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NXP Semiconductors MC13201FCR2
- Part No.:
- MC13201FCR2
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MC13201FCR2.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX 802.15.4 32HVQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,178
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Product details
Overview
MC13201FCR2 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4-compliant short-range transceiver IC with integrated RF front-end, 250 kbps O-QPSK modulation, -91 dBm receive sensitivity at 1% PER, and programmable output power from -27 dBm to +3 dBm. It serves as the PHY-layer radio in low-power wireless sensor networks for residential automation and industrial monitoring.
For engineers reviewing the MC13201FCR2 datasheet, MC13201FCR2 pinout, MC13201FCR2 application, or MC13201FCR2 equivalent, key selection considerations include its QFN-32 package with exposed paddle, SPI-based host interface, integrated T/R switch, 16 MHz crystal oscillator with onboard trim, and three ultra-low-power sleep modes (<1 µA off current).
Technical Context
The MC13201FCR2 implements a direct-conversion receiver with dual down-conversion stages (65 MHz and 1 MHz IF), differential chip detection, and DSSS correlation for O-QPSK demodulation. Its transmitter uses spread-spectrum encoding and supports full-differential or single-port RF operation via programmable PAO_P/PAO_M outputs.
It integrates voltage regulators for analog (VDDA), digital (VDDINT), VCO (VDDVCO), and LO (VDDLO1/VDDLO2) domains, plus four programmable timer comparators and seven GPIOs. The device relies on an external 16 MHz crystal (±40 ppm) with internal trim capacitors to meet IEEE 802.15.4 frequency accuracy requirements.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Operating Frequency | 2.405–2.480 GHz ISM band; supports all 16 IEEE 802.15.4 channels. |
| Data Rate | 250 kbps O-QPSK; matches IEEE 802.15.4 PHY layer for interoperability. |
| Receive Sensitivity | -91 dBm typical at 1% PER (20-byte packet); 6 dB better than 802.15.4 minimum (-85 dBm). |
| Output Power Range | -27 dBm to +3 dBm programmable; nominal -1 dBm output enables robust link budget. |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0–3.4 V DC; single-rail operation simplifies power design for battery-powered nodes. |
| Low-Power Modes | Off mode: <1 µA; Hibernate: 1.0 µA; Doze: 35 µA - extends years of operation on coin cell. |
| Crystal Reference | 16 MHz only; internal trim eliminates external variable capacitors and enables automated calibration. |
Pinout & Package
MC13201FCR2 is housed in a 5 mm × 5 mm, 0.5 mm pitch QFN-32 package with exposed thermal paddle (EP), compliant with MSL 3 and lead-free reflow (260 °C peak). The package outline is defined in document #98ASA00473D.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| RFIN_P / RFIN_M | RF Input/Output Differential Pair | Bidirectional RF port for internal LNA/PA; used with integrated T/R switch for single-antenna operation. |
| PAO_P / PAO_M | RF Power Amplifier Output | Open-drain outputs for external balun biasing; unused when internal T/R switch is active. |
| CE / SPICLK / MOSI / MISO | SPI Interface Signals | 4-wire slave-mode SPI (CPOL=0, CPHA=0); CE frames transactions; MISO tri-statable for low-power idle. |
| RXTXEN | Transmit/Receive Enable | Active-high control signal that initiates RX or TX sequence after SPI configuration. |
| IRQ | Interrupt Request Output | Open-drain, active-low interrupt; signals packet RX complete or TX done; 40 kΩ internal pull-up. |
| CLKO | Programmable Clock Output | Provides MCU clock at 16/8/4/2/1 MHz, 62.5 kHz, or 32.786 kHz; reduces need for external timing sources. |
| XTAL1 / XTAL2 | Crystal Oscillator Terminals | Drive 16 MHz fundamental-mode crystal; XTAL2 is output-only and must not be loaded externally. |
| VDDA / VDDINT / VBATT | Power Supply Inputs/Outputs | VDDA powers analog/RF blocks; VDDINT powers digital interface; VBATT supplies analog regulators - decoupling critical. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated T/R Switch | Enables single-antenna 2.4 GHz operation without external RF switches or circulators. |
| Onboard Crystal Trim | Eliminates external tuning capacitors and supports production-line frequency calibration for ±40 ppm compliance. |
| Buffered Packet RAM | 64×16-bit TX and RX RAMs simplify MCU firmware; supports up to 125-byte payloads per IEEE 802.15.4. |
| Seven GPIOs | Expand host MCU I/O count; configurable as CRC valid or out-of-idle status indicators via SPI register control. |
| Four Timer Comparators | Offload timing-critical tasks from host MCU (e.g., wake-up scheduling, packet timing, watchdog). |
Applications
| Residential Lighting Control | Industrial Asset Tracking |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Wireless dimmer switches and occupancy sensors communicate with central hub to adjust lighting based on presence and ambient light. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MC13201FCR2 acts as the 2.4 GHz PHY transceiver, handling packetized O-QPSK modulation/demodulation and automatic ACK generation per 802.15.4. Use Value: -91 dBm sensitivity ensures reliable communication through walls and cabinets; ultra-low Doze current (35 µA) enables multi-year battery life in battery-operated sensors. |
Use Scenario: Battery-powered tags on factory floor equipment transmit location and temperature data to gateway every 5 minutes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MC13201FCR2 provides the RF physical layer for proprietary star-network protocol, interfacing with low-cost 8-bit MCU via SPI. Use Value: Programmable output power (-27 to +3 dBm) allows dynamic range adjustment to conserve energy in line-of-sight conditions while maintaining link margin in obstructed areas. |
| Healthcare Patient Monitor | Smart HVAC Sensor Node |
|
