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NXP Semiconductors MC13233C
- Part No.:
- MC13233C
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 48-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MC13233C.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX+MCU 802.15.4 48MAPLGA
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,448
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Product details
Overview
MC13233C from Freescale Semiconductor is a fully integrated IEEE 802.15.4-compliant System-on-Chip (SoC) for 2.4 GHz wireless remote control, combining an 8-bit HCS08 CPU, 82 KB FLASH, 5 KB RAM, and a low-power transceiver with -94 dBm receive sensitivity and 0 dBm nominal output power. It targets cost-sensitive RF4CE and ZigBee end-node applications in home entertainment systems.
For engineers reviewing the MC13233C datasheet, MC13233C pinout, MC13233C application, or MC13233C equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, real-world use cases, validated alternatives, and supply-ready procurement details specific to the LGA-48 package variant with 5 KB RAM / 82 KB FLASH configuration.
Technical Context
The MC13233C integrates an IEEE 802.15.4-2006 compliant O-QPSK transceiver operating at 250 kbps across 16 selectable 2.4 GHz channels, with hardware-accelerated AES-128 security, 16-bit RNG, and auto-sequence support for MAC-layer timing. Its HCS08 CPU runs at up to 32 MHz with bus clock at 16 MHz.
Power management includes STOP3 mode (<1 μA), Partial Power Down (PPD) "listen" mode for reduced RX current, and independent peripheral clock gating. The transceiver uses a differential RF port with integrated TX/RX switch and supports CCA, ED, and LQI functions directly in hardware.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Standard | IEEE 802.15.4-2006 compliant O-QPSK transceiver for 2.4 GHz ISM band |
| Data Rate | 250 kbps in 5 MHz channels - enables RF4CE and ZigBee PHY layer compliance |
| Receive Sensitivity | -94 dBm (typical) at 1% PER, 20-byte packet - exceeds IEEE 802.15.4 minimum (-85 dBm) by 9 dB |
| Output Power | 0 dBm nominal, programmable from -30 dBm to +2 dBm - supports range/power trade-off tuning |
| CPU Core | HCS08 8-bit core @ 32 MHz - object-code compatible with M68HC08, supports BDM debug |
| Memory | 82 KB FLASH (80 × 1024-byte segments) + 5 KB RAM - sufficient for BeeStack Consumer and SynkroRF stacks |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - single-supply operation with on-chip regulators simplifies power design |
| Temp Range | -40°C to +85°C - qualified for consumer electronics and industrial remote control environments |
Pinout & Package
LGA-48 package (Case 2124-02), 7 mm × 7 mm, RoHS-compliant, non-JEDEC footprint with exposed thermal pad.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDDA | Analog Power Supply | 1.8–3.6 V analog rail for RF and ADC subsystems; requires local decoupling |
| VDD | Digital Power Supply | 1.8–3.6 V digital rail for CPU, peripherals, and memory; separate from VDDA |
| RF_P / RF_N | Differential RF I/O | Balun-coupled bidirectional port; supports integrated TX/RX switch and 0 dBm PA |
| XTAL_IN / XTAL_OUT | 32 MHz Crystal Interface | Drives primary system clock; onboard load trim enables ±40 ppm accuracy per IEEE 802.15.4 |
| PTA0–PTA7 | GPIO / KBI1 / IRQ | Port A pins support keyboard interrupt matrix (KBI1), external interrupt, or general I/O with hysteresis and pull-ups |
| PTB0–PTB7 | GPIO / KBI2 | Port B pins dedicated to second keyboard interrupt module (KBI2) for 12×12 matrix expansion |
| SCI_RX / SCI_TX | UART Interface | Full-duplex NRZ serial interface supporting up to 1 Mbps baud rate and LIN break detection |
| RESET_B | Active-Low Reset Input | Asynchronous reset pin; internal pull-up ensures defined state during power-up |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Hardware AES-128 Security Module | Offloads encryption/decryption from CPU; required for ZigBee and RF4CE secure pairing |
| DMA-Controlled Transceiver Interface | Enables zero-CPU-overhead packet transfers between RAM and radio buffers during TX/RX |
| Partial Power Down (PPD) RX Mode | Reduces listening current while maintaining configurable energy-triggered wake-up for battery life extension |
| Integrated 32 MHz Crystal Oscillator with Load Trim | Eliminates external load capacitors; software-tunable for precise IEEE 802.15.4 frequency accuracy |
| Four 16-bit TPM Timers + CMT IR Carrier Generator | Supports PWM motor control, LED dimming, and infrared remote carrier synthesis without external ICs |
| Real-Time Counter (RTC) with >1-Day Interrupt | Enables calendar-aware scheduling and deep-sleep wake-up without external RTC chip |
Applications
| TV Remote Control | Smart Home Sensor Node |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered infrared + RF hybrid remote for DTV and A/V receivers using RF4CE protocol. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary SoC executing BeeStack Consumer stack, managing RF PHY/MAC, IR modulation via CMT, and keyboard scan via dual KBI modules. Use Value: Single-chip integration eliminates discrete transceiver, MCU, and IR driver; 0 dBm output and -94 dBm sensitivity ensure reliable 10+ meter line-of-sight range. | Use Scenario: Low-cost, coin-cell-powered temperature/humidity sensor node in ZigBee mesh network. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: End-device SoC running ZigBee NWK layer, performing periodic sensor reads, AES-encrypted frame transmission, and STOP3-mode sleep cycling. Use Value: Sub-1 μA STOP3 current and PPD_RX mode extend battery life beyond 2 years; 5 KB RAM accommodates ZigBee APS and ZDO services. |
| Wireless Light Switch | Consumer Electronics Gateway |
Use Scenario: Wall-mounted RF remote switch controlling LED lighting via SynkroRF proprietary protocol. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Controller node implementing SynkroRF Network layer, managing channel agility, fragmented TX/RX, and low-latency TX mode under interference. Use Value: Hardware-accelerated 802.15.4 sequence manager and 3-channel agility enable robust operation in 2.4 GHz crowded environments (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth). | Use Scenario: Set-top box acting as RF4CE coordinator bridging IR remotes to HDMI-CEC devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Coordinator SoC running full BeeStack Consumer stack with dual-role support (controller + target), managing multiple remote associations and protocol translation. Use Value: 82 KB FLASH stores complete RF4CE profile, security keys, and translation tables; DMA offloads high-throughput packet routing from HCS08 core. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar IEEE 802.15.4 SoC applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| CC2530F256 | 8051 core, 256 KB FLASH, 8 KB RAM, same 2.4 GHz O-QPSK PHY but no integrated balun interface | Targets larger ZigBee coordinator designs requiring more memory and USB connectivity (via external bridge) | Choose CC2530F256 when >82 KB FLASH or USB host capability is needed; MC13233C offers lower BOM cost for remote-centric designs. |
