Wireless RF Modules and dongles for IoT | Coral RF

Sometimes you don't need the full 5 watts. But you still need to cover serious distance—across a port, through miles of pipeline, or over thousands of hectares of farmland. And you need to do it reliably, without dropping packets.

The N518CS is built for those networks.

It delivers +33 dBm (2Watt) output power with -126 dBm sensitivity—a link budget that enables reliable communication beyond 15 km line-of-sight. That's enough reach to connect far-flung assets without repeaters, and enough margin to punch through interference and obstacles.

Built around the Texas Instruments CC1200 wideband transceiver and enhanced with an external high-power PA and LNA, this module is engineered for applications where long range and reliability are non-negotiable. The CC1200 core is optimized for wideband operation but also handles narrowband channels down to 12.5 kHz, making it versatile for various regulatory environments.

A dedicated VTCXO pin supports an external high-stability clock source, ensuring excellent frequency stability across temperature—critical for narrowband applications and regulatory compliance.

Available in 169 MHz, 433 MHz, 868 MHz, and 915 MHz variants—including the 169 MHz band specifically tailored for European and Chinese smart grid applications—the N518CS offers global deployment flexibility in a single 36×24 mm SMD footprint.

Why Choose the N518CS?

Feature	Benefit
+33 dBm (2Watt) output power	Reach assets 15+ km away without repeaters
-126 dBm sensitivity @ 1.2 kbps	Hear the weakest signals from network edges
TI CC1200 wideband core	Versatile for both wideband and narrowband applications
Dedicated TXEN, RXEN, LANEN pins	Precise power sequencing for battery-optimized designs
VTCXO support	±1 kHz frequency stability for regulatory compliance
Global band coverage	One design for 169/433/868/915 MHz deployments
-40°C to +85°C operation	Industrial reliability in harsh environments
SPI interface + programmable GPIOs	Full integration flexibility
Lower power consumption	1000 mA peak TX current vs. 2000 mA for 5W models

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Core IC	TI CC1200 wideband transceiver
Front-End	External PA + LNA
Frequency Bands	169 MHz (160–175), 433 MHz (410–480), 868 MHz (860–880), 915 MHz (910–960)
Max Output Power	+33 dBm (2W) typical
RX Sensitivity	-126 dBm @ 1.2 kbps
Data Rate	0.3 – 200 kbps (programmable)
Typical Range	Up to 15 km (LOS, 1.2 kbps, 3 dBi antenna)
Core Supply (VCC)	3.3V
PA Supply (VCCPA)	5.0V (needs 1A peak capability)
TX Current (peak)	1000 mA @ +33 dBm
RX Current	27 mA typical
Sleep Current	10 µA typical
Interface	SPI + TXEN, RXEN, LANEN control pins
GPIOs	3 programmable
Antenna Connection	50Ω RF pad / IPEX connector
Dimensions	36.0 × 24.0 × 3.0 mm
Operating Temperature	-40°C to +85°C

Pin Configuration

Pin	Name	Description
1, 4, 5, 10, 20	GND	Ground
2, 3	VCCPA	PA supply (5V, 1A peak capability required)
6	TXEN	Transmit enable (active high)
7	RXEN	Receive enable (active high)
8	LANEN	LNA enable (active high)
9	VCC	Core supply (3.3V)
11	VTCXO	TCXO voltage control / enable
12	RESET	Module reset (active low)
13, 14, 18	GPIO3/2/0	Programmable GPIOs
15, 16, 17	MOSI, SCK, MISO	SPI interface
19	NSS	SPI chip select (active low)
21	RF	50Ω RF I/O

Compare the CC1200 Family

All modules in our CC1200 family share the same 36×24 mm footprint, making it easy to scale your design from +15 dBm to +37 dBm without board changes.

Model	Frequency Bands	Output Power	Sensitivity @ 1.2 kbps	TX Current	Best For
N511CS-B	169/433/868/915 MHz	+15 dBm	-122 dBm	TBD	Low‑power sensors, short range
N515CS-B	169/433 MHz	+26 dBm	-125 dBm	TBD	Medium‑range sensors
N516CS-B	868/915 MHz	+27 dBm	-124 dBm	TBD	Medium‑range sensors
N517CS	169/433/868/915 MHz	+30 dBm	-126 dBm	TBD	Long‑range end nodes
N518CS	169/433/868/915 MHz	+33 dBm	-126 dBm	1000 mA	Industrial gateways, extreme range
N519CS	169/433/868/915 MHz	+37 dBm	-126 dBm	2000 mA	SCADA, smart grid, critical infrastructure

📘 View full CC1200 product family — including module details, evaluation boards, and design resources.

Compare Across Families

Need different features? Here's how our high-power modules compare across core ICs.

Model	Core IC	Output Power	Sensitivity	Key Strength
N518AS	CC1120	+33 dBm	-126 dBm	Narrowband, excellent selectivity
N518BS	CC1125	+33 dBm	-126 dBm	Enhanced blocking performance
N518CS	CC1200	+33 dBm	-126 dBm	Wideband versatility, IEEE 802.15.4g

Target Applications

Smart Grid / AMI Concentrators – 169 MHz band for European and Chinese utility metering
Oil & Gas Pipeline Monitoring – Remote SCADA links in unpowered locations
Wide-Area Sensor Networks – Environmental monitoring, weather stations over thousands of hectares
Industrial Automation – Reliable telemetry for distributed infrastructure
Backhaul Links – Replace multiple gateways with one long-range connection
IEEE 802.15.4g Systems – Smart utility networks requiring wideband support

Ordering Information

Order Code	Frequency	Output Power
N518CS-169M	160–175 MHz	+33 dBm
N518CS-433M	410–480 MHz	+33 dBm
N518CS-868M	860–880 MHz	+33 dBm
N518CS-915M	910–960 MHz	+33 dBm

Request a quote | Order samples | Check distributor inventory

Design Resources

Get the documentation and tools you need to start developing with the N518CS.

Resource	Description	Link
📄 Datasheet	Complete specifications, electrical characteristics, and mechanical drawings for the N518CS module.	Download PDF
📘 CC1200 Technical Reference Manual	Detailed register map, programming guide, and RF design recommendations from Texas Instruments.	View Manual
🧪 Evaluation Board	Request the N518CS evaluation kit for rapid prototyping and range testing.	Request Board
💻 CC1200 SDK	Software development kit including drivers, example code, and application notes.	Download SDK
📞 Applications Engineering	Get technical support from our RF engineers for your integration questions.	Contact Us

Additional Design Support

Power Supply Design – At +33 dBm, the module draws 1A peaks. Your 5V supply must handle these transients. Read our power supply guide.

Antenna Selection – Range depends on antenna matching.

Thermal Management – Pulsed operation keeps heat manageable. For high duty cycles, consider airflow or heatsinking.

Regulatory Compliance – Designed to help meet FCC/ETSI standards; final certification depends on system integration. The CC1200 is suitable for systems targeting ETSI EN 300 220, FCC CFR47 Part 15, and ARIB standards.

For immediate questions: info@coralradio.com

Specifications subject to change. Actual performance depends on antenna, environment, and system design. Ensure compliance with local radio regulations before deployment.