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Microchip Technology MICRF500BKQ-TR
- Part No.:
- MICRF500BKQ-TR
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 44-TQFP
- Datasheet:
-
MICRF500BKQ-TR.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX ISM<1GHZ 44TQFP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
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Product details
Overview
MICRF500BKQ-TR from Micrel is a single-chip UHF FSK transceiver for spread-spectrum (FHSS) communication in 700–1100 MHz ISM/SRD bands, delivering 10 dBm RF output power, –104 dBm sensitivity at 19.2 kbaud (BER=10⁻³), and up to 128 kbaud external modulation - deployed in wireless telemetry, remote metering, and security systems.
For engineers reviewing the MICRF500BKQ-TR datasheet, MICRF500BKQ-TR pinout, MICRF500BKQ-TR application, or MICRF500BKQ-TR equivalent, key selection considerations include its zero-IF receiver architecture, dual N/M/A divider sets for internal FSK, programmable 8-level PA output, external loop filter flexibility, and 44-pin LQFP package with defined RF/IF/digital ground separation.
Technical Context
The MICRF500BKQ-TR integrates a PLL-based frequency synthesizer with dual-modulus prescaler (64/65), voltage-controlled Colpitts oscillator requiring external resonator and varactor, and a charge pump configurable for ±125 µA or ±500 µA operation. Its lock detector uses an external capacitor (Pin 14) and programmable reference window (Ref0–Ref5 bits) for robust PLL lock validation across temperature and process variation.
In receive mode, it implements a zero-IF architecture with quadrature LNA/mixer front end, dual-channel Sallen-Key RC pre-filters (10/30/60/200 kHz selectable), and a seven-pole elliptic gyrator low-pass filter. Demodulation relies on I/Q phase comparison to decode FSK: I-lag-Q = data '1', I-lead-Q = data '0' - with RSSI output spanning 60 dB dynamic range (0.7 V at –100 dBm to 2.1 V at –30 dBm).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 700–1100 MHz - supports global ISM bands including 868 MHz (EU), 915 MHz (US), and 920 MHz (JP) without hardware change. |
| Modulation | FSK only - supports external VCO modulation (≤128 kbaud) or internal divider switching (≤2.4 kbaud); Manchester or 3B4B coding required for DC-free input. |
| Output Power | 10 dBm into 50 Ω - programmable across eight 3-dB steps via Pa2–Pa0 control bits; requires external PA bias resistor (e.g., 1.5 kΩ) and ramp capacitor (Pin 24). |
| Sensitivity | –104 dBm at 19.2 kbaud, BER=10⁻³ - measured with ±25 kHz frequency deviation and external modulation; enables reliable link budget in low-power telemetry. |
| Receiver Architecture | Zero-IF with I/Q demodulation - eliminates image rejection filters; uses integrated Sallen-Key + gyrator filtering to achieve 48 dB adjacent-channel rejection at 700 kHz spacing. |
| Power Supply | +2.5 V to +3.4 V - operates within industrial range; draws 50 mA in Tx (10 dBm), 12 mA in Rx (gyrator fC=60 kHz), and <2 µA in power-down mode. |
| Interface | 2-wire serial programming - CLKIN and REGIN pins accept ≤10 MHz clock/data; DATAIXO serves as bidirectional data I/O with tri-state control during Tx startup. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 44-pin LQFP (7 mm × 7 mm, 0.8 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, with dedicated IF/RF/DIG ground planes (Pins 1, 7, 8, 23, 27, 30, 32, 44) and isolated power domains (IFVDD, OSCVDD, RFVDD, DIGVDD).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| DATAIXO (Pin 19) | Bidirectional data I/O | Carries FSK data in Tx (modulation source) and Rx (demodulated output); must be tri-stated during Tx-mode entry until data transmission begins. |
| MOD (Pin 11) | VCO modulation current output | Sources 50 µA for logic '1', sinks for logic '0'; interfaces with external RC network (R11/R12/C17/C18) to set frequency deviation and baseband filtering order. |
| LOCKDET (Pin 15) | PLL lock status indicator | Active-high open-drain output; asserts when PLL achieves stable lock; used to gate PA enable and synchronize Tx/Rx transitions. |
| VB_IP (Pin 44) | Gyrator filter resistor connection | External resistor here sets cutoff frequency of main 7-pole elliptic low-pass filter; critical for adjacent-channel rejection and dynamic range optimization. |
