The N503AS is a compact, low-cost Sub-1 GHz RF transceiver SPI module based on Texas Instruments' widely adopted CC1101 chip. Designed for simplicity and reliability, it operates in the key 315Mhz, 433 MHz, 868 MHz, and 915 MHz ISM/SRD bands, providing up to +12 dBm output power and down to -116 dBm receiver sensitivity. With its minimal external component requirement and full SPI interface for easy MCU integration, the N503AS is an ideal "wireless-in-a-box" solution for rapidly adding robust, low-power RF connectivity to a vast array of IoT devices, Arduino projects, and industrial applications.

Download N503AS datasheet

Key Features & Benefits

Proven & Cost-Effective RF Core:
Leverages the industry-standard CC1101 transceiver, offering a reliable and economical wireless foundation.
Ultra-Low Power Operation:
Features a deep sleep current as low as 0.2 µA, making it exceptionally suitable for battery-powered devices requiring long operational life.
Rapid Development & Integration:
All CC1101 pins are accessible via a standard SPI interface and GPIOs (GDO0, GDO2). The compact 17 x 16 mm SMD package simplifies PCB design and is ready for automated assembly.
Protocol & Ecosystem Support:
Fully compatible with open-source libraries for Arduino and supports the Wireless M-Bus (WM-Bus) standard, accelerating development for smart metering and related applications.
Global Band Coverage:
A single hardware platform supports major global frequency bands (315/433/868/915 MHz), simplifying inventory for international products.

Technical Specifications

Category	Parameter	Specification
RF & Performance	Frequency Bands	433 MHz, 868 MHz, 915 MHz (Programmable 300-348, 387-464, 779-928 MHz)
	Max. Output Power	+12 dBm
	Receiver Sensitivity	-116 dBm (typical, at 0.6 kbps)
	Data Rate	0.6 – 500 kbps (programmable)
	Modulation	2-FSK, GFSK, MSK, OOK
	Typical Range	500 m (Line-of-sight, ideal conditions)
Electrical	Supply Voltage	1.8V – 3.6 V (Typ. 3.3V)
	TX Current (@ +12 dBm)	35 mA (typical)
	RX Current	18 mA (typical)
	Sleep Current	0.2 µA (typical)
Physical & Interface	Dimensions	17.0 x 16.0 x 3.0 mm
	Host Interface	SPI (MOSI, MISO, CLK, CSN)
	Control Signals	GDO0, GDO2 (for interrupts, data clock, etc.)
	Antenna Interface	50Ω RF Pad
	Package	Surface Mount (SMD)

Pin Description (Quick Reference)

Pin	Name	Function
1, 2, 10	GND	Ground
3	VDD	Power Supply (1.8V - 3.6V)
4	MOSI	SPI Data Input from Master
5	CLK	SPI Clock from Master
6	MISO	SPI Data Output to Master
7	GDO2	General Purpose Digital Output 2
8	GDO0	General Purpose Digital Output 0
9	CSN	SPI Chip Select (Active Low)
11	RF	50Ω Antenna Connection

Applications

The N503AS is versatile for a wide range of low-power wireless applications:

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN): Environmental monitoring, smart agriculture, industrial sensing.
Home & Building Automation: Smart lighting, security sensors, HVAC control.
Automated Meter Reading (AMR): Water, gas, and heat meters using Wireless M-Bus.
Industrial Control & Telemetry: Remote control, data logging, and machine monitoring.
Consumer Electronics & DIY Projects: Remote controls, Arduino/Raspberry Pi add-ons, toys.

Development & Integration

Simple Connection: Connect the 4-wire SPI bus and power to any host microcontroller (e.g., Arduino, STM32, ESP32). The GDO pins can be used for efficient packet handling.
Antenna Options: Connect a simple λ/4 wire antenna or a PCB trace antenna directly to the RF pad for a complete solution.
Software Libraries: Utilize the extensive existing CC1101 driver libraries and code examples available for Arduino and various MCU platforms to jumpstart development.

Choosing the Right Solution for Your Project

The N503AS is the foundation of our (G)FSK connectivity portfolio. Compare it with our enhanced solutions to match your exact range, power, and protocol needs.

	N503AS Module	N511AS Module	LoRa®/LoRaWAN® Modules
Core IC	TI CC1101	TI CC1120/CC1200	Semtech SX1262/SX127x
Output Power	+12 dBm	+15 dBm to +20 dBm	+14 dBm to +22 dBm
Key Strength	Optimal Cost & Simplicity	Enhanced (G)FSK Range & Data Rate	Maximum Range & Network Readiness
Best For	Cost-driven, high-volume products with basic connectivity needs.	Demanding (G)FSK applications needing more reach or speed.	Long-range sensor networks, LPWAN deployment, extreme battery life.
Next Step	[▼ Get N503AS datasheet ]	[Learn About N511 Series →]	[Explore LoRa Modules →]

Not sure which is right for you?

You need the N503AS if: Your top priorities are lowest cost, high-volume production, and simple, reliable (G)FSK/ASK/OOK links for short to medium distances.
Consider the N511AS if: You need better range, narrowband, or more robust (G)FSK performance than the N503AS offers, for applications like advanced industrial telemetry.
Look at our LoRa® modules if: Your project requires kilometer-plus range, operation on public/private LoRaWAN networks, or the absolute best receiver sensitivity for battery-powered devices.