Semtech SX128x 2.4 GHz low-power transceivers

Part of Semtech’s SX1200 line of ultralow-power wireless transceivers, the SX128x half-duplex radio frequency (RF) transceivers are able to withstand heavy interference and transmit over long ranges. The 2.4 GHz transceivers integrate time-of-flight functionality for a broad range of RF and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

The RF transceivers integrate a +12.5 dBm analog front end, power distribution, a modem with three modulation options, a packet engine for transmission or reception processing, and digital interface and control. The power distribution stage offers voltage regulation through an integrated low-drop out (LDO) regulator or a high-efficiency step-down DC-to-DC converter, which engineers can select depending on the application requirements. The digital communication interfaces include SPI, UART and a set of general-purpose digital input and output (DIO).

Each of the onboard modem’s modulation options (LoRa, FLRC and FSK) allows the devices to perform robust wireless communications with point-to-point wireless links that can support custom protocols with configurable data rates up to 2 Mbps. In addition, the product features a ranging engine, a long-distance functionality that permits time-of-flight measurement between a pair of LoRa radios for tracking applications.

To enable compliant, multimode radio systems, the devices support Bluetooth Low Energy and are fully compliant with worldwide 2.4 GHz radio regulations, including EN 300 440, FCC CFR 47 Part 15 and the Japanese ARIB STD-T66. The transceivers operate at a supply voltage range from 1.8 to 3.7 V and can be designed into a variety of products, such as wearables, toys, drones, security systems and healthcare devices.