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Achieving a Successful RF Implementation

Adding an RF stage brings an exciting new 
dimension to any product. It also means 
that additional effort and commitment will be 
needed to bring the product successfully to 
market. By utilizing pre-made RF modules 
the design and approval process is greatly 
simplified. It is still important, however, to have 
an objective view of the steps necessary to 
ensure a successful RF integration. Since the 
capabilities of each customer vary widely, it is 
difficult to recommend one particular design 
path, but most projects follow steps similar to 
those shown in Figure 46.

In reviewing this sample design path, you 
may notice that Linx offers a variety of 
services (such as antenna design and FCC 
pre-qualification) that are unusual for a 
high-volume component manufacturer. These 
services, along with an exceptional level 
of technical support, are offered because 
we recognize that RF is a complex science 
requiring the highest caliber of products and 
support. “Wireless Made Simple” is more than 
just a motto: it’s our commitment. By choosing 
Linx as your RF partner and taking advantage 
of the resources we offer, you will not only 
survive implementing RF, you may even find the 
process enjoyable.

DECIDE TO UTILIZE RF

RESEARCH RF OPTIONS

CHOOSE LINX MODULE

ORDER EVALUATION KIT(S)

TEST MODULE(S) WITH

BASIC HOOKUP

INTERFACE TO CHOSEN 

CIRCUIT AND DEBUG

CONSULT LINX REGARDING

ANTENNA OPTIONS AND DESIGN

LAY OUT BOARD

SEND PRODUCTION-READY

PROTOTYPE TO LINX

FOR EMC PRESCREENING

OPTIMIZE USING RF SUMMARY 

GENERATED BY LINX

SEND TO PART 15

TEST FACILITY

RECEIVE FCC ID #

COMMENCE SELLING PRODUCT

Figure 46: Typical Steps for 
Implementing RF

Helpful Application Note Titles

Note Number

Note Title

AN-00100

RF 101: Information for the RF Challenged

AN-00126

Considerations for Operation Within the 902–928MHz Band

AN-00130

Modulation Techniques for Low-Cost RF Data Links

AN-00140

The FCC Road: Part 15 from Concept to Approval

AN-00160

Considerations for Sending Data Over a Wireless Link

AN-00500

Antennas: Design, Application, Performance

AN-00501

Understanding Antenna Specifications and Operation

Helpful Application Notes From Linx

It is not the intention of this manual to address in depth many of the issues 
that should be considered to ensure that the modules function correctly 
and deliver the maximum possible performance. As you proceed with your 
design, you may wish to obtain one or more of the following application 
notes which address in depth key areas of RF design and application of 
Linx products. These applications notes are available online at 
www.linxtechnologies.com or by contacting the Linx literature department.

Figure 47: Helpful Application Note Titles

Summary of Contents for MDEV-868-NT

Page 1: ...NT Series Transceiver Module Data Guide...

Page 2: ...e to RF interference that can prevent communication RF products without frequency agility or hopping implemented are more subject to interference This module does not have frequency agility built in b...

Page 3: ...figuration also giving access to additional features The modules are capable of generating 12 5dBm into 50 ohms and have a typical sensitivity of 113dBm Housed in a compact reflow compatible SMD packa...

Page 4: ...4 300 kHz 4 11 Spurious Emissions 62 dBm Receiver Sensitivity Baud Band 1 111 113 dBm 5 11 Baud Band 2 108 110 dBm 5 11 Baud Band 3 104 106 dBm 5 11 Baud Band 4 100 102 dBm 5 11 Electrical Specificat...

Page 5: ...Notes RSSI Dynamic Range 60 dB Transmitter Section Output Power PO 15 5 12 5 dBm 6 Output Power Control Range 28 dB Harmonic Emissions PH 42 36 dBc 7 Frequency Deviation Baud Band 1 30 kHz 3 11 Baud...

