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NXP Semiconductors MC33696FCAE
- Part No.:
- MC33696FCAE
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MC33696FCAE.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX ISM<1GHZ 32QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,699
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Product details
Overview
MC33696FCAE from Freescale Semiconductor is a highly integrated UHF transceiver IC for low-voltage ISM-band wireless data transfer, supporting OOK/FSK modulation across 304–915 MHz bands, delivering –106.5 dBm RX sensitivity, 7.25 dBm TX output power, and programmable configuration switching between two register banks - deployed in remote keyless entry (RKE), TPMS, and industrial telemetry systems.
For engineers reviewing the MC33696FCAE datasheet, MC33696FCAE pinout, MC33696FCAE application, or MC33696FCAE equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, QFN32 package mapping, SPI-configurable PLL architecture, strobe-oscillator–enabled ultra-low-power RX mode (≤1 mA at 1/10 duty), and real-world substitution guidance against functionally aligned alternatives.
Technical Context
The MC33696FCAE implements a superheterodyne receiver with I/Q mixer, polyphase image-reject filter, and 380 kHz IF bandwidth, paired with a fractional-N PLL synthesizer using an integrated LC VCO operating at 2× or 4× RF frequency. Its embedded data manager performs Manchester clock recovery, ID/header recognition, and EOM detection without MCU intervention.
Transmit functionality uses on-chip single-ended PA with programmable output power steps and out-of-lock transmission inhibition. The dual-register-bank configuration switching enables rapid A/B mode toggling via CONFB or automatic strobe-triggered wakeup - all managed by a finite-state machine clocked at Tdigclk with dedicated DME and SOE control bits.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Operating Frequency Bands | 304 MHz, 315 MHz, 426 MHz, 434 MHz, 868 MHz, and 915 MHz ISM bands - supports global short-range wireless protocols |
| RX Sensitivity | –106.5 dBm (OOK), up to –108 dBm (FSK @ 2.4 kbps) - enables reliable reception in low-SNR environments |
| TX Output Power | Up to +7.25 dBm with 4-step programmable attenuation - balances range and regulatory compliance |
| Data Rate | 20 kbps max with Manchester coding - sufficient for RKE, sensor telemetry, and secure access systems |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.1 V to 3.6 V (3 V operation) or 4.5 V to 5.5 V (5 V operation) - supports battery and mains-powered designs |
| Current Consumption | 10.3 mA (RX active), ≤1 mA (RX strobed @ 1/10 ratio), 24 μA (off), 260 nA (standby) - enables multi-year coin-cell operation |
| PLL Frequency Step | 6 kHz - allows fine-grained channel spacing and frequency-hopping agility with <30 µs toggle time |
Pinout & Package
MC33696FCAE is housed in a 5 mm × 5 mm, 32-pin QFN package with exposed thermal pad (QFN32), optimized for RF performance and compact PCB layout in automotive and industrial modules.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| RFIN | RF input | Connects to antenna or external LNA; requires 50 Ω matching network for optimal sensitivity |
| RFOUT | RF output | Drives external PA or antenna directly; limited to ≤3.6 V bias; supports SWITCH-controlled isolation |
| VCC2RF / VCC2VCO | Analog/RF supply rails | 2.1–2.7 V regulated supplies for LNA/VCO; require local 100 nF decoupling per rail |
| VCCIN / VCCINOUT / VCCDIG | Main digital/analog power inputs | Support 2.1–3.6 V or 4.5–5.5 V operation; internal LDOs generate VCC2OUT and VCCDIG2 for RF/digital domains |
| SCLK / MOSI / MISO / SEB / CONFB | SPI interface signals | Standard 4-wire SPI (CPOL=0, CPHA=1); CONFB forces configuration mode; SEB enables bus sharing |
| STROBE | Wakeup control | Enables periodic RX activation via external capacitor (strobe oscillator) or MCU-driven high/low logic |
| RSSIOUT / RSSIC | Analog RSSI interface | RSSIOUT provides continuous analog voltage proportional to signal strength; RSSIC selects analog/digital RSSI mode |