| PDEXT (Pin 17) | Power-down control input | Logic low disables all circuitry except XCO (300 µA standby); enables fast wake-up with 1 ms PLL lock time using high-bandwidth loop filter. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual N/M/A divider sets | Enables internal FSK by switching between A₀/N₀/M₀ (Rx) and A₁/N₁/M₁ (Tx) - supports 2.4 kbaud without external modulation components. |
| Programmable PA output | Eight discrete power levels (≈3 dB step) controlled by Pa2–Pa0 bits - allows precise EIRP tuning per regulatory domain and antenna efficiency. |
| Selectable Sallen-Key cutoff | Four factory-programmable frequencies (10/30/60/200 kHz) via Fc1/Fc0 bits - matches channel spacing requirements (25–700 kHz) to maximize adjacent-channel rejection. |
| Zero-IF I/Q demodulator | Direct phase comparison of I and Q outputs eliminates need for image-reject filters; delivers digital data on DATAIXO with inherent DC offset immunity. |
| Integrated RSSI | Analog voltage output (0.7–2.1 V over 60 dB range) proportional to received signal strength - usable for AGC, LNA bypass (ByLNA bit), or microcontroller-triggered sleep/wake. |
Applications
| Telemetry Systems | Remote Metering |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered sensor nodes transmit periodic temperature, pressure, or flow readings over distances up to 300 m in industrial plants. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MICRF500BKQ-TR serves as the full-duplex RF transceiver, handling FHSS hopping, FSK modulation/demodulation, and RSSI-based link quality monitoring. Use Value: –104 dBm sensitivity and 10 dBm output enable robust sub-GHz links in noisy environments; low 12 mA Rx current extends battery life beyond 5 years. | Use Scenario: Smart water/gas meters report consumption data hourly via mesh or star topology to concentrators in utility infrastructure. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MICRF500BKQ-TR provides certified ISM-band communication with integrated PA control and programmable data rates (19.2–128 kbaud) for adaptive throughput. Use Value: Dual-loop filter support allows fast 1 ms Rx lock after wake-up while maintaining 48 dB blocking immunity against narrowband interferers near 915 MHz. |
| Wireless Security Systems | Wireless Data Repeaters |
Use Scenario: Door/window sensors and motion detectors send encrypted alarm triggers to central panels using low-latency, interference-resistant links. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MICRF500BKQ-TR acts as the physical layer transceiver, implementing FSK with Manchester coding and RSSI-driven LNA bypass for strong-signal resilience. Use Value: 60 dB RSSI dynamic range and LNA bypass (ByLNA) extend operational range from –104 dBm to –44 dBm, preventing saturation in multi-sensor deployments. | Use Scenario: Outdoor repeaters extend coverage of legacy telemetry networks across rural terrain using store-and-forward packet relaying. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MICRF500BKQ-TR functions as both receiver and transmitter in half-duplex repeater mode, leveraging its single-chip integration to minimize BOM and PCB area. Use Value: Integrated zero-IF receiver and 8-step PA eliminate external IF filters and PA matching networks - reducing bill-of-materials by ≥7 components per node. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RF transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Si4432-B1B-FM | Sub-GHz transceiver with integrated PA (20 dBm), +132 dBm sensitivity, and built-in packet handler; requires external crystal only - no VCO tuning components. | Supports GFSK, OOK, and (G)MSK; includes automatic frequency calibration and packet management - suited for higher-layer protocol stacks. | Choose Si4432-B1B-FM when migrating from discrete RF design to integrated packet radio with lower firmware overhead. |
| CC1120RHBR | High-performance sub-GHz transceiver with 16 dBm PA, –129 dBm sensitivity, and advanced digital features (channel filtering, AFC, RSSI averaging); uses SPI interface. | Designed for narrowband IoT with long-range, low-duty-cycle operation; supports proprietary PHYs and regulatory-compliant emission shaping. | Choose CC1120RHBR for new designs demanding ultra-low power, regulatory certification headroom, or spectral mask compliance in FCC/ETSI bands. |
Compared with MICRF500BKQ-TR, Si4432-B1B-FM offers higher integration and simpler layout but lacks zero-IF flexibility and external loop filter control; CC1120RHBR delivers superior sensitivity and digital assist features but requires more complex SPI configuration and has no native FSK phase-demodulation architecture.
