Microchip Technology MRF89XAT-I/MQ
- Part No.:
- MRF89XAT-I/MQ
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MRF89XAT-I/MQ.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX ISM<1GHZ 32VQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MRF89XAT-I/MQ from Microchip Technology is a fully integrated, ultra-low-power, half-duplex sub-GHz ISM band transceiver supporting FSK and OOK modulation across 863–870 MHz, 902–928 MHz, and 950–960 MHz bands. It delivers +12.5 dBm RF output power in eight programmable steps, achieves –107 dBm RX sensitivity at 25 kbps (FSK), and consumes only 3 mA in RX mode and 0.1 µA typical in Sleep mode - enabling battery-powered wireless sensor nodes and remote control systems.
For engineers reviewing the MRF89XAT-I/MQ datasheet, MRF89XAT-I/MQ pinout, MRF89XAT-I/MQ application, or MRF89XAT-I/MQ equivalent, key selection considerations include its 4-wire SPI interface, integrated PLL synthesizer with lock detect, 64-byte TX/RX FIFO, RSSI with 70 dB dynamic range, and compliance with ETSI EN 300-220 and FCC Part 15.247/15.249.
Technical Context
The MRF89XAT-I/MQ implements a superheterodyne receiver architecture with dual down-conversion: first IF at ~100 MHz (1/9× RF), second IF at baseband (FSK) or low-IF (OOK). Its integer-N PLL synthesizer uses a 12.8 MHz crystal reference and supports rapid frequency hopping via programmable dividers in both feedback and reference paths.
Baseband processing includes hardware-accelerated packet handling with automatic CRC generation, data whitening, Manchester encoding/decoding, and a bit synchronizer for glitch-free FIFO filling in Buffered mode. The digital control block interfaces exclusively via 4-wire SPI (CSCON, CSDAT, SDO, SDI, SCK), with IRQ0/IRQ1 interrupt outputs and PLOCK status flag.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Operating Frequency Bands | 863–870 MHz, 902–928 MHz, and 950–960 MHz ISM bands - enables global deployment without hardware change. |
| Modulation Support | FSK and OOK - provides flexibility for proprietary protocols requiring low complexity or high sensitivity. |
| Max Data Rate | 200 kbps (FSK NRZ), 32 kbps (OOK) - sufficient for telemetry, sensor reporting, and remote control payloads. |
| RX Sensitivity | –107 dBm @ 25 kbps FSK, –113 dBm @ 2 kbps OOK - ensures robust link budget in noisy industrial environments. |
| TX Output Power | +12.5 dBm, programmable in 8 steps - allows precise EIRP tuning to meet regional regulatory limits. |
| RX Current Consumption | 3 mA typical - extends coin-cell battery life to multi-year operation in periodic wake-up sensor nodes. |
| Sleep Current | 0.1 µA typical, 2 µA max - minimizes quiescent drain during extended idle periods. |
| Regulatory Compliance | FCC Part 15.247/15.249 and ETSI EN 300-220 certified - eliminates need for external certification testing in target markets. |
Pinout & Package
The MRF89XAT-I/MQ is housed in a 32-pin TQFN package (5 mm × 5 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad (Pin 33 = GND). All analog supplies (AVRS, DVRS, VCORS, PARS) are regulated internally and require dedicated decoupling per datasheet layout guidelines.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| RFIO (Pin 31) | Shared RF I/O | Single-ended 50 Ω matched port for antenna connection; internal T/R switch eliminates external RF switch. |
| SDO/SDI/SCK/CSCON/CSDAT (Pins 16–18, 14–15) | SPI Interface | 4-wire SPI with chip-select control enables deterministic register access and firmware-driven configuration. |
| IRQ0/IRQ1/PLOCK (Pins 21–23) | Interrupt & Status Outputs | Hardware event signaling (RX packet ready, TX complete, PLL lock) reduces MCU polling overhead. |
| CLKOUT (Pin 19) | Programmable Clock Output | Provides divided reference clock (12.8 MHz / N) to synchronize MCU peripherals or external logic. |
| DATA (Pin 20) | NRZ Data I/O | Direct continuous-mode data path bypassing SPI - used for simple streaming applications. |
| VDD (Pin 26), VSS (Pin 33) | Main Power & Ground | 2.1–3.6 V supply with internal regulation; exposed pad mandatory for thermal and electrical performance. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated PLL Synthesizer with Lock Detect | Enables stable frequency synthesis and real-time verification of RF readiness before transmission. |
| 64-Byte TX/RX FIFO with Preload | Reduces host MCU intervention frequency and supports burst packet transmission without timing-critical SPI writes. |
