N503AS is a CC1101-based RF module supporting 433/868/915 MHz. Delivers +12 dBm output power, -116 dBm sensitivity, an SPI interface, and ultra-low sleep current of 0.2 µA. It is ideal for Arduino, WMBus, and wireless sensor networks.
N503AS is a low-cost Sub-1 GHz RF transceiver SPI module based on Texas Instruments' CC1101 chip. Designed for simplicity and reliability, operates in the key 315Mhz, 433 MHz, 868 MHz, and 915 MHz ISM/SRD bands, up to +12 dBm output power and down to -116 dBm receiver sensitivity. With minimal external component requirement and SPI interface for easy MCU integration, N503AS is an ideal "wireless-in-a-box" solution for rapidly adding robust, low-power RF connectivity to a vast array of IoT devices, Arduino projects, and industrial applications.
Key Features & Benefits
Proven & Cost-Effective RF Core:
Industry-standard CC1101 transceiver.
Ultra-Low Power Operation:
Deep sleep current as low as 0.2 µA, suitable for battery-powered devices.
Rapid Development & Integration:
CC1101 pins are accessible via a standard SPI interface and GPIOs (GDO0, GDO2). 17 x 16 mm SMD package simplifies PCB design.
Protocol & Ecosystem Support:
Fully open-source libraries for Arduino and supports the Wireless M-Bus (WM-Bus) standard, accelerating development for smart metering and related applications.
Global Band Coverage:
Supports major global frequency bands (315/433/868/915 MHz), simplifying inventory for international products.
Technical Specifications
Category
Parameter
Specification
RF & Performance
Frequency Bands
433 MHz, 868 MHz, 915 MHz
Max. Output Power
+12 dBm
Receiver Sensitivity
-116 dBm (typical, at 0.6 kbps)
Data Rate
0.6 – 500 kbps (programmable)
Modulation
2-FSK, GFSK, MSK, OOK
Typical Range
500 m (Line-of-sight, ideal conditions)
Electrical
Supply Voltage
1.8V – 3.6 V (Typ. 3.3V)
TX Current (@ +12 dBm)
35 mA (typical)
RX Current
18 mA (typical)
Sleep Current
0.2 µA (typical)
Physical & Interface
Dimensions
17.0 x 16.0 x 3.0 mm
Host Interface
SPI (MOSI, MISO, CLK, CSN)
Control Signals
GDO0, GDO2 (for interrupts, data clock, etc.)
Antenna Interface
50Ω RF Pad
Package
SMD
Pin Description (Quick Reference)
Pin
Name
Function
1, 2, 10
GND
Ground
3
VDD
Power Supply (1.8V - 3.6V)
4
MOSI
SPI Data Input from Master
5
CLK
SPI Clock from Master
6
MISO
SPI Data Output to Master
7
GDO2
General Purpose Digital Output 2
8
GDO0
General Purpose Digital Output 0
9
CSN
SPI Chip Select (Active Low)
11
RF
50Ω Antenna Connection
Applications
N503AS is a wide range of low-power wireless applications:
Simple Connection: 4-wire SPI bus and power to any host microcontroller (e.g., Arduino, STM32, ESP32). The GDO pins can be used for efficient packet handling.
Antenna Options: Connect a simple λ/4 wire antenna or a PCB trace antenna directly to the RF pad for a complete solution.
Software Libraries: CC1101 driver libraries and code examples for Arduino and various MCU platforms to jumpstart development.
Choosing the Right Solution for Your Project
N503AS is the foundation of our (G)FSK connectivity portfolio. Compare it with our enhanced solutions to match your exact range, power, and protocol needs.
N503AS Module
N511AS Module
LoRa®/LoRaWAN® Modules
Core IC
TI CC1101
TI CC1120/CC1200
Semtech SX1262/SX127x
Output Power
+12 dBm
+15 dBm to +37 dBm
+15 dBm to +37 dBm
Key Strength
Optimal Cost & Simplicity
Enhanced (G)FSK Range & Data Rate
Maximum Range & Network Readiness
Best For
Cost-driven, high-volume products with basic connectivity needs.
Demanding (G)FSK applications needing more reach or speed.
Long-range sensor networks, LPWAN deployment, extreme battery life.