Wireless RF Modules and dongles for IoT | Coral RF

The N516DS-B is a high-performance, industrial-grade wireless communication module that seamlessly integrates Texas Instruments' CC1201 narrowband transceiver with the CC1190 RF power amplifier. Engineered for reliability and extended range, this module delivers +27 dBm (500 mW) output power and -123 dBm receiver sensitivity, enabling robust communication links over distances up to 5,000 meters under optimal line-of-sight conditions. Designed for the globally adopted 868 MHz and 915 MHz ISM bands, it offers a complete, filter-integrated RF solution that eliminates the need for external SAW and IF filters. With its explicit front-end control pins, flexible SMD or plug-in mounting, and industrial operating range, the N516DS-B is an ideal foundation for building long-range wireless networks for telemetry, industrial monitoring, and automation.

Key Features & Benefits

High-Power, Integrated RF Chain
The CC1190 power amplifier boosts the CC1201's signal to a robust +27 dBm, while the transceiver itself integrates all necessary filters, providing a complete, high-performance RF solution in a compact footprint.
Optimized for Long-Range Links
Excellent -123 dBm sensitivity combined with high transmit power ensures reliable communication over 5,000+ meters, making it suitable for wide-area sensor networks and telemetry applications.
Precise Front-End Control
Dedicated PAEN and LNAEN control pins allow for precise, software-controlled management of the RF chain. This enables advanced power cycling, optimal efficiency, and prevents conflicts between transmit and receive states.
Dual Mounting Flexibility
Offered in both Surface Mount (SMD) and plug-in configurations, providing design versatility for high-volume manufacturing or prototyping and field-replaceable applications.
Industrial Robustness
Operates reliably across an extended temperature range of -30°C to +70°C and can withstand storage conditions from -40°C to 85°C, ensuring performance in demanding environments.
Developer-Friendly Interface
Controlled via a standard SPI interface and broken-out GPIOs, it is easy to integrate with common microcontrollers for configuration, data transfer, and system control.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Category	Parameter	Specification	Notes / Conditions
RF PERFORMANCE	Frequency Bands	868 MHz (860-880), 915 MHz (910-960)	Optimized for 820–950 MHz ISM/SRD bands
	Max. Output Power	+27 dBm (500 mW)	Enabled by the integrated CC1190 PA
	Receiver Sensitivity	-123 dBm	Typical for narrowband FSK modulation
	Modulation	2-FSK, 4-FSK, MSK, OOK	Software selectable
	Programmable Data Rate	0 – 200 kbps
	Frequency Deviation	±10 kHz
	Typical Range	Up to 5000 m	Line-of-sight, ideal conditions
HARDWARE	Module Dimensions	29.5 x 21.0 x 3.0 mm
	Antenna Interface	RF Pad & IPEX Connector	50Ω impedance
	Host Interface	SPI (MOSI, MISO, SCK, CS) + GPIOs
	Control Pins	PAEN, LNAEN, HGM, RESET	For RF front-end and power management
	Mounting	SMD or Plug-in
ELECTRICAL	Core Supply (VCC)	2.0V – 3.6V (3.3V Typical)	For CC1201 transceiver
	PA Supply (VCCPA)	2.0V – 3.6V	Separate supply for CC1190 amplifier
	Tx Current (Peak)	500 mA (Typical @ +27dBm)
	Rx Current	35 mA (Typical)
	Operating Temperature	-30°C to +70°C, 10-95% RH

Pin Configuration & Control Logic

Pin	Name	Type	Description & Critical Function
4	VCCPA	Power	PA Power Supply (2.0-3.9V). For CC1190 amplifier. Critical for high-power operation.
5	VCC	Power	Core Power Supply (2.0-3.6V). For CC1201 transceiver.
6	VTCXO	Power	TCXO Power Control. Can be tied to VCC or controlled via GPIO for power saving.
9	TXEN	I	Transmit Enable. Set HIGH to enable the CC1190 Power Amplifier (PA).
8	RXEN	I	Receive Enable. Set HIGH to enable receive path.
7	LNAC	I	LNA Control. Controls the Low-Noise Amplifier in the CC1190.
10	RESET	I	Active-low Reset input for CC1201.
13-15,17	MOSI, SCK, MISO, CS	I/O	SPI Interface for configuring CC1201 and data transfer.
1	RF	I/O	RF Input/Output. Connect to antenna via matching network or IPEX.