| Hardware Packet Handling Engine | Offloads CRC generation, sync word detection, and data whitening from MCU - lowers BOM cost by enabling 8-bit controllers. |
| Programmable Baseband Bandwidth (BBBW) | Allows optimization of receiver selectivity vs. sensitivity for varying data rates and channel spacing requirements. |
| Dedicated Regulated Supplies (AVRS/DVRS/PARS/VCORS) | Isolates noise-sensitive analog blocks (LNA, VCO, PA) from digital switching, improving SNR and phase noise performance. |
| On-Chip Bit Synchronizer (BitSync) | Delivers clean, jitter-controlled clock/data pairs to MCU in Continuous mode - eliminates external clock recovery circuitry. |
Applications
| Home Automation Sensor Node | Industrial Remote Monitoring |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Wireless temperature/humidity/motion sensors transmitting data every 5 minutes to a gateway using a proprietary FSK protocol. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Sub-GHz transceiver providing reliable 1–2 km line-of-sight communication in cluttered indoor environments with minimal MCU interaction. Use Value: 3 mA RX current and 0.1 µA Sleep current enable >5-year operation on CR2032; integrated RSSI and packet filtering reduce false triggers. | Use Scenario: Battery-powered vibration and pressure sensors deployed on rotating machinery in factory settings, reporting condition data hourly. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power, interference-tolerant ISM band transceiver operating in 902–928 MHz band with adaptive data rate and OOK modulation for noise resilience. Use Value: –113 dBm sensitivity at 2 kbps OOK ensures reception under high EMI; programmable TX power avoids overdriving nearby receivers. |
| Automotive Keyless Entry Fob | Smart Utility Meter Telemetry |
Use Scenario: Compact fob transmitting encrypted unlock commands to vehicle receivers using short bursts in 868/915 MHz bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Half-duplex transceiver with fast PLL settling (<100 µs) enabling rapid channel hopping and secure rolling-code transmission. Use Value: +12.5 dBm output meets automotive range requirements; integrated PA/LNA eliminates discrete RF components and saves PCB area. | Use Scenario: AMI meter transmitting consumption data daily via mesh network using time-synchronized FSK packets in 950–960 MHz band. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Regulatory-compliant transceiver supporting ETSI EN 300-220 emission masks and duty-cycle-limited operation. Use Value: Built-in CRC and packet handling ensure data integrity over long-range links; 200 kbps capability supports firmware updates within regulatory dwell-time limits. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar sub-GHz transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SX1276IMLTRT | LoRa® modulation support, higher RX sensitivity (–148 dBm), wider supply range (1.8–3.7 V), but larger 32-QFN footprint and no integrated PA regulator. | Better suited for long-range, low-duty-cycle LoRaWAN networks; lacks native OOK support and requires external PA biasing. | Select when LoRa protocol compatibility and extreme sensitivity outweigh cost and design simplicity. |
| CC1125RHBR | Higher TX power (+16 dBm), narrower bandwidth options, integrated analog front-end calibration, but no built-in FIFO or packet engine. | Preferred for high-reliability industrial telemetry where spectral purity and calibrated RX gain dominate over MCU offload features. | Choose when system-level calibration and higher output power are critical, and MCU handles packet framing. |
Compared with SX1276IMLTRT and CC1125RHBR, the MRF89XAT-I/MQ offers balanced integration - combining SPI-controlled packet handling, regulated supplies, and OOK/FSK flexibility in a compact TQFN - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, battery-operated proprietary protocols rather than standardized LPWAN or high-precision instrumentation.
Availability
MRF89XAT-I/MQ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for home automation sensor nodes, industrial remote monitoring systems, and automotive keyless entry fobs requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for MRF89XAT-I/MQ 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 is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and connectivity solutions, with a focus on embedded control and low-power wireless.
