N516AS-B: CC1120+CC1190 High-Power RF Module | +27dBm | 10km Range | 868/915MHz | WMBUS & Arduino

1. Product Overview

The N516AS-B represents the pinnacle of professional-grade, long-range wireless communication, integrating Texas Instruments' high-performance CC1120 narrowband transceiver with the CC1190 high-power RF front-end amplifier. This synergistic combination delivers an exceptional +27 dBm (500 mW) output power and outstanding -126 dBm receiver sensitivity, creating a link budget that enables reliable communication over distances exceeding 10 kilometers in line-of-sight conditions. Engineered for the most demanding industrial applications, it features a TCXO for frequency stability, comprehensive multi-level ESD protection on every pin, and a rugged 4-layer PCB design. Supporting the 868 MHz and 915 MHz ISM bands, it is fully compatible with WMBUS (Wireless M-Bus) for utility metering and Arduino for rapid prototyping, making it the definitive solution for mission-critical wireless systems.

2. Key Features & Benefits

• Extreme Range Performance: The CC1190 power amplifier boosts the CC1120's output to +27 dBm, while maintaining excellent sensitivity for a link budget that achieves 10,000+ meter range in optimal conditions.

• Professional Reliability: Every pin incorporates advanced ESD protection circuits exceeding industrial standards, ensuring robust operation in electrically harsh environments. The integrated TCXO provides ±1 kHz frequency stability.

• Real-World Performance Tiers: Engineered for practical deployment:

  • Urban: 2,000-3,000 meters

  • Suburban: 4,000-6,000 meters

  • Rural/Open: 7,000+ meters

• Optimized Power Management: Supports multiple operational modes including deep sleep (<1 μA), idle (<5 mA), and software-configurable TX power from +10 to +27 dBm, enabling optimal battery life for field devices.

• Complete RF Front-End Solution: Integrates PA, LNA (via CC1190), and switch control with dedicated TXEN, RXEN, LNAC pins for precise front-end management, simplifying system design.

• Industrial Robustness: Operates across -40°C to +80°C with 10-95% RH tolerance, built on a 4-layer PCB for superior thermal and RF performance.

3. Detailed Technical Specifications

4. Pin Configuration & Control Logic

Control Sequence Example (Transmit):

1. Set SPI registers for desired frequency and TX mode.

2. Set RXEN = LOW, TXEN = LOW.

3. Set LNAC appropriately.

4. Set TXEN = HIGH to enable PA.

5. Initiate transmission via SPI.

5. Target Applications

• Industrial IoT & SCADA: Long-range telemetry for oil & gas, utilities, mining, and environmental monitoring.

• Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI): High-performance smart water/gas/electricity meters using WMBUS.

• Smart Agriculture: Wide-area sensor networks across large farms and vineyards.

• Asset & Logistics Tracking: High-value asset monitoring in transportation and supply chain.

• Building Automation & Security: Reliable wireless links for large campus or industrial facility management.

• Professional Arduino Projects: Advanced maker projects requiring extreme range and reliability.

6. Why Choose the N516AS-B?

1. Proven Performance Stack: Combines two industry-standard TI chips (CC1120+CC1190) in an optimized, tested layout for guaranteed performance.

2. Unmatched Range for its Class: The +27dBm output provides a significant range advantage over standard +20dBm modules, reducing infrastructure costs.

3. Built for Harsh Environments: The combination of wide temperature range, humidity tolerance, and robust ESD protection makes it suitable for outdoor and industrial settings.

4. Designer-Friendly Control: Explicit control pins (TXEN/RXEN/LNAC) give the system designer precise command over the RF front-end for power optimization and sequencing.

7. Ordering Information