NXP Semiconductors JN5168/001K
- Part No.:
- JN5168/001K
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
JN5168/001K.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX+MCU 802.15.4 40HVQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
JN5168/001K from NXP Semiconductors is a 32-bit IEEE 802.15.4 wireless microcontroller integrating 256kB Flash, 32kB RAM, and 4kB EEPROM, with a 2.4GHz transceiver delivering -95dBm sensitivity and 2.5dBm output power, used in ZigBee Light Link lighting controls and RF4CE remote control systems.
For engineers reviewing the JN5168/001K datasheet, JN5168/001K pinout, JN5168/001K application, or JN5168/001K equivalent, key selection considerations include deep sleep current (0.12µA), integrated 128-bit AES security coprocessor, antenna diversity support, 10-bit ADC with battery/temperature sensing, and 20 DIO pins with multi-function mapping for sensor and switch matrix interfaces.
Technical Context
The JN5168/001K implements a unified memory architecture with 32-bit RISC CPU operating at 1–32MHz, supporting variable-width instructions and multi-stage pipelining for high code density and low-power execution. Its radio subsystem integrates O-QPSK modulation, MAC acceleration (CRC, auto-ACK, beacon generation), and Time-of-Flight ranging engine.
Power management includes three sleep modes: active processing (15mA TX / 17mA RX), sleep timer mode (0.6µA), and deep sleep (0.12µA wake-up from IO). Peripherals include dual UARTs (one with RTS/CTS), SPI master/slave with 3 chip selects, I²C-compatible two-wire interface, four-channel 10-bit ADC, and five PWM outputs - all accessible via Integrated Peripherals API.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Wireless Standard | IEEE 802.15.4-2006 compliant 2.4GHz O-QPSK PHY/MAC |
| Transmit Power | 2.5dBm - sufficient for 10–30m indoor range without external PA |
| Receiver Sensitivity | -95dBm - enables robust link budget in noisy 2.4GHz ISM band |
| Memory (Flash/RAM/EEPROM) | 256kB/32kB/4kB - supports full ZigBee PRO stack + application firmware |
| Deep Sleep Current | 0.12µA - enables >10-year coin-cell operation in wireless switches |
| CPU Clock Range | 1–32MHz - allows dynamic scaling between low-power sensing and burst protocol processing |
| ADC Resolution & Channels | 10-bit, 4-channel - supports battery voltage monitoring and on-die temperature sensing |
| Security Engine | Hardware 128-bit AES-CCM - accelerates encryption/authentication per IEEE 802.15.4 security modes |
Pinout & Package
Package: 40-pin HVQFN (6×6 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), lead-free and RoHS compliant, with exposed paddle (VSSA) for thermal and electrical grounding.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| XTAL_IN / XTAL_OUT | 32MHz crystal oscillator interface | Drives high-speed system clock; requires external 32MHz crystal and load capacitors |
| RF_IN | Single-ended RF input | Connects to matching network and antenna; supports antenna diversity switching |
| VCOTUNE / IBIAS | VCO tuning & bias current control | External RC network sets VCO center frequency and radio bias points |
| DIO0–DIO19 | Configurable digital I/O | 20 pins support GPIO, UART, SPI, I²C, PWM, timer capture, pulse counting, and ADC inputs |
| VREF/ADC2 | Analogue reference or ADC input | Selectable internal/external reference; shared pin invalidates ADC2 when external VREF applied |
| RESETN | Active-low reset input | Pulled up internally (500kΩ); compatible with push-button or supervisor IC reset signals |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated IEEE 802.15.4 Transceiver | Eliminates need for discrete RF front-end; reduces BOM count and layout complexity |
| Hardware AES-CCM Security Coprocessor | Offloads encryption/authentication from CPU, preserving real-time protocol timing |
| Antenna Diversity with Auto-RX Switching | Improves link reliability in multipath environments without software intervention |
| Time-of-Flight Ranging Engine | Enables distance-aware applications (e.g., proximity-triggered lighting) without host CPU overhead |
| Supply Voltage Monitor (8 thresholds) | Allows precise battery state-of-charge estimation and graceful shutdown before brownout |
| Infra-red Remote Transmitter Support | Uses PWM timer to generate NEC/RC-5 carrier signals - enables dual-mode remotes (RF + IR) |
Applications
| ZigBee Light Link Lighting Control | RF4CE Remote Control |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Wireless dimmer switch controlling LED luminaires in residential smart lighting systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary application processor and 2.4GHz transceiver handling ZLL commissioning, group addressing, and scene recall. Use Value: 256kB Flash stores full ZLL stack + vendor-specific UI logic; deep sleep current extends CR2032 life beyond 5 years. | Use Scenario: Universal TV remote supporting bidirectional pairing and button repeat detection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RF4CE protocol stack executor with hardware MAC acceleration and AES encryption for secure pairing. Use Value: Hardware auto-ACK and beacon timing ensure sub-100ms command latency; 0.12µA deep sleep enables multi-year battery life. |
| Smart Energy Sensor Node | Self-Powered Light Switch |
Use Scenario: Battery-powered electricity meter endpoint reporting consumption data over ZigBee Smart Energy. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power sensor hub aggregating pulse-counted kWh data and transmitting via SE profile. Use Value: Dual UARTs interface to metrology IC and debug port; 10-bit ADC monitors battery health for predictive maintenance. | Use Scenario: Energy-harvesting wall switch generating power from mechanical actuation to trigger lighting scenes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Ultra-low-power wake-on-press controller with fast RF transmit burst after energy storage threshold. Use Value: 0.12µA deep sleep minimizes leakage during energy accumulation; Time-of-Flight engine enables gesture-based activation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar wireless microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| EM3581-RTR | 256kB Flash, 32kB RAM, but no integrated AES accelerator; uses external crypto IC for ZigBee SE | Lacks hardware Time-of-Flight and antenna diversity; requires additional components for secure RF4CE | Preferred where legacy Ember toolchain compatibility is required and cost-per-unit allows external security IC |
| JN5179-001-M00 | Newer generation with 512kB Flash, 64kB RAM, enhanced 2.4GHz receiver (-102dBm), and Bluetooth LE coexistence | Supports concurrent ZigBee + BLE mesh; higher pin count (64-QFN) and larger footprint | Recommended for new designs requiring future-proofing, longer range, or multi-protocol flexibility |
Compared with EM3581-RTR, JN5168/001K delivers lower BOM cost and faster secure boot via integrated AES, while JN5179-001-M00 offers superior sensitivity and protocol extensibility at the expense of layout redesign and higher unit cost.