| XTALIN / XTALOUT | Crystal oscillator terminals | Drive 16–25.5 MHz fundamental-mode crystal; determines IF center frequency and data clock accuracy |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Programmable dual-register-bank switching | Enables instantaneous A/B configuration change (frequency, data rate, modulation) without MCU involvement or interrupt latency |
| Embedded Manchester data manager (DME) | Offloads clock recovery, ID/header recognition, and EOM detection from MCU - reduces firmware complexity and CPU load |
| Strobe oscillator with configurable duty cycle | Reduces average RX current to ≤1 mA at 1/10 wake ratio - extends battery life in intermittent-scan applications |
| Image-reject I/Q mixer + polyphase filter | Eliminates need for external image-reject filters; maintains >50 dB image rejection across temperature and voltage |
| Integrated low-dropout regulators | On-chip VCC2OUT and VCCDIG2 regulators isolate RF/digital noise; eliminate external LDOs while ensuring stable 2.1–2.7 V and 1.5 V supplies |
Applications
| Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) | Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Vehicle door/trunk unlock triggered by handheld fob transmitting encrypted OOK/FSK frames at 315/434 MHz. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MC33696FCAE serves as the complete RF transceiver - receiving encrypted challenge-response packets, performing Manchester decoding, and asserting valid frame status to MCU. Use Value: Dual-register-bank switching allows simultaneous support of legacy 315 MHz and newer 434 MHz vehicle platforms on same PCB layout. | Use Scenario: Battery-powered sensor module mounted inside tire rim transmits pressure/temperature data every 60 seconds at 434 MHz. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MC33696FCAE operates in strobed RX mode - waking every 2 seconds to listen for base-station polling commands before returning to 260 nA standby. Use Value: ≤1 mA average RX current at 1/10 strobe ratio enables >7-year CR2032 battery life without compromising command responsiveness. |
| Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks | Asset Tracking Beacons |
Use Scenario: Factory-floor temperature/humidity node transmits FSK-encoded telemetry every 5 minutes to gateway using 868 MHz band. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MC33696FCAE acts as autonomous transceiver - managing frequency-hopping sequence, AGC adaptation, and RSSI-based link quality reporting via SPI. Use Value: 6 kHz PLL step size and <30 µs toggle time enable robust coexistence in dense 868 MHz ISM deployments with multiple concurrent networks. | Use Scenario: Logistics pallet beacon broadcasts location ID via 915 MHz OOK bursts upon movement detection, powered by primary lithium cell. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MC33696FCAE functions as event-triggered transmitter - enabling PA only during burst, with fast PLL lock and precise 7.25 dBm output calibration. Use Value: Programmable TX power steps allow dynamic output reduction when near gateway - minimizing interference and extending regulatory certification margin. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar UHF transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Si4362-B1B-FMR | Higher integration: includes DC-DC converter, 12-bit ADC, and GPIOs; 13 dBm TX output; supports sub-GHz proprietary protocols only | Targeted at battery-powered IoT nodes requiring sensor interfacing and longer range; lacks dual-register-bank switching | Select when system-level integration (power, sensing, RF) outweighs need for fast configuration toggling |
| AX5043-1-TQ48 | Wider frequency range (27–1050 MHz); lower RX current (8.5 mA active); no embedded Manchester decoder; requires external crystal load caps | Better suited for wideband industrial telemetry where protocol flexibility matters more than MCU offload | Prefer when designing for multi-band compatibility or when custom framing eliminates need for built-in data manager |
Compared with Si4362-B1B-FMR and AX5043-1-TQ48, MC33696FCAE uniquely combines dual-register-bank switching, embedded Manchester processing, and strobe-oscillator–driven ultra-low-power RX - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, MCU-constrained RKE and TPMS designs requiring deterministic low-latency configuration changes.
