz). A VTCXO pin ensures stable frequency over temperature – vital for certification and narrowband operation.
Available in 169, 433, 868, and 915 MHz (169 MHz optimized for EU/CN smart grids), it offers global flexibility in a compact 36×24 mm SMD package.
Simply put: the N518CS delivers the power, range, and reliability you need – all in one module.
Why Choose the N518CS?
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| +33 dBm (2Watt) output power | Reach assets 15+ km away without repeaters |
| -126 dBm sensitivity @ 1.2 kbps | Hear the weakest signals from network edges |
| TI CC1200 wideband core | Versatile for both wideband and narrowband applications |
| Dedicated TXEN, RXEN, LANEN pins | Precise power sequencing for battery-optimized designs |
| VTCXO support | ±1 kHz frequency stability for regulatory compliance |
| Global band coverage | One design for 169/433/868/915 MHz deployments |
| -40°C to +85°C operation | Industrial reliability in harsh environments |
| SPI interface + programmable GPIOs | Full integration flexibility |
| Lower power consumption | 1000 mA peak TX current vs. 2000 mA for 5W models |
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Core IC | TI CC1200 wideband transceiver |
| Front-End | External PA + LNA |
| Frequency Bands | 169 MHz (160–175), 433 MHz (410–480), 868 MHz (860–880), 915 MHz (910–960) |
| Max Output Power | +33 dBm (2W) typical |
| RX Sensitivity | -126 dBm @ 1.2 kbps |
| Data Rate | 0.3 – 200 kbps (programmable) |
| Typical Range | Up to 15 km (LOS, 1.2 kbps, 3 dBi antenna) |
| Core Supply (VCC) | 3.3V |
| PA Supply (VCCPA) | 5.0V (needs 1A peak capability) |
| TX Current (peak) | 1000 mA @ +33 dBm |
| RX Current | 27 mA typical |
| Sleep Current | 10 µA typical |
| Interface | SPI + TXEN, RXEN, LANEN control pins |
| GPIOs | 3 programmable |
| Antenna Connection | 50Ω RF pad / IPEX connector |
| Dimensions | 36.0 × 24.0 × 3.0 mm |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
Pin Configuration
| Pin | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 4, 5, 10, 20 | GND | Ground |
| 2, 3 | VCCPA | PA supply (5V, 1A peak capability required) |
| 6 | TXEN | Transmit enable (active high) |
| 7 | RXEN | Receive enable (active high) |
| 8 | LANEN | LNA enable (active high) |
| 9 | VCC | Core supply (3.3V) |
| 11 | VTCXO | TCXO voltage control / enable |
| 12 | RESET | Module reset (active low) |
| 13, 14, 18 | GPIO3/2/0 | Programmable GPIOs |
| 15, 16, 17 | MOSI, SCK, MISO | SPI interface |
| 19 | NSS | SPI chip select (active low) |
| 21 | RF | 50Ω RF I/O |
Compare the CC1200 Family
All modules in our CC1200 family share the same 36×24 mm footprint, making it easy to scale your design from +15 dBm to +37 dBm without board changes.
| Model | Frequency Bands | Output Power | Sensitivity @ 1.2 kbps | TX Current | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N511CS-B | 169/433/868/915 MHz | +15 dBm | -122 dBm | TBD | Low‑power sensors, short range |
| N515CS-B | 169/433 MHz | +26 dBm | -125 dBm | TBD | Medium‑range sensors |
| N516CS-B | 868/915 MHz | +27 dBm | -124 dBm | TBD | Medium‑range sensors |
| N517CS | 169/433/868/915 MHz | +30 dBm | -126 dBm | TBD | Long‑range end nodes |
| N518CS | 169/433/868/915 MHz | +33 dBm | -126 dBm | 1000 mA | Industrial gateways, extreme range |
| N519CS | 169/433/868/915 MHz | +37 dBm | -126 dBm | 2000 mA | SCADA, smart grid, critical infrastructure |
📘 View full CC1200 product family — including module details, evaluation boards, and design resources.
Compare Across Families
Need different features? Here's how our high-power modules compare across core ICs.
| Model | Core IC | Output Power | Sensitivity | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N518AS | CC1120 | +33 dBm | -126 dBm | Narrowband, excellent selectivity |
| N518BS | CC1125 | +33 dBm | -126 dBm | Enhanced blocking performance |
| N518CS | CC1200 | +33 dBm | -126 dBm | Wideband versatility, IEEE 802.15.4g |
Target Applications
Smart Grid / AMI Concentrators – 169 MHz band for European and Chinese utility metering
Oil & Gas Pipeline Monitoring – Remote SCADA links in unpowered locations
Wide-Area Sensor Networks – Environmental monitoring, weather stations over thousands of hectares
Industrial Automation – Reliable telemetry for distributed infrastructure
Backhaul Links – Replace multiple gateways with one long-range connection
IEEE 802.15.4g Systems – Smart utility networks requiring wideband support
Ordering Information
| Order Code | Frequency | Output Power |
|---|---|---|
| N518CS-169M | 160–175 MHz | +33 dBm |
| N518CS-433M | 410–480 MHz | +33 dBm |
| N518CS-868M | 860–880 MHz | +33 dBm |
| N518CS-915M | 910–960 MHz | +33 dBm |
Request a quote | Order samples | Check distributor inventory
Design Resources
Get the documentation and tools you need to start developing with the N518CS.
| Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 📄 Datasheet | Complete specifications, electrical characteristics, and mechanical drawings for the N518CS module. | Download PDF |
| 📘 CC1200 Technical Reference Manual | Detailed register map, programming guide, and RF design recommendations from Texas Instruments. | View Manual |
| 🧪 Evaluation Board | Request the N518CS evaluation kit for rapid prototyping and range testing. | Request Board |
| 💻 CC1200 SDK | Software development kit including drivers, example code, and application notes. | Download SDK |
| 📞 Applications Engineering | Get technical support from our RF engineers for your integration questions. | Contact Us |
Additional Design Support
Power Supply Design – At +33 dBm, the module draws 1A peaks. Your 5V supply must handle these transients. Read our power supply guide.
Antenna Selection – Range depends on antenna matching.
Thermal Management – Pulsed operation keeps heat manageable. For high duty cycles, consider airflow or heatsinking.
Regulatory Compliance – Designed to help meet FCC/ETSI standards; final certification depends on system integration. The CC1200 is suitable for systems targeting ETSI EN 300 220, FCC CFR47 Part 15, and ARIB standards.
For immediate questions: info@coralradio.com
Specifications subject to change. Actual performance depends on antenna, environment, and system design. Ensure compliance with local radio regulations before deployment.