N518AS High-Power RF Module | TI CC1120 | +33dBm | 169/433/868/915MHz | 15km Range(1)
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N518AS: 2W Long Range High-Power Narrowband RF Module
Product Overview
The N518AS is a professional-grade, 2Watt (+33 dBm) Sub-1GHz RF transceiver module engineered for mission-critical, long-range wireless communication. Building upon the proven Texas Instruments CC1120 platform, it integrates an external high-power PA and LNA to deliver industry-leading range (up to 15 km) and an outstanding -126 dBm receiver sensitivity. Featuring dedicated control pins (TXEN, RXEN, LANEN) and a VTCXO interface for superior frequency stability, the N518AS is the definitive solution for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), industrial SCADA, and wide-area sensor networks demanding uncompromising reliability.
Key Features & Benefits
Unmatched Power & Sensitivity: Achieves +33 dBm (2W) output power and -126 dBm sensitivity, creating a superior link budget for the most challenging environments and longest distances.
Engineered for Stability: Dedicated VTCXO control pin (Pin 11) allows integration of a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator, ensuring exceptional frequency accuracy essential for narrowband applications and dense networks.
Complete RF Front-End Control: Separate TXEN, RXEN, and LANEN pins provide precise external control over the transmit chain, receive chain, and low-noise amplifier, enabling advanced power management and system optimization.
Global ISM Band Coverage: Available in variants supporting key global license-free bands: 169 MHz, 433 MHz, 868 MHz, and 915 MHz, facilitating worldwide deployment.
Full Design Flexibility: All CC1120 pins are broken out (SPI, GPIOs, control signals), offering developers complete access for deep firmware customization and seamless integration into complex systems.
Industrial Robustness: Operates across an extended -40°C to +85°C temperature range on a robust 4-layer PCB, built for harsh industrial and outdoor environments.
Technical Specifications
RF Performance
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Core Transceiver | Texas Instruments CC1120 + External PA & LNA |
| Frequency Bands | 169 MHz, 433 MHz, 868 MHz, 915 MHz (Model Specific) |
| Max. Output Power | +33 dBm (2000 mW) |
| Receiver Sensitivity | -126 dBm (typical @ 1.2 kbps) |
| Modulation | 2(G)FSK, 4(G)FSK, MSK, OOK, ASK |
| Programmable Data Rate | 0.3 to 200 kbps |
| Typical Line-of-Sight Range | Up to 15,000 meters (with 3 dBi antenna @ 1.2 kbps) |
Hardware & Electrical
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Module Dimensions | 36.0 x 24.0 x 3.0 mm |
| Interface | SPI (MOSI, MISO, SCK, NSS/CSn) |
| Key Control Pins | TXEN, RXEN, LANEN, RESET, VTCXO |
| GPIOs | 3x Programmable (GPIO0, GPIO2, GPIO3) |
| Antenna Connection | RF Pin (for IPEX connector or PCB trace) |
| Core Supply Voltage (VCC) | 2.0 - 3.3V(3.3V Typical) |
| PA Supply Voltage (VCCPA) | 4.5 - 5.5V(5V Typical) |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
Pin Configuration (21-Pin SMD)
| Pin | Name | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | TXEN | I | Transmit Enable Control (Active High) |
| 7 | RXEN | I | Receive Enable Control (Active High) |
| 8 | LANEN | I | Low-Noise Amplifier Enable (Active High) |
| 11 | VTCXO | I/O | Voltage Control for TCXO / TCXO Enable |
| 21 | RF | RF | RF Signal Output/Input |
For the complete pinout table, see the [Full Datasheet].
Target Applications
The N518AS is designed for systems where range, reliability, and control are paramount.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI): Long-range smart water, gas, and electricity meters.
Industrial IoT & SCADA: Remote telemetry for pipelines, tanks, environmental monitoring, and equipment control.
Wide-Area Sensor Networks: Agricultural sensing, forest monitoring, and perimeter security.
Professional Alarm Systems: High-reliability fire, intrusion, and industrial alarm backhaul.
Ordering Information
Select the frequency variant for your target market.
| Ordering Code | Frequency Band | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| N518AS-169M | 160 – 175 MHz | +33dBm, VTCXO pin, for EU/China utility bands |
| N518AS-433M | 410 – 480 MHz | +33dBm, VTCXO pin, global ISM |
| N518AS-868M | 860 – 880 MHz | +33dBm, VTCXO pin, for EU |
| N518AS-915M | 910 – 960 MHz | +33dBm, VTCXO pin, for USA/ Americas |
Note: +33 dBm output power may be subject to regulatory limits in your region. Ensure compliance with local RF regulations.
Why Choose the N518AS?
Beyond Standard Modules: The VTCXO support and dedicated front-end control pins set it apart from basic transceiver modules, offering system-level performance tuning.
A Scalable Wireless Portfolio: The N518AS is part of our high-power Sub-1GHz series:
N517AS: 1W (+30dBm) for cost-optimized long-range links.
N518AS: 2W (+33dBm) with VTCXO & control pins for critical, stable applications.
N519AS: 5W (+37dBm) for maximum range and penetration.
Design-to-Deployment Support: From reference schematics to regulatory pre-compliance guidance, we provide the resources to accelerate your product development.
Development Resources
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Engineered for Critical, Long-Range Connectivity. Built for the Long Run.