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Microchip Technology MRF49XAT-I/ST
- Part No.:
- MRF49XAT-I/ST
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MRF49XAT-I/ST.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX ISM<1GHZ 16TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,649
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Product details
Overview
MRF49XAT-I/ST from Microchip Technology is a fully integrated ISM band sub-GHz FSK transceiver supporting 433 MHz, 868 MHz, and 915 MHz bands with +7 dBm typical TX output power, –110 dBm typical RX sensitivity, and 115.2 kbps max digital data rate. It implements zero-IF architecture with integrated PA, LNA, PLL synthesizer, and baseband filters for short-range wireless telemetry and remote control systems.
For engineers reviewing the MRF49XAT-I/ST datasheet, MRF49XAT-I/ST pinout, MRF49XAT-I/ST application, or MRF49XAT-I/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include its 16-pin TSSOP package, SPI interface compatibility, integrated 10 MHz oscillator circuitry, low-power sleep mode (0.3 μA), and support for automatic frequency control (AFC) with programmable baseband bandwidth.
Technical Context
The MRF49XAT-I/ST uses a zero-IF receiver architecture with I/Q downconversion mixers, integrated LNA (250 Ω differential input impedance), and programmable baseband filters. Its direct-conversion transmitter includes a +7 dBm PA with differential RFP/RFN outputs and built-in antenna tuning capability.
It features a high-resolution PLL synthesizer clocked by an external 10 MHz crystal, enabling multi-channel operation across 433/868/915 MHz ISM bands. AFC dynamically corrects carrier frequency offset, allowing use of ≤40 ppm crystals while maintaining robust link performance in noisy environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Operating Frequency | 433 MHz, 868 MHz, and 915 MHz ISM bands - supports FCC/ETSI-certifiable designs without external VCO or filter banks. |
| Modulation | FSK with FHSS capability - enables interference-resistant links in crowded RF environments. |
| TX Output Power | +7 dBm typical - sufficient for >100 m line-of-sight range with PCB antennas; programmable via register control. |
| RX Sensitivity | –110 dBm at 1% BER - enables reliable reception at low signal levels in battery-powered sensor nodes. |
| Data Rate | Up to 115.2 kbps (digital mode), 256 kbps (analog mode) - supports both command/control and higher-throughput telemetry. |
| Supply Voltage | 2.2 V–3.8 V - compatible with single-cell Li-ion, LiFePO₄, or dual-AA alkaline power rails. |
| Current Consumption | 11 mA (RX), 15 mA (TX), 0.3 μA (Sleep) - enables multi-year battery life in duty-cycled remote sensors. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 16-pin TSSOP (4.4 mm × 5.0 mm, 0.65 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| SDI, SCK, CS, SDO | SPI Interface Inputs/Outputs | 4-wire synchronous serial interface for register configuration and FIFO access; CMOS/TTL compatible. |
| INT/DIO, IRO, IRQ | Interrupt & I/O Control | Active-low interrupt signaling for RX FIFO full, TX buffer ready, wake-up timer timeout, or low-voltage detection. |
| RCLKOUT/FCAP/FINT | Recovery Clock / Filter Cap / FIFO Interrupt | Configurable pin providing recovered clock (digital mode), raw baseband data (filter mode), or FIFO-full interrupt signal. |
| RFXTL/EXTREF | Crystal Reference Input | Accepts 10 MHz series crystal or external oscillator; internal load capacitance programmable (8.5–16 pF in 0.5 pF steps). |
| RFP / RFN | Differential RF I/O | Integrated PA/LNA shared differential port; requires external balun for 50 Ω antenna matching. |
| RSSIO | Analog RSSI Output | Linear analog voltage proportional to received signal strength; filtered externally (4–10 nF capacitor). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 10 MHz Oscillator Circuitry | Eliminates need for external crystal oscillator IC; reduces BOM count and PCB area while providing stable PLL reference. |
| Automatic Frequency Control (AFC) | Compensates for crystal aging and temperature drift in real time, enabling use of low-cost ≤40 ppm crystals without manual calibration. |
| Programmable Baseband Bandwidth (BBBW) | Adjusts receiver filter response to match data rate and deviation requirements, optimizing SNR and adjacent channel rejection. |
| Low-Battery Voltage Detector | Monitors VDD and triggers interrupt when supply drops below user-defined threshold, enabling graceful shutdown in battery systems. |
| 16-bit RX FIFO & Dual 8-bit TX Registers | Offloads microcontroller timing constraints; supports burst transmission and asynchronous packet reception without CPU polling. |
Applications
