Introduction of The 868MHz and 915MHz Drop-In RF Modules

Published:2011/7/27 2:53:00 Author:Phyllis From:SeekIC

XEMICS’ 868MHz and 915MHz Drop-In RF modules have been designed to facilitate the development of wireless communication applications and to reduce the time to market as they can be soldered directly onto a host board to add RF capabilities. Using these DP1203 modules ranges of up to several kilometers may be achieved, through high output power and excellent sensitivity. The 868MHz module is ETSI pre-certified and the 915 MHz module is FCC pre-certified. All critical high frequency circuits are in a shielding can for extra protection against shock and EMI.





No external components (apart from an antenna) are required. The module incorporates an on-board antenna matching circuit, making integration straightforward even for engineers with no previous RF experience. The DP1203 868MHz and 915MHz modules can be soldered directly onto the main system board just like other components. The modules are suited for automated assembly systems for high volume production, which significantly reduces the cost of manufacture.

The DP1203 offers the unique advantage of high data rate communication up to 152.3kbit/s. Offering high output power and exceptional receiver sensitivity, the 868MHz radio module is suitable for applications conforming to the European (ETSI EN300-220-1 and EN301 489-3) regulatory standards while the 915MHz module conforms to FCC part 15 applicable in the United States. The DP1203 is the perfect module for complex wireless networks; high speed data rate applications, voice-over-RF, and applications where small size and extremely short time to market are high priorities.

With an 18mm×30mm footprint, the DP1203 module fits perfectly into most customers’ applications. Based on Surface Mount Technology (SMT) with components mounted only on one side, this module offers the advantage of being both very small and inexpensive. No additional interface circuitry is required between the drop-in module and the microcontroller. The modules are priced at below $10.00 in volume.

Virtually no RF knowledge is required to use this RF module. Wireless communication can be obtained with just the addition of a suitable antenna and a microcontroller. The DP1203 fulfils a wide range of application requirements, ranging from basic point-to-point communication to more complex multipoint process control functions.

The module is suitable for surface mount reflow assembly. Semtech provides basic firmware routines for controlling the module and typical applications. The DP1203 is a cost effective high performance radio transceiver module designed for the wireless transmission of digital information over distances of >500 meters in free space.

All high frequency circuits and the 39MHz reference crystal are enclosed inside a shielding can. The module incorporates and antenna switch driven by two external pins (RX and TX), and a SAW Filter placed between the antenna port (RF In/OUT). The switch provides a superior margin to satisfy the European or the North American regulatory standards.

A 3-wire bi-directional bus (SCK, SI, SO) is used to control the DP1203. The output signal, SO, is provided by the DP1203 in opposition to the SCK and SI which need to be provided by the external application as an 8-bit microcontroller. An access Read or Write with the XE1203 is possible only when the enable signal is active (active LOW).

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