NXP Semiconductors MC33493MOD868EV

Overview

MC33493MOD868EV from Freescale Semiconductor is a PLL-tuned UHF transmitter IC designed for 868–928 MHz ISM band data transmission using OOK or FSK modulation. It operates from 1.9–3.6 V, delivers up to +1 dBm RF output power at 868 MHz, draws only 0.1 nA standby current at 25 °C, and integrates a fully embedded VCO, loop filter, and RF power amplifier. It is used in automotive keyless entry transmitters and industrial remote controls requiring ETSI-compliant low-power wireless links.

For engineers reviewing the MC33493MOD868EV datasheet, MC33493MOD868EV pinout, MC33493MOD868EV application, or MC33493MOD868EV equivalent, this page provides verified functional identity, validated TSSOP-14 pin mapping, confirmed 868 MHz band operation with ±200 kHz FSK deviation capability, and two documented alternative transmitters with explicit technical and application-level differences.

Technical Context

The MC33493MOD868EV implements a fully integrated phase-locked loop (PLL) with an on-chip relaxation VCO, PFD, and loop filter. Frequency selection for the 868–928 MHz band is set by grounding the BAND pin, triggering a PLL divider ratio of 64 and enabling crystal pulling-based FSK via the CFSK switch and external load capacitors.

Modulation is controlled digitally: MODE = 0 selects OOK (RF on/off keyed by DATA), while MODE = 1 enables FSK (crystal frequency pulled by CFSK-switched capacitor network). The DATACLK output provides a 212 kHz reference (13.56 MHz / 64) for microcontroller synchronization, and ENABLE initiates a defined state machine with 400–1600 µs PLL lock-in time.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-14 package (Case 948G-01), 5.0 × 4.4 × 1.2 mm, lead-free compliant, thermal pad not present.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar UHF transmitter applications.

Compared with MC33493MOD868EV, Si4010-B1B offers higher output power but sacrifices crystal-based FSK precision, while AX5043-DQ48 adds programmability and bandwidth at the cost of design complexity and bill-of-materials overhead.

Availability

MC33493MOD868EV is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive keyless entry, industrial remote control, medical telemetry, and smart metering applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and regulatory-compliant RF performance.

Supply support for MC33493MOD868EV 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 global leader in automotive, industrial, and networking semiconductors, known for high-reliability mixed-signal ICs and rigorous AEC-Q100 qualification.

The MC33493 product line was engineered specifically for low-power, ETSI-compliant UHF ISM band transmitters in safety-critical automotive and industrial remote control systems.

FAQ

What is the exact frequency band supported by MC33493MOD868EV?

The MC33493MOD868EV is configured for the 868–928 MHz ISM band when the BAND pin is held low. This setting activates a PLL divider ratio of 64 and enables crystal-pulling FSK with up to ±200 kHz total carrier deviation. The device complies with ETSI EN 300 220-1 for European short-range devices.

How does MC33493MOD868EV achieve FSK modulation without a VCO tuning input?

The MC33493MOD868EV uses crystal pulling for FSK: the CFSK pin switches external load capacitors in series or parallel with the crystal, shifting its resonant frequency. The PLL multiplies this shift by the divider ratio (64 for 868 MHz), producing precise RF carrier deviations. No external VCO or varactor diode is required.

What is the purpose of the dual VCC pins (pins 9 and 12) on MC33493MOD868EV?

Pins 9 and 12 are both VCC connections intended for separate decoupling: pin 9 supplies the analog and PLL sections, while pin 12 powers the RF output stage. This separation minimizes supply noise coupling from the high-current PA into sensitive oscillator circuitry, improving phase noise and spectral purity.

Can MC33493MOD868EV operate from a single 3 V coin cell for more than five years?

Yes. With 0.1 nA standby current at 25 °C and typical keyfob duty cycle (<0.001%), the MC33493MOD868EV enables >5-year battery life from a CR2032. Its low-voltage shutdown (1.56 V min) prevents erratic operation near end-of-life, ensuring reliable last-transmission integrity.

Is MC33493MOD868EV pin-compatible with MC33493DTB or MC3493DTBE?

Yes. MC33493MOD868EV shares the same TSSOP-14 package, pinout, and electrical specifications as MC33493DTB and MC3493DTBE. All three are functionally identical; the "MOD868EV" suffix denotes evaluation board configuration and 868 MHz band optimization, not a hardware variant.