| Home Automation Sensor Network | Industrial Remote Keyless Entry |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Wireless temperature/humidity/motion sensors transmit data to a central gateway every 30 seconds using scheduled low-duty-cycle bursts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MRF49XAT-I/ST serves as the primary RF transceiver, handling FSK modulation, AFC correction, and RSSI-based link quality monitoring. Use Value: 0.3 μA sleep current extends AA battery life beyond 5 years; integrated CLKOUT eliminates need for second crystal on sensor node PCB. |
Use Scenario: Vehicle door lock/unlock fob transmits encrypted commands to receiver module within 10 m range under varying environmental RF noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MRF49XAT-I/ST provides secure, low-latency FSK transmission with fast PLL settling for frequency hopping and AFC-assisted channel tracking. Use Value: +7 dBm output power ensures reliable operation despite hand-body shielding; programmable LNA gain adapts to proximity-induced signal attenuation. |
| Smart Meter Telemetry | Medical Vital Sign Monitor |
|
Use Scenario: Gas/water meter transmits consumption data hourly via mesh network to concentrator using ISM-band sub-GHz propagation through walls and underground pipes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MRF49XAT-I/ST acts as certified ISM-band transceiver with ETSI-compliant 868 MHz operation, supporting long-range, low-interference communication. Use Value: –110 dBm sensitivity enables reception through concrete and metal enclosures; differential RF I/O improves immunity to conducted noise on utility-grade PCBs. |
Use Scenario: Wearable pulse oximeter streams real-time SpO₂ and heart rate data to bedside monitor using ultra-low-power wireless link compliant with medical EMC standards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MRF49XAT-I/ST functions as the certified sub-GHz transceiver with integrated low-phase-noise VCO and calibrated RSSI for signal integrity validation. Use Value: Industrial temperature rating (–40°C to +85°C) ensures reliability during sterilization cycles; analog RSSIO output enables real-time RF link health diagnostics. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar sub-GHz FSK transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SX1212 (Semtech) | Lower TX power (+3 dBm), no integrated crystal oscillator, requires external loop filter for PLL. | Lacks CLKOUT and integrated 10 MHz oscillator - increases BOM and layout complexity for microcontroller clocking. | Select when lower RF output suffices and external crystal control is preferred for tighter frequency stability. |
| CC1101 (Texas Instruments) | Wider frequency range (300–348/433/868/915 MHz), higher RX sensitivity (–116 dBm), but higher RX current (15.6 mA vs. 11 mA). | Superior sensitivity benefits long-range links, but higher active current reduces battery life in ultra-low-duty-cycle applications. | Prefer for extended-range telemetry where power budget allows >4 mA average current; avoid when <1 μA sleep is mandatory. |
Compared with SX1212 and CC1101, the MRF49XAT-I/ST uniquely integrates clock generation (CLKOUT), low-power sleep (0.3 μA), and AFC-calibrated operation - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, battery-constrained ISM-band nodes requiring minimal external components and guaranteed interoperability with Microchip PIC® MCUs.
Availability
MRF49XAT-I/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for home automation sensor networks, industrial remote keyless entry systems, and smart meter telemetry requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for MRF49XAT-I/ST 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
Microchip Technology Inc. is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and wireless solutions, with ISO/TS-16949:2009 certification for design and wafer fabrication.
The MRF49XAT-I/ST belongs to Microchip's ISM-band RF transceiver product line, designed specifically for low-cost, low-power, two-way wireless communication in unlicensed sub-GHz bands for industrial and consumer telemetry.
FAQ
What is the operating voltage range for the MRF49XAT-I/ST?
The MRF49XAT-I/ST operates from 2.2 V to 3.8 V, supporting common battery chemistries including single-cell Li-ion (3.0–3.6 V), LiFePO₄ (2.5–3.65 V), and alkaline (2.4–3.2 V). This wide range enables direct connection to battery rails without regulation in many portable applications, and the device maintains full functionality-including +7 dBm TX output and –110 dBm RX sensitivity-across the entire voltage window. The internal low-battery detector monitors VDD and asserts an interrupt when voltage falls below a user-programmed threshold.