Use Scenario: Wearable ECG patch streams short bursts of biometric data to bedside receiver using low-duty-cycle transmission. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MC13201FCR2 handles RF packet framing, spread-spectrum encoding, and Clear Channel Assessment before transmission. Use Value: <1 µA Off-mode current prevents battery drain during standby; integrated AGC and matched filter ensure robust reception despite motion-induced RF fading. |
Use Scenario: Wall-mounted temperature/humidity sensor reports data hourly to building management system using mesh-capable gateway. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MC13201FCR2 serves as the 802.15.4-compliant radio in a star topology node, synchronized via CLKO to MCU sleep/wake cycles. Use Value: CLKO output at 32.786 kHz enables precise RTC functionality in host MCU, eliminating need for separate real-time clock IC and reducing BOM cost. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| CC2530F256RHAT | Integrated 8051 MCU + 256 KB flash; higher system integration but larger footprint and fixed 0 dBm output. | Best for designs requiring embedded protocol stack execution; less suitable for host-MCU architectures. | Select CC2530F256RHAT when MCU co-location and Zigbee stack offload are prioritized over minimal RF-only BOM. |
| AT86RF233-ZU | Higher sensitivity (-101 dBm), 32-pin QFN, no integrated T/R switch; requires external RF front-end components. | Preferred where maximum link budget is critical and board space allows discrete PA/LNA/T/R implementation. | Choose AT86RF233-ZU for long-range or high-interference environments where -10 dB sensitivity gain justifies added component count. |
Compared with CC2530F256RHAT and AT86RF233-ZU, the MC13201FCR2 offers optimal balance of RF performance, ultra-low sleep current, and minimal external component count for host-processor-based 802.15.4 systems - especially where QFN-32 footprint and production-calibratable 16 MHz reference are design constraints.
Availability
MC13201FCR2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for residential automation, industrial asset tracking, and healthcare patient monitoring requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for MC13201FCR2 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 leader focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.
The MC13201FCR2 belongs to NXP's legacy 2.4 GHz RF transceiver product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, battery-powered IEEE 802.15.4 PHY implementations in smart home and industrial sensing nodes.
FAQ
What is the required crystal specification for MC13201FCR2?
The MC13201FCR2 requires a 16 MHz fundamental-mode crystal with load capacitance <9 pF and ±40 ppm initial tolerance. The device includes internal trim capacitors to compensate for board stray capacitance and aging drift, enabling automated production calibration without external variable capacitors.
Does MC13201FCR2 support direct IEEE 802.15.4 MAC compliance?
No - the MC13201FCR2 implements only the PHY layer per IEEE 802.15.4. Full MAC compliance requires pairing with Freescale's Simple MAC (SMAC) software or third-party 802.15.4 stack running on the host MCU. The MC13201FCR2 provides packet RAM, CRC, and interrupt signaling to enable efficient MAC layer implementation.
Can MC13201FCR2 operate with a single antenna?
Yes - the MC13201FCR2 integrates an RF transmit/receive (T/R) switch, allowing bidirectional use of a single antenna via the RFIN_P/RFIN_M differential port. This eliminates the need for external RF switches or circulators, reducing bill-of-materials and PCB area in compact sensor designs.
What are the power supply requirements for MC13201FCR2?
The MC13201FCR2 requires three distinct supply connections: VBATT (2.0–3.4 V, analog regulator input), VDDINT (2.0–3.4 V, digital interface), and VDDA (analog regulated output, decoupled to ground). VDDA must supply VDDLO1, VDDLO2, and PAO_P/M bias networks externally; it must not power external circuitry.
How does the MC13201FCR2 manage low-power operation?
The MC13201FCR2 provides three hardware-controlled low-power states: Off (<1 µA), Hibernate (1.0 µA), and Doze (35 µA). Transitions are triggered via SPI registers or dedicated pins (RST, ATTN, RXTXEN). All digital I/Os default to high-impedance in Off mode, and MISO can be forced low during CE-inactive periods to minimize leakage.
MC13201FCR2 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Type:
- TxRx Only
- RF Family/Standard:
- 802.15.4, General ISM > 1GHz
- Protocol:
- -
- Modulation:
- DSSS, O-QPSK
- Frequency:
- 2.4GHz
- Data Rate (Max):
- 250kbps
- Power - Output:
- 4dBm
- Sensitivity:
- -91dBm
- Memory Size:
- -
- Serial Interfaces:
- SPI
- GPIO:
- 7
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2V ~ 3.4V
- Current - Receiving:
- 37mA
- Current - Transmitting:
- 30mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-HVQFN (5x5)
MC13201FCR2 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MC13201FCR2 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MC13201FCR2 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 MC13201FCR2 reliable?
The price and inventory of MC13201FCR2 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MC13201FCR2 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MC13201FCR2?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MC13201FCR2 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MC13201FCR2?
MC13201FCR2 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MC13201FCR2 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 MC13201FCR2?
For technical support, including MC13201FCR2 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MC13201FCR2 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MC13201FCR2 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MC13201FCR2 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 MC13201FCR2 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MC13201FCR2?
All MC13201FCR2 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MC13201FCR2, 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 MC13201FCR2 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MC13201FCR2:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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