Availability
MICRF500BKQ-TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless telemetry, remote metering, and security system designs requiring stable component supply, long-term industrial lifecycle support, and proven sub-GHz RF performance in harsh EMI environments.
Supply support for MICRF500BKQ-TR 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
Micrel, Inc. was a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in analog, power management, and RF solutions before its acquisition by Microchip Technology in 2015. It emphasized high-performance, application-specific ICs for industrial and communications markets.
The MICRF500BKQ-TR belongs to Micrel's RadioWire™ family of single-chip UHF transceivers designed specifically for low-cost, license-free FHSS systems in ISM/SRD bands - prioritizing RF integration, flexible modulation, and robust coexistence in dense wireless deployments.
FAQ
What is the maximum data rate supported by the MICRF500BKQ-TR?
The MICRF500BKQ-TR supports up to 128 kbaud with external VCO modulation (e.g., Manchester-coded FSK). Internal FSK via divider switching is limited to 2.4 kbaud. Both modes require DC-free data encoding; unfiltered FSK demands frequency deviation-to-modulation-rate ratio between 1.0 and 1.5 for reliable demodulation.
Does the MICRF500BKQ-TR require an external crystal oscillator?
Yes, the MICRF500BKQ-TR requires an external fundamental-mode crystal (e.g., 10 MHz) connected to Pins 12 (XOSCIN) and 13 (XOSCOUT). The crystal oscillator serves as the reference for both transmit and receive LO generation; load capacitance must match the crystal specification (typically 15 pF), tuned via external trimming capacitor C20.
How does the MICRF500BKQ-TR handle PLL lock detection and calibration?
The MICRF500BKQ-TR uses an external capacitor (Pin 14, LD_C) and a programmable reference window (bits Ref0–Ref5) to detect PLL lock. Because optimal bit settings vary with temperature, varactor type, and loop filter, a software calibration routine must sweep all combinations to identify robust lock conditions - typically selecting the third valid setting for noise immunity.
Can the MICRF500BKQ-TR operate in both transmit and receive modes simultaneously?
No, the MICRF500BKQ-TR is a half-duplex transceiver. Transmit and receive modes are mutually exclusive and require explicit control via the PDEXT pin and internal register configuration. Switching from Tx to Rx (or vice versa) takes 2.5 ms with a 1 kHz loop filter bandwidth, and the PLL must re-lock in each mode.
What is the role of the VB_IP pin (Pin 44) on the MICRF500BKQ-TR?
The VB_IP pin (Pin 44) connects to an external resistor that sets the cutoff frequency of the integrated seven-pole elliptic gyrator low-pass filter - the primary channel-selective filter in the zero-IF receiver path. Adjusting this resistor directly controls adjacent-channel rejection (e.g., 48 dB at 700 kHz spacing) and dynamic range performance.
MICRF500BKQ-TR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 44-TQFP
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Type:
- TxRx Only
- RF Family/Standard:
- General ISM < 1GHz
- Protocol:
- -
- Modulation:
- FHSS, FSK
- Frequency:
- 700MHz ~ 1.1GHz
- Data Rate (Max):
- 128kBaud
- Power - Output:
- 10dBm
- Sensitivity:
- -104dBm
- Memory Size:
- -
- Serial Interfaces:
- SPI
- GPIO:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.5V ~ 3.4V
- Current - Receiving:
- 12mA
- Current - Transmitting:
- 50mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 44-TQFP (10x10)
MICRF500BKQ-TR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MICRF500BKQ-TR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MICRF500BKQ-TR 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 MICRF500BKQ-TR reliable?
The price and inventory of MICRF500BKQ-TR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MICRF500BKQ-TR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MICRF500BKQ-TR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MICRF500BKQ-TR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MICRF500BKQ-TR?
MICRF500BKQ-TR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MICRF500BKQ-TR 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 MICRF500BKQ-TR?
For technical support, including MICRF500BKQ-TR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MICRF500BKQ-TR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MICRF500BKQ-TR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MICRF500BKQ-TR 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 MICRF500BKQ-TR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MICRF500BKQ-TR?
All MICRF500BKQ-TR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MICRF500BKQ-TR, 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 MICRF500BKQ-TR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MICRF500BKQ-TR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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