The MRF89XAT-I/MQ belongs to Microchip's MRF89XA family of integrated sub-GHz transceivers, designed specifically for ultra-low-power, cost-sensitive proprietary wireless applications in industrial, building, and automotive markets.
FAQ
What is the maximum data rate supported by the MRF89XAT-I/MQ in FSK mode?
The MRF89XAT-I/MQ supports up to 200 kbps in FSK mode using NRZ coding. This rate is achievable with appropriate baseband bandwidth configuration and signal-to-noise ratio. At lower data rates (e.g., 25 kbps), the device achieves –107 dBm RX sensitivity, optimizing link budget for longer range or noisy environments. The MRF89XAT-I/MQ does not support higher rates such as 500 kbps or GFSK variants beyond its specified FSK/OOK capabilities.
Does the MRF89XAT-I/MQ require an external crystal oscillator?
Yes, the MRF89XAT-I/MQ requires an external 12.8 MHz fundamental-mode crystal connected between OSC1 (Pin 10) and OSC2 (Pin 11). This crystal serves as the reference for the on-chip PLL synthesizer and must meet specified load capacitance and stability requirements per the DS70000622E datasheet. No internal RC oscillator is provided - the crystal is mandatory for RF frequency accuracy and PLL lock.
How is RF transmit/receive switching handled on the MRF89XAT-I/MQ?
The MRF89XAT-I/MQ uses a single-ended RFIO pin (Pin 31) shared between TX and RX paths, with internal T/R switching controlled automatically by the state machine. In TX mode, the PA is enabled and PARS (Pin 29) supplies 1.8 V; in RX mode, the PA is disabled and PARS is grounded. No external RF switch or PIN diode circuitry is required, simplifying front-end design and reducing bill-of-materials cost.
What power supply voltages does the MRF89XAT-I/MQ support, and how are internal regulators used?
The MRF89XAT-I/MQ operates from a single 2.1–3.6 V supply on VDD (Pin 26). Internally, it generates four regulated supplies: AVRS (1.0 V for analog blocks), DVRS (1.0 V for digital logic), VCORS (0.85 V for VCO), and PARS (1.8 V for PA). These are output on dedicated pins and must be decoupled per datasheet recommendations. The POR, SPI, and configuration registers use the raw VDD voltage directly.
Is the MRF89XAT-I/MQ compliant with FCC and ETSI regulatory standards?
Yes, the MRF89XAT-I/MQ is designed to comply with FCC Part 15.247 and 15.249 (U.S.) and ETSI EN 300-220 (Europe) when implemented per Microchip's reference design guidelines - including proper RF filtering, matching, and layout practices. Compliance is achieved through integrated features like programmable TX power, RSSI-based channel assessment, and spectral mask adherence via configurable modulation parameters. Final system-level certification remains the responsibility of the end-equipment manufacturer.
MRF89XAT-I/MQ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Type:
- TxRx Only
- RF Family/Standard:
- General ISM < 1GHz
- Protocol:
- -
- Modulation:
- FSK, OOK
- Frequency:
- 863MHz ~ 870MHz, 902MHz ~ 928MHz, 950MHz ~ 960MHz
- Data Rate (Max):
- 200kbps
- Power - Output:
- 12.5dBm
- Sensitivity:
- -113dBm
- Memory Size:
- -
- Serial Interfaces:
- SPI
- GPIO:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.1V ~ 3.6V
- Current - Receiving:
- 3mA
- Current - Transmitting:
- 16mA ~ 25mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-VQFN (5x5)
MRF89XAT-I/MQ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MRF89XAT-I/MQ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MRF89XAT-I/MQ 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 MRF89XAT-I/MQ reliable?
The price and inventory of MRF89XAT-I/MQ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MRF89XAT-I/MQ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MRF89XAT-I/MQ?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MRF89XAT-I/MQ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MRF89XAT-I/MQ?
MRF89XAT-I/MQ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MRF89XAT-I/MQ 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 MRF89XAT-I/MQ?
For technical support, including MRF89XAT-I/MQ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MRF89XAT-I/MQ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MRF89XAT-I/MQ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MRF89XAT-I/MQ 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 MRF89XAT-I/MQ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MRF89XAT-I/MQ?
All MRF89XAT-I/MQ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MRF89XAT-I/MQ, 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 MRF89XAT-I/MQ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MRF89XAT-I/MQ:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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