N518BS Narrowband RF Module | TI CC1125 | +33dBm | 169/433/868/915MHz | 15km Range(1)
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N518BS Higher-Performance Narrowband RF Transceiver Module
Professional-Grade, Long-Range Wireless Connectivity for Demanding Applications
Product Overview
The N518BS is an industrial-grade, high-performance RF transceiver module engineered for ultra-reliable, long-range narrowband communication. Built around the proven Texas Instruments CC1125 transceiver and enhanced with an external Power Amplifier (PA), Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA), and a Temperature-Compensated Crystal Oscillator (TCXO), it delivers exceptional performance. With up to +33 dBm (2W) output power and outstanding -126 dBm receiver sensitivity, it enables robust line-of-sight communication over 15 kilometers. Supporting critical global ISM bands (169, 433, 868, 915 MHz) via a standard SPI interface, the N518BS is the definitive solution for advanced metering, industrial telemetry, and any application where link reliability and range are paramount.
Key Features & Benefits
Superior Range & Reliability: The powerful combination of +33 dBm TX power and -126 dBm RX sensitivity creates an unmatched link budget, ensuring dependable connectivity in the most challenging and extended-range scenarios.
Enhanced Frequency Stability: Integrated TCXO support guarantees stable frequency operation across wide temperature variations, which is critical for narrowband applications and regulatory compliance.
Precise RF Front-End Control: Dedicated TXEN, RXEN, and LANEN pins allow for efficient external control of the PA and LNA, optimizing performance and power consumption for specific operational modes.
Global Frequency Coverage: A single module series supports the essential 169 MHz (EU/China utility), 433 MHz, 868 MHz, and 915 MHz license-free bands, simplifying worldwide product deployment.
Complete Development Flexibility: Full breakout of all CC1125 pins, including SPI, GPIOs, and control signals, provides maximum freedom for custom firmware, system integration, and functionality expansion.
Industrial Robustness: Designed to operate reliably in harsh environments with an extended temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.
Technical Specifications
| Category | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| RF Performance | Core IC | Texas Instruments CC1125 with external PA, LNA & TCXO |
| Frequency Bands | 169 MHz, 433 MHz, 868 MHz, 915 MHz (Model Specific) | |
| Max. Output Power | +33 dBm (2000 mW) | |
| Receiver Sensitivity | -126 dBm @ 1.2 kbps | |
| RF Data Rate (Symbol Rate) | 0.3 – 200 kbps (Software Programmable) | |
| Modulation | 2(G)FSK, 4(G)FSK, OOK | |
| Typical Range (LOS) | Up to 15,000 m (1.2 kbps, 3 dBi antenna) | |
| Hardware | Host Interface | SPI (MOSI, MISO, SCK, NSS) |
| Control Pins | TXEN, RXEN, LANEN, RESET | |
| Clock Source | VTCXO control/enable pin (Pin 11) | |
| GPIO | GPIO0, GPIO2, GPIO3 (Programmable) | |
| Antenna Connection | RF pin (Pin 21) for IPEX connector or PCB pad | |
| Mounting | Surface Mount Device (SMD) | |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 36.0 mm x 24.0 mm x 3.0 mm | |
| Electrical | Core Supply Voltage (VCC) | 3.3V |
| PA Supply Voltage (VCCPA) | 5.0V | |
| TX Current (Peak @ +33dBm) | 1000 mA (Typical) | |
| RX Current | 27 mA (Typical) | |
| Sleep Current | 1 µA (Typical) | |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
Pin Configuration & Description (21 Pins)
| Pin | Name | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GND | P | Power Ground |
| 2, 3 | VCCPA | P | Power Amplifier Supply (5V) |
| 4, 5, 10, 20 | GND | P | Power Ground |
| 6 | TXEN | I | Transmit Enable Control (Active High) |
| 7 | RXEN | I | Receive Enable Control (Active High) |
| 8 | LANEN | I | Low-Noise Amplifier Enable Control (Active High) |
| 9 | VCC | P | Core Logic Supply (3.3V) |
| 11 | VTCXO | I/O | Voltage Control for TCXO / TCXO Enable |
| 12 | RESET | I | Module Reset (Active Low) |
| 13, 14, 18 | GPIO3/2/0 | I/O | Programmable General-Purpose I/O |
| 15, 16, 17 | MOSI, SCK, MISO | I/I/O | SPI Data & Clock Lines |
| 19 | NSS (CSn) | I | SPI Chip Select (Active Low) |
| 21 | RF | RF | RF Signal Output/Input (to antenna) |
Target Applications
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI): Long-range concentrators and endpoints for smart electricity, water, and gas meters.
Industrial SCADA & Telemetry: Critical data links for remote monitoring of pipelines, industrial equipment, and environmental sensors.
Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN): Wide-area data collection for agricultural, environmental, and infrastructure monitoring.
Alarm & Security Systems: Highly reliable long-distance transmission for intrusion and fire alarms.
Private & Professional Radio Networks: Custom communication systems requiring robust performance and narrowband operation.
Ordering Information
| Ordering Code | Core IC | Key Specifications | Frequency Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| N518BS-169M | CC1125 | Narrowband, +33 dBm | 160 – 175 MHz |
| N518BS-433M | CC1125 | Narrowband, +33 dBm | 410 – 480 MHz |
| N518BS-868M | CC1125 | Narrowband, +33 dBm | 860 – 880 MHz |
| N518BS-915M | CC1125 | Narrowband, +33 dBm | 910 – 960 MHz |
Why Choose the N518BS?
Next-Generation Core: Features the enhanced TI CC1125 transceiver for reliable performance.
Scalable Wireless Portfolio: Part of our highER-power CC1125 Sub-1GHz series (N517BS: 1W, N518BS: 2W, N519BS: 5W).
Design-to-Deployment Support: Comprehensive resources to accelerate your product development.
Development Resources
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Engineered for Critical, Long-Range Connectivity. Built for the Long Run.