Availability
MC33696FCAE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for remote keyless entry (RKE), tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), and industrial wireless sensor networks requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle availability, and automotive-grade temperature performance (–20°C to +85°C).
Supply support for MC33696FCAE 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 silicon, known for high-reliability RF and mixed-signal solutions.
The MC33696 product line was designed specifically for low-power, multi-band UHF ISM transceiver applications in automotive security and industrial telemetry - emphasizing configurability, RF robustness, and minimal MCU dependency.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range specified for the MC33696FCAE?
The MC33696FCAE is rated for –20°C to +85°C ambient operation, as confirmed in the Freescale ordering information table where "–20°C to +85°C" explicitly maps to part numbers MC33696FCAE and MC33696FJAE. This range supports under-hood automotive and industrial enclosure deployments where extended cold-start capability is not required.
Does the MC33696FCAE support both OOK and FSK modulation schemes?
Yes, the MC33696FCAE supports both OOK and FSK modulation. The datasheet states "OOK and FSK transmission and reception" as a core feature, and FSK is implemented via PLL programming - allowing precise frequency shift generation without external modulators. FSK sensitivity reaches –108 dBm at 2.4 kbps, confirming validated FSK RX performance.
How does the dual-register-bank configuration switching work on the MC33696FCAE?
The MC33696FCAE implements hardware-accelerated configuration switching between two independent register banks (A and B). This is triggered either by asserting the CONFB pin or automatically during strobe oscillator–initiated wakeup. Each bank stores full settings for frequency, data rate, modulation, and data manager parameters - enabling sub-microsecond reconfiguration without SPI transaction overhead.
What is the purpose of the STROBE pin on the MC33696FCAE?
The STROBE pin on the MC33696FCAE controls receiver activation state: logic high enables RX operation, logic low disables it. When configured with an external capacitor, it drives an internal strobe oscillator that periodically wakes the receiver - reducing average current to ≤1 mA at 1/10 duty ratio. This enables ultra-low-power listening in battery-critical applications like TPMS.
Can the MC33696FCAE operate from a 5 V supply, and how is RFOUT bias handled?
Yes, the MC33696FCAE supports 5 V operation on VCCIN (4.5–5.5 V range), but RFOUT must not exceed 3.6 V. In 5 V mode, VCCINOUT supplies the regulated 2.1–3.6 V bias to RFOUT - isolating the PA from the 5 V rail. The datasheet explicitly warns "The RFOUT pin cannot be biased with a voltage higher than 3.6 V," and confirms VCCINOUT provides safe biasing in Figure 45 and Section 5.
MC33696FCAE Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Type:
- TxRx Only
- RF Family/Standard:
- General ISM < 1GHz
- Protocol:
- -
- Modulation:
- FSK, OOK
- Frequency:
- 290MHz ~ 340MHz, 424MHz ~ 510MHz, 862MHz ~ 1.02GHz
- Data Rate (Max):
- 22.6kbps
- Power - Output:
- 7.25dBm
- Sensitivity:
- -106.5dBm
- Memory Size:
- -
- Serial Interfaces:
- SPI
- GPIO:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.1V ~ 3.6V
- Current - Receiving:
- 10.3mA ~ 24mA
- Current - Transmitting:
- 6.1mA ~ 13.5mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -20°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-QFN-EP (5x5)
MC33696FCAE FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MC33696FCAE through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MC33696FCAE 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 MC33696FCAE reliable?
The price and inventory of MC33696FCAE are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MC33696FCAE is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MC33696FCAE?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MC33696FCAE transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MC33696FCAE?
MC33696FCAE orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MC33696FCAE 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 MC33696FCAE?
For technical support, including MC33696FCAE datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MC33696FCAE requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MC33696FCAE is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MC33696FCAE 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 MC33696FCAE meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MC33696FCAE?
All MC33696FCAE units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MC33696FCAE, 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 MC33696FCAE part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MC33696FCAE:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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