Availability
JN5168/001K is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for ZigBee Light Link lighting controls, RF4CE remote controls, and Smart Energy sensor nodes requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for JN5168/001K 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
NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets.
The JN516x product line was designed specifically for ultra-low-power, standards-compliant wireless control applications - targeting home automation, lighting, remote controls, and energy monitoring with minimal external components.
FAQ
What wireless protocols does the JN5168/001K natively support?
The JN5168/001K natively supports IEEE 802.15.4 PHY/MAC layer operations and runs certified protocol stacks including ZigBee PRO, ZigBee Smart Energy, ZigBee Light Link, RF4CE, and JenNet-IP - all enabled by its integrated MAC accelerator and hardware AES engine. The JN5168/001K does not require external protocol offload; stack binaries are loaded into its 256kB Flash memory.
Does the JN5168/001K include an integrated antenna or require external RF matching?
The JN5168/001K does not include an integrated antenna and requires external RF matching components: a single capacitor and two inductors between the RF_IN pin and a 50Ω microstrip trace feeding an external PCB or chip antenna. Reference designs specify exact values (e.g., 1.2nH, 2.2nH, 1.5pF) calibrated for 2.4GHz operation and antenna diversity switching.
How many digital I/O pins does the JN5168/001K provide, and what peripheral functions do they support?
The JN5168/001K provides 20 dedicated DIO pins (DIO0–DIO19), each configurable as general-purpose I/O or mapped to specific peripherals including UART (RX/TX/RTS/CTS), SPI (MOSI/MISO/CLK/SEL), I²C (SCL/SDA), PWM (five channels), timer capture/clock inputs, pulse counters, ADC inputs (ADC3/ADC4), and comparator inputs (COMP1P/COMP1M).
What is the minimum supply voltage for the JN5168/001K, and how is brown-out protection implemented?
The JN5168/001K operates from 2.0V to 3.6V; below 2.0V, internal regulators cannot sustain functionality. Brown-out protection is implemented via a programmable Supply Voltage Monitor (SVM) with eight selectable thresholds (e.g., 2.0V, 2.2V, 2.4V), triggering reset or interrupt before critical logic failure - ensuring reliable shutdown in battery-depleted conditions.
Can the JN5168/001K operate from a CR2032 coin cell, and what is the expected battery life?
Yes, the JN5168/001K is optimized for CR2032 operation: its 0.12µA deep sleep current (wake-up from IO) and 0.6µA sleep timer mode enable >5 years of service in typical wireless switch applications with 10–20 wake-ups per day. Real-world battery life depends on transmit duty cycle, ambient temperature, and PCB leakage, but documented field data confirms >10-year operation in low-duty-cycle lighting controls.
JN5168/001K Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- JN516x
- Package/Case:
- 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- -
- Type:
- TxRx + MCU
- RF Family/Standard:
- 802.15.4
- Protocol:
- Zigbee®
- Modulation:
- -
- Frequency:
- 2.4GHz ~ 2.485GHz
- Data Rate (Max):
- 1Mbps
- Power - Output:
- 2.5dBm
- Sensitivity:
- -96dBm
- Memory Size:
- 256kB Flash, 4kB EEPROM, 32kB RAM
- Serial Interfaces:
- I2C, JTAG, SPI, UART
- GPIO:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2V ~ 3.6V
- Current - Receiving:
- 17mA
- Current - Transmitting:
- 15mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 40-HVQFN (6x6)
JN5168/001K FAQ
1.How can I place an order for JN5168/001K through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for JN5168/001K on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for JN5168/001K reliable?
The price and inventory of JN5168/001K are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for JN5168/001K is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for JN5168/001K?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for JN5168/001K transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for JN5168/001K?
JN5168/001K orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your JN5168/001K order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for JN5168/001K?
For technical support, including JN5168/001K datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your JN5168/001K requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that JN5168/001K is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All JN5168/001K products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that JN5168/001K meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of JN5168/001K?
All JN5168/001K units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with JN5168/001K, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The JN5168/001K part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for JN5168/001K:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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