The N518BS is an industrial-grade, high-performance RF transceiver module engineered for ultra-reliable, long-range narrowband communication. Built around the proven Texas Instruments CC1125 transceiver and enhanced with an external Power Amplifier (PA), Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA), and a Temperature-Compensated Crystal Oscillator (TCXO), it delivers exceptional performance. With up to +33 dBm (2W) output power and outstanding -126 dBm receiver sensitivity, it enables robust line-of-sight communication over 15 kilometers. Supporting critical global ISM bands (169, 433, 868, 915 MHz) via a standard SPI interface, the N518BS is the definitive solution for advanced metering, industrial telemetry, and any application where link reliability and range are paramount.

Key Features & Benefits

Superior Range & Reliability: The powerful combination of +33 dBm TX power and -126 dBm RX sensitivity creates an unmatched link budget, ensuring dependable connectivity in the most challenging and extended-range scenarios.
Enhanced Frequency Stability: Integrated TCXO support guarantees stable frequency operation across wide temperature variations, which is critical for narrowband applications and regulatory compliance.
Precise RF Front-End Control: Dedicated TXEN, RXEN, and LANEN pins allow for efficient external control of the PA and LNA, optimizing performance and power consumption for specific operational modes.
Global Frequency Coverage: A single module series supports the essential 169 MHz (EU/China utility), 433 MHz, 868 MHz, and 915 MHz license-free bands, simplifying worldwide product deployment.
Complete Development Flexibility: Full breakout of all CC1125 pins, including SPI, GPIOs, and control signals, provides maximum freedom for custom firmware, system integration, and functionality expansion.
Industrial Robustness: Designed to operate reliably in harsh environments with an extended temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

Technical Specifications

Category	Parameter	Specification
RF Performance	Core IC	Texas Instruments CC1125 with external PA, LNA & TCXO
	Frequency Bands	169 MHz, 433 MHz, 868 MHz, 915 MHz (Model Specific)
	Max. Output Power	+33 dBm (2000 mW)
	Receiver Sensitivity	-126 dBm @ 1.2 kbps
	RF Data Rate (Symbol Rate)	0.3 – 200 kbps (Software Programmable)
	Modulation	2(G)FSK, 4(G)FSK, OOK
	Typical Range (LOS)	Up to 15,000 m (1.2 kbps, 3 dBi antenna)
Hardware	Host Interface	SPI (MOSI, MISO, SCK, NSS)
	Control Pins	TXEN, RXEN, LANEN, RESET
	Clock Source	VTCXO control/enable pin (Pin 11)
	GPIO	GPIO0, GPIO2, GPIO3 (Programmable)
	Antenna Connection	RF pin (Pin 21) for IPEX connector or PCB pad
	Mounting	Surface Mount Device (SMD)
	Dimensions (LxWxH)	36.0 mm x 24.0 mm x 3.0 mm
Electrical	Core Supply Voltage (VCC)	3.3V
	PA Supply Voltage (VCCPA)	5.0V
	TX Current (Peak @ +33dBm)	1000 mA (Typical)
	RX Current	27 mA (Typical)
	Sleep Current	1 µA (Typical)
	Operating Temperature	-40°C to +85°C

Pin Configuration & Description (21 Pins)

Pin	Name	Type	Description
1	GND	P	Power Ground
2, 3	VCCPA	P	Power Amplifier Supply (5V)
4, 5, 10, 20	GND	P	Power Ground
6	TXEN	I	Transmit Enable Control (Active High)
7	RXEN	I	Receive Enable Control (Active High)
8	LANEN	I	Low-Noise Amplifier Enable Control (Active High)
9	VCC	P	Core Logic Supply (3.3V)
11	VTCXO	I/O	Voltage Control for TCXO / TCXO Enable
12	RESET	I	Module Reset (Active Low)
13, 14, 18	GPIO3/2/0	I/O	Programmable General-Purpose I/O
15, 16, 17	MOSI, SCK, MISO	I/I/O	SPI Data & Clock Lines
19	NSS (CSn)	I	SPI Chip Select (Active Low)
21	RF	RF	RF Signal Output/Input (to antenna)

Target Applications

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI): Long-range concentrators and endpoints for smart electricity, water, and gas meters.
Industrial SCADA & Telemetry: Critical data links for remote monitoring of pipelines, industrial equipment, and environmental sensors.
Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN): Wide-area data collection for agricultural, environmental, and infrastructure monitoring.
Alarm & Security Systems: Highly reliable long-distance transmission for intrusion and fire alarms.
Private & Professional Radio Networks: Custom communication systems requiring robust performance and narrowband operation.

Ordering Information

Ordering Code	Core IC	Key Specifications	Frequency Range
N518BS-169M	CC1125	Narrowband, +33 dBm	160 – 175 MHz
N518BS-433M	CC1125	Narrowband, +33 dBm	410 – 480 MHz
N518BS-868M	CC1125	Narrowband, +33 dBm	860 – 880 MHz
N518BS-915M	CC1125	Narrowband, +33 dBm	910 – 960 MHz

Why Choose the N518BS?

Next-Generation Core: Features the enhanced TI CC1125 transceiver for reliable performance.
Scalable Wireless Portfolio: Part of our highER-power CC1125 Sub-1GHz series (N517BS: 1W, N518BS: 2W, N519BS: 5W).
Design-to-Deployment Support: Comprehensive resources to accelerate your product development.

Development Resources

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