| JN5168-001-M00 | 32-bit RISC core, 512 KB FLASH, 64 KB RAM, supports ZigBee PRO and Green Power but lacks RF4CE certification | Suitable for smart energy and industrial mesh nodes where extended memory and multi-stack flexibility outweigh RF4CE compliance | Select JN5168-001-M00 for future-proofing with ZigBee PRO or Green Power; MC13233C remains optimal for certified RF4CE remote control production. |
Compared with CC2530F256 and JN5168-001-M00, the MC13233C delivers best-in-class cost efficiency for RF4CE-certified remotes through tighter integration (integrated TX/RX switch, balun interface, KBI modules), smaller FLASH/RAM footprint matching typical remote firmware size, and native support for Freescale's BeeKit development tools.
Availability
MC13233C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for TV remote control, smart home sensor nodes, wireless light switches, and consumer electronics gateways requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for MC13233C 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
Freescale Semiconductor (now part of NXP Semiconductors) is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in embedded processing, connectivity, and analog solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The MC1323x product line was designed specifically for ultra-low-cost, low-power IEEE 802.15.4 remote control platforms targeting RF4CE and ZigBee end-node applications in home entertainment systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum data rate supported by the MC13233C transceiver?
The MC13233C transceiver supports a fixed 250 kbps data rate using Offset-Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (O-QPSK) modulation in the 2.4 GHz ISM band, fully compliant with IEEE 802.15.4-2006. This rate is optimized for RF4CE and ZigBee PHY layer operation and cannot be increased or decreased via configuration - it is hardwired into the modem logic of the MC13233C.
Does the MC13233C include an integrated balun or require external RF components?
The MC13233C does not integrate a balun but provides a differential RF port (RF_P / RF_N) designed for direct connection to an external balun, which then interfaces with a single-ended antenna. This architecture minimizes external component count while maintaining RF performance - only one balun and matching network are required, unlike discrete transceiver solutions needing additional filters, switches, and amplifiers.
Can the MC13233C operate from a single 1.8 V supply?
Yes, the MC13233C operates across a 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply range with internal voltage regulation. At 1.8 V, all core logic, transceiver, and peripherals remain fully functional, enabling direct use with lithium coin cells or single-cell Li-ion batteries. The on-chip regulators maintain stable VDDA and VDD rails, eliminating need for external DC-DC converters in most remote control designs.
Is the MC13233C pin-compatible with other members of the MC1323x family?
Yes, all MC1323x variants including MC13233C, MC13233CR2, and MC13234C share identical LGA-48 pinout and mechanical footprint (Case 2124-02). Differences are limited to memory configuration (FLASH/RAM size) and packaging format (tape-and-reel vs. tray), allowing drop-in replacement during design iteration or volume manufacturing without PCB changes.
What debug interface does the MC13233C provide for firmware development?
The MC13233C includes a Background Debug Mode (BDM) interface - a single-wire serial debug port compatible with standard Freescale HCS08 debug tools. It supports non-intrusive in-circuit debugging, FLASH programming, breakpoint setting, and real-time register inspection without requiring dedicated debug pins beyond BKGD and RESET_B, simplifying board layout for production and development.
MC13233C Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 48-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Type:
- TxRx + MCU
- RF Family/Standard:
- 802.15.4
- Protocol:
- Zigbee®
- Modulation:
- O-QPSK
- Frequency:
- 2.4GHz
- Data Rate (Max):
- 250kbps
- Power - Output:
- 2dBm
- Sensitivity:
- -94dBm
- Memory Size:
- 82kB Flash, 5kB RAM
- Serial Interfaces:
- I2C, SPI, UART
- GPIO:
- 32
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.8V ~ 3.6V
- Current - Receiving:
- 22.3mA ~ 34.2mA
- Current - Transmitting:
- 26.6mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 48-MAPLGA (7x7)
MC13233C FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MC13233C through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MC13233C 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 MC13233C reliable?
The price and inventory of MC13233C are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MC13233C is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MC13233C?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MC13233C transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MC13233C?
MC13233C orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MC13233C 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 MC13233C?
For technical support, including MC13233C datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MC13233C requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MC13233C is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MC13233C 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 MC13233C meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MC13233C?
All MC13233C units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MC13233C, 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 MC13233C part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MC13233C:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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