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)	3.3V
PA Supply Voltage (VCCPA)	5.0V
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.