Page 6: ...5 5 RX Icc mA Supply Voltage V 40 C 25 C 85 C 14 15 16 17 2 5 3 5 4 5 5 5 TX Icc mA Supply Voltage V 40 C 25 C 85 C Figure 5 NT Series Transceiver Output Power vs LVL_ADJ Resistance Figure 6 NT Serie...

Page 7: ...630 s 1 2 00V div 2 2 00V div 500 s div 1 2 T R_SEL READY 690 s Figure 11 NT Series Transceiver RSSI Voltage vs Input Power Figure 12 NT Series Transceiver Receiver Turn On Time from VCC Figure 13 NT...

Page 8: ...operation in the 863 870MHz and 902 928MHz frequency bands The RF synthesizer contains a VCO and a low noise fractional N PLL The VCO operates at two times the fundamental frequency to reduce spurious...

Page 9: ...gh or leave open for the high est power connect to GND through a resistor to lower the power 15 READY Ready This line is low when the transceiver is ready to communicate and high when it is busy This...

Page 10: ...ecture eliminates such considerations and allows virtually any signal including PWM Manchester and NRZ data to be sent at rates from 1kbps to 300kbps The Data Output Receive Mode is enabled when the T...

Page 11: ...ine so that they are lowered when POWER_DOWN is lowered Using the READY Output The Ready READY line can be used to monitor the status of the module It is logic high while the transceiver is busy and l...

Page 12: ...roller lines or hardwired The 868MHz channels are shown in Figure 25 and the 900MHz channels are shown in Figure 26 Baud Band Selection Baud Band BAUD1 BAUD0 Baud Rate kbps IF Bandwidth kHz Receiver S...

Page 13: ...1 for the full requirements 900MHz Channel Selection CHN_SEL2 CHN_SEL1 CHN_SEL0 CHANNEL FREQUENCY 0 0 0 3 903 37 0 0 1 15 906 37 0 1 0 21 907 87 0 1 1 27 909 37 1 0 0 39 912 37 1 0 1 51 915 37 1 1 0...

Page 14: ...C GND GND GND VCC GND GND GPIO GPIO GPIO GPIO GPIO GPIO GPIO GND GND 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 GND GND GND GND GND GND Figure 29 NT Series Transceiver Typical Application NT Series Transceiver 900MHz...

Page 15: ...onal details are in Application Note AN 00500 Figure 47 The transceiver includes a U FL connector as well as a line for the antenna connection This offers the designer a great deal of flexibility in a...

Page 16: ...better understanding its characteristics Interference may come from internal or external sources The first step is to eliminate interference from noise sources on the board This means paying careful a...

Page 17: ...ly under the module There should not be any copper or traces under the module on the same layer as the module just bare PCB The underside of the module has traces and vias that could short or couple t...

Page 18: ...mbly process is the reflow stage The reflow profile in Figure 37 should not be exceeded because excessive temperatures or transport times during reflow will irreparably damage the modules Assembly per...

Page 19: ...d configuration constraints In these instances a designer must make the best use of the area available to create as much ground OPTIMUM USABLE NOT RECOMMENDED NUT GROUND PLANE MAY BE NEEDED CASE Figur...

Page 20: ...ecialty Styles Linx offers a wide variety of specialized antenna styles Figure 43 Many of these styles utilize helical elements to reduce the overall antenna size while maintaining reasonable performa...

Page 21: ...testing laboratories across the country Many labs can also provide other certifications that the product may require at the same time such as UL CLASS A B etc Once the completed product has passed an...

Page 22: ...SEARCH RF OPTIONS CHOOSE LINX MODULE ORDER EVALUATION KIT S TEST MODULE S WITH BASIC HOOKUP INTERFACE TO CHOSEN CIRCUIT AND DEBUG CONSULT LINX REGARDING ANTENNA OPTIONS AND DESIGN LAY OUT BOARD SEND P...

Page 23: ...stomer including without limitation breach of contract breach of warranty strict liability or negligence Customer assumes all liability including without limitation liability for injury to person or p...

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