Does the MRF49XAT-I/ST require an external crystal oscillator?
No, the MRF49XAT-I/ST does not require an external crystal oscillator. It integrates 10 MHz oscillator circuitry with programmable load capacitance (8.5–16 pF in 0.5 pF steps) and accepts a standard 10 MHz series crystal directly on the RFXTL/EXTREF pin. This eliminates the need for a separate oscillator IC and reduces component count. Additionally, the device provides a CLKOUT signal to clock an external microcontroller, removing the requirement for a second crystal on the system board - a key advantage for space- and cost-constrained designs.
How does Automatic Frequency Control (AFC) function in the MRF49XAT-I/ST?
In the MRF49XAT-I/ST, AFC dynamically adjusts the PLL center frequency in discrete steps to compensate for crystal drift caused by temperature, aging, or voltage variation. It uses the received signal's frequency error to update the synthesizer register, enabling narrow receiver bandwidth (improving sensitivity) and reliable operation with low-cost ≤40 ppm crystals. AFC can be enabled or disabled via register control and operates automatically during RX mode without host intervention - critical for maintaining link integrity in battery-powered remote sensors deployed across wide ambient temperature ranges.
What package type and footprint does the MRF49XAT-I/ST use?
The MRF49XAT-I/ST is housed in a 16-pin Thin Shrink Small Outline Package (TSSOP) measuring 4.4 mm × 5.0 mm with 0.65 mm lead pitch. It is RoHS-compliant and rated for industrial temperature operation (–40°C to +85°C). The package supports standard reflow soldering profiles and is compatible with automated assembly. Pin 11 (VSS) and pin 14 (VDD) require proper decoupling per Table 2-2 in the datasheet - e.g., 2.2 μF tantalum + 10 nF ceramic + 220 pF ceramic for 433 MHz operation - to ensure stable RF performance and minimize conducted noise coupling.
Can the MRF49XAT-I/ST interface directly with PIC® microcontrollers?
Yes, the MRF49XAT-I/ST is explicitly designed for seamless interfacing with Microchip PIC® microcontrollers via its 4-wire SPI interface (SDI, SDO, SCK, CS), along with dedicated handshaking signals: INT/DIO, IRO, RESET, and CLKOUT. The datasheet includes Figure 1-2 showing the exact MCU-to-MRF49XA connection diagram. The integrated CLKOUT signal eliminates the need for a second crystal on the PIC® board, and the low-voltage I/O (2.2–3.8 V) matches PIC® GPIO voltage levels. All register maps and timing diagrams in DS70590C are validated for PIC® MCU integration, including interrupt-driven FIFO management and sleep/wake synchronization.
MRF49XAT-I/ST Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Type:
- TxRx Only
- RF Family/Standard:
- General ISM < 1GHz
- Protocol:
- -
- Modulation:
- FHSS, FSK
- Frequency:
- 433MHz, 868MHz, 915MHz
- Data Rate (Max):
- 256kbps
- Power - Output:
- 7dbm
- Sensitivity:
- -112dBm
- Memory Size:
- -
- Serial Interfaces:
- SPI
- GPIO:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.2V ~ 3.8V
- Current - Receiving:
- 11mA ~ 13mA
- Current - Transmitting:
- 15mA ~ 24mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-TSSOP
MRF49XAT-I/ST FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MRF49XAT-I/ST through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MRF49XAT-I/ST 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 MRF49XAT-I/ST reliable?
The price and inventory of MRF49XAT-I/ST are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MRF49XAT-I/ST is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MRF49XAT-I/ST?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MRF49XAT-I/ST transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MRF49XAT-I/ST?
MRF49XAT-I/ST orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MRF49XAT-I/ST 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 MRF49XAT-I/ST?
For technical support, including MRF49XAT-I/ST datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MRF49XAT-I/ST requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MRF49XAT-I/ST is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MRF49XAT-I/ST 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 MRF49XAT-I/ST meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MRF49XAT-I/ST?
All MRF49XAT-I/ST units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MRF49XAT-I/ST, 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 MRF49XAT-I/ST part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MRF49XAT-I/ST:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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