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Description

The NT Series transceiver module is designed 
for bi-directional wireless data transfer. The 
868MHz version is suitable for European 
operation and the 900MHz version is suitable 
for North and South America. The modules 
have an outstanding range of up to 3,000 feet 
(914 meters, line of sight). Low power states 
optimize current consumption for battery-powered devices.

The modules have two interfaces for data transfer. The first uses a standard 
Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART) with a simple built-in 
protocol that supports data rates of 9.6kbps or 56kbps (see Reference 
Guide 00102). The other option is a transparent interface that bypasses the 
protocol engine and directly modulates the RF carrier. This supports data 
rates of up to 300kbps.

The basic configuration settings are done in hardware through the logic 
state of several pins on the module. Optionally the UART interface can be 
used for software configuration, also giving access to additional features.

The modules are capable of gene12.5dBm into 50-ohms and have 
a typical sensitivity of −113dBm. Housed in a compact reflow-compatible 
SMD package, the transceivers require no external RF components except 
an antenna, greatly simplifiying integration and lowering assembly costs.

Features

• 

Long range

• 

Low cost

• 

Low power consumption

• 

No programming required

• 

8 parallel selectable channels

• 

Transparent data transfer

• 

Data rates up to 300kbps

• 

RSSI and READY output signals

• 

Power saving options  
(POWER_DOWN, STANDBY)

• 

Adjustable output power level

• 

No external RF components 
required

• 

Wide temperature range

• 

Compact surface mount package

• 

No production tuning required

NT Series Transceiver Module  

Data Guide

Revised 2/9/2018

0.131"

0.630"

1.150"

1

1

NT Series Transceiver 

TRM-900-NT

NT Series Transceiver 

TRM-900-NT

Lot FX9nnnLot FX9nnn

Figure 1: Package Dimensions

 30

  Production Guidelines

 30

  Hand Assembly

 30

  Automated Assembly

 32

  General Antenna Rules

 34

  Common Antenna Styles

 36

  Regulatory Considerations

 38

  Achieving a Successful RF Implementation

 39

  Helpful Application Notes From Linx

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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