Texas Instruments CC400-RTR2

Overview

CC400-RTR2 from Chipcon (now Texas Instruments) is a single-chip, half-duplex FSK RF transceiver operating in the 300–500 MHz UHF band, with programmable output power up to +14 dBm (25 mW), typical receiver sensitivity of –110 dBm at 433.92 MHz/1.2 kbps, and supply voltage range of 2.7–3.3 V. It integrates LNA, mixer, IF stage, demodulator, VCO, PA, and frequency synthesizer for ISM-band wireless telemetry and remote control systems.

For engineers reviewing the CC400-RTR2 datasheet, CC400-RTR2 pinout, CC400-RTR2 application, or CC400-RTR2 equivalent, key selection considerations include its SSOP-28 package, 3-wire serial configuration interface, programmable IF (60/200/455 kHz), Manchester-encoded data support up to 9.6 kbps, and PLL lock indicator on dedicated LOCK pin.

Technical Context

The CC400-RTR2 implements a heterodyne receiver architecture with low-noise amplifier, double-balanced mixer, and programmable IF stages (60/200/455 kHz), enabling high selectivity and blocking immunity (≥30 dB at ±1 MHz offset). Its frequency synthesizer uses an external crystal (4–13 MHz) and varactor-tuned VCO with external loop filter, supporting precise channel spacing down to 250 Hz steps.

In transmit mode, the CC400-RTR2 applies binary FSK modulation directly via DIO pin, with programmable frequency separation (0–200 kHz in 1 kHz steps) and PA bias class (A/AB/B/C). The integrated T/R switch simplifies antenna interface, while precharge-enabled demodulator reduces receive turn-on time to 3 µs at 9.6 kbps.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

CC400-RTR2 is housed in a 28-pin SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package) with 0.65 mm pitch, optimized for compact UHF PCB layouts and reflow assembly. Pin functions are strictly analog/digital segregated with dedicated AVDD/DVDD and AGND/DGND rails.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RF transceiver applications.

Compared with CC1101-RTR and SI4432-B1B-FMR, the CC400-RTR2 delivers best-in-class balance of integration density, ultra-low standby current (0.2 µA), and mature ISM-band validation for cost-sensitive, battery-operated 433 MHz systems-without requiring additional RF switches or complex filtering.

Availability

CC400-RTR2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless alarm systems, automatic meter reading (AMR), point-of-sale terminals, and home automation sensors requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for CC400-RTR2 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Chipcon was a Norwegian semiconductor company specializing in low-power RF ICs, acquired by Texas Instruments in 2006. Its SmartRF technology formed the foundation for TI's CC1xxx and CC2xxx sub-GHz transceiver families.

The CC400-RTR2 belongs to Chipcon's first-generation single-chip UHF transceiver product line, designed specifically for low-cost, low-power ISM-band telemetry in battery-operated endpoints such as security sensors and utility meters.

FAQ

What is the recommended crystal oscillator for CC400-RTR2?

The CC400-RTR2 requires a parallel-resonant fundamental-mode crystal with frequency between 4–13 MHz and load capacitance of 12–20 pF depending on frequency range (e.g., 12 pF for 10–13 MHz). A 12 MHz crystal with ±50 ppm tolerance is commonly used for 433.92 MHz operation, and C151/C161 loading capacitors must match the specified load value per datasheet Table 8.

Does CC400-RTR2 support true full-duplex communication?

No, the CC400-RTR2 is a half-duplex transceiver: it cannot transmit and receive simultaneously. It uses internal T/R switching to share a single antenna path between RF_IN and RF_OUT pins. Full-duplex operation would require separate transmit and receive chains, which the CC400-RTR2 does not implement.

How is Manchester encoding implemented with CC400-RTR2?

The CC400-RTR2 does not perform Manchester encoding internally. The host microcontroller must encode data prior to transmission (logic-high on DIO = upper FSK tone; logic-low = lower tone) and decode the inverted Manchester output from DIO during reception using oversampling (4–8× data rate). SmartRF Studio configures FSK deviation but does not handle encoding.

Can CC400-RTR2 operate outside the 315/433 MHz ISM bands?

Yes-the CC400-RTR2 is programmable across 300–500 MHz in 250 Hz steps, including non-ISM frequencies like 426 MHz or 429 MHz. However, regulatory compliance (e.g., ETSI EN 300 220, FCC Part 15) must be verified separately for any non-standard band, as matching network and filtering may require adjustment.

What is the function of the IF_IN and IF_OUT pins on CC400-RTR2?

IF_IN and IF_OUT provide direct access to the intermediate frequency stage: IF_IN accepts filtered IF signal from an external ceramic filter (e.g., 455 kHz), while IF_OUT delivers amplified IF output to the same filter. Their 1.5 kΩ impedance allows direct connection without buffering, enabling flexible IF filtering for improved adjacent-channel rejection.