Operational State Control:

Transmit Mode: HGM= HIGH, PAEN = HIGH, LANEN = LOW
Receive Mode: HGM= HIGH, PAEN = LOW, LANEN = HIGH
Sleep/Standby: HGM= LOW, PAEN = LOW, LANEN = LOW

Target Applications

Industrial IoT (IIoT) & Telemetry: Long-distance data collection from remote sensors, pumps, tanks, and environmental monitoring stations.
Smart Agriculture: Wide-area networks for soil moisture sensing, climate monitoring, and automated irrigation control across large fields.
Utility & Asset Monitoring: Wireless monitoring of infrastructure, pipeline conditions, and tracking of high-value assets in logistics.
Building & Energy Management: Automation and data acquisition systems for large commercial or industrial facilities.
Professional Data Links: Establishing reliable point-to-point or point-to-multipoint wireless bridges for data backhaul.

N516DS-B Module Family Comparison

Model	Core IC	Frequency Bands	Output Power	Sensitivity	Typical Range	Best Suited For
N516DS-B	CC1201 + CC1190	868/915 MHz	+27 dBm	-123 dBm	>5 km	Industrial telemetry, automation, IIoT
N516CS-B	CC1200 + CC1190	868/915 MHz	+27 dBm	-126 dBm	>10 km	Smart city, SCADA, critical infrastructure
N516BS-B	CC1125 + CC1190	868/915 MHz	+27 dBm	-124 dBm	>8 km	Medium-range sensors, metering
N517BS	CC1125 + CC1190	Multi-band	+30 dBm	-126 dBm	>15 km	Long‑range end nodes

Ordering Information

Ordering Part Number	Core IC	Frequency Range	Output Power	Mounting
N516DS-B-868M	CC1201 + CC1190	860 – 880 MHz	+27 dBm	SMD or Plug-in
N516DS-B-915M	CC1201 + CC1190	910 – 960 MHz	+27 dBm	SMD or Plug-in

Customization services (specific frequency, firmware, shielding) are available based on volume requirements.

Development Resources

Hardware Design Guide: Includes schematic principles, PCB layout recommendations, and antenna selection advice.
Software Drivers: Sample SPI driver code for popular MCU platforms like STM32, Arduino, and ESP32.
Configuration Tools: Compatible with TI's SmartRF™ Studio 7 for quick and easy register configuration.
Technical Documentation: Comprehensive datasheet and reference design files available upon request.

Design & Integration Considerations

Power Supply Design: Requires two separate voltage regulators: a 2-3.6V supply for VCC and a 2-3.9V supply capable of ~500mA for VCCPA. Proper decoupling (e.g., 10µF + 100nF) near the module pins is essential.
Antenna Selection: A 50Ω antenna with good efficiency at the target frequency (868MHz or 915MHz) is critical to achieve the specified range. The IPEX connector facilitates connection to external, high-gain antennas.
PCB Layout & Thermal Management: For SMD use, provide a continuous ground plane beneath the module. At full +27dBm output, significant heat is generated; ensure the PCB design allows for adequate heat dissipation, especially for duty cycles with prolonged transmission.
Control Firmware: The host microcontroller firmware must correctly sequence the TXEN/RXEN control pins during state transitions (TX to RX, Sleep, etc.) as per the module's requirements.

Contact & Support

For Sales Inquiries: info@coralradio.com
Visit Our Website: www.coralradio.com

Specifications are subject to change without notice. Performance figures are typical and may vary based on end-user system design and environmental conditions. It is the responsibility of the end-user to ensure compliance with local radio frequency regulations.