NXP Semiconductors SA615DK/01,118
- Part No.:
- SA615DK/01,118
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 20-LSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
SA615DK/01,118.pdf
- Description:
- IC MIXER 500MHZ UP CONVRT 20SSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,598
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Product details
Overview
SA615DK/01 from NXP Semiconductors is a monolithic low-power FM IF system integrating mixer/oscillator, dual limiting IF amplifiers, quadrature detector, muting, temperature-compensated RSSI, and voltage regulator. It delivers 13 dB mixer conversion gain at 45 MHz, 25 MHz limiter bandwidth, and >90 dB RSSI dynamic range, enabling high-sensitivity cellular radio receivers operating at 455 kHz IF.
For engineers reviewing the SA615DK/01 datasheet, SA615DK/01 pinout, SA615DK/01 application, or SA615DK/01 equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meaning for key specs, SSOP20 package details, functional alternatives for AMPS/TACS-compliant systems, and supply support for production-grade RF receiver designs.
Technical Context
The SA615DK/01 implements a Gilbert-cell mixer with L/C or crystal oscillator (up to 150 MHz), followed by two cascaded limiting IF amplifiers delivering 102 dB total gain and optimized for 455 kHz ceramic filter interfaces. Its quadrature detector uses internal IF and externally phase-shifted IF signals to produce demodulated audio outputs.
RSSI generation employs temperature-compensated logarithmic compression across >90 dB input range, referenced to IF_AMP_OUT with ±2 dB variation. Mute control accepts CMOS/TTL-level inputs and attenuates audio output by >60 dB, while dual audio outputs (muted/unmuted) support flexible signal routing in battery-powered receivers.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Mixer NF | 4.6 dB at 45 MHz - enables 0.22 µV sensitivity into 50 Ω for 12 dB SINAD in FM receivers |
| IF Bandwidth | 25 MHz small-signal limiter bandwidth - supports wideband FM demodulation without distortion |
| RSSI Range | >90 dB dynamic range with ±2 dB variation - provides stable signal-strength indication across cellular RF input levels |
| Supply Current | 5.7 mA typical at 6 V - allows direct operation from single-cell Li-ion or 3×AA battery packs |
| AM Rejection | 25–43 dB at 80% AM 1 kHz - ensures robust FM demodulation in co-channel AM interference environments |
| Input IP3 | −12 dBm - defines third-order intermodulation performance in multi-signal cellular baseband front-ends |
| SINAD | 12 dB at −118 dBm RF input - meets EIA AMPS/TACS specification for voice-quality FM reception |
Pinout & Package
SA615DK/01 is housed in a plastic shrink small outline package (SSOP20) with 20 leads, 4.4 mm body width, and 0.65 mm lead pitch per SOT266-1 standard. Thermal impedance is 117 K/W (junction-to-ambient).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 RF_IN | RF input | Single-ended 4.7 kΩ input impedance for direct connection to antenna matching networks |
| 3 OSC_OUT | Oscillator output | Drives external crystal or L/C tank; supports up to 150 MHz crystal or 1 GHz L/C configurations |
| 7 RSSI_OUT | RSSI output | Analog voltage proportional to log IF level; 0–5.8 V over −118 to −18 dBm range with ±2 dB accuracy |
| 8 MUTED_AUD_OUTP | Muted audio output | Audio path gated by TTL/CMOS mute signal; >60 dB attenuation when active |
| 11 LIMITER_OUT | Limiter amplifier output | Drives quadrature detector; 1.5 kΩ output impedance matches standard 455 kHz ceramic filters |
| 15 GND | Ground | Negative supply reference; requires low-inductance PCB return path for RF stability |
| 16 IF_AMP_OUT | IF amplifier output | Internal node between first and second IF stages; requires 12 dBV insertion loss for RSSI linearity |
| 20 MIXER_OUT | Mixer output | Internally loaded with 1.5 kΩ resistor; directly interfaces with 455 kHz ceramic filters without matching |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature-compensated RSSI | ±2 dB RSSI error over −40 °C to +85 °C enables stable signal-strength reporting in outdoor cellular equipment |
| Low external component count | Supports crystal, ceramic, or LC filters without external biasing or matching components |
| ESD-hardened design | Withstands >2 kV HBM per JEDEC JS-001, reducing failure risk during board assembly and field handling |
| Dual audio outputs | Separate muted/unmuted paths allow simultaneous connection to audio processing and mute-control logic |
| High mixer input frequency | Operates up to 500 MHz RF input - suitable for VHF/UHF FM receivers and spectrum analyzer front-ends |
Applications
| Cellular Radio FM IF | High-Performance Communications Receiver |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 455 kHz IF stage in AMPS/TACS base station transceivers requiring EIA-compliant SINAD and AM rejection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Full IF signal chain - mixer, limiting amplification, quadrature detection, and RSSI generation. Use Value: Meets 12 dB SINAD and 25–43 dB AM rejection specs without external gain staging or filtering. |
Use Scenario: Portable HF/VHF scanning receiver needing wide dynamic range and low power consumption. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-conversion IF processor with integrated muting and RSSI for user interface feedback. Use Value: 5.7 mA supply current and >90 dB RSSI range enable battery life >24 hours with audible signal-strength indication. |
| SCA Receiver | RF Level Meter |
Use Scenario: Subsidiary Communications Authorization decoding in FM broadcast receivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-linearity IF amplifier and quadrature detector supporting 67 kHz SCA subcarrier recovery. Use Value: 25 MHz limiter bandwidth and 62.5 dB limiter gain preserve SCA modulation integrity under strong adjacent-channel signals. |
Use Scenario: Handheld field strength meter measuring RF signal amplitude across VHF/UHF bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Logarithmic RSSI generator with calibrated voltage output referenced to −118 dBm to −18 dBm. Use Value: ±2 dB RSSI accuracy and 0–5.8 V analog output eliminate need for external ADC calibration in portable meters. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar FM IF system applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SA615D/01 | SO20 package (7.5 mm body width); 90 K/W thermal impedance vs. 117 K/W for SSOP20 | Preferred for through-hole prototyping or legacy SO20 footprint compatibility | Select SA615D/01 when board space allows wider package or thermal management prioritizes lower junction-to-ambient resistance |
| SA605DK/01 | Identical SSOP20 pinout but lower guaranteed ICC (5.0 mA typ), higher IP3i (−10 dBm), and tighter RSSI error (±1.5 dB) | Better suited for ultra-low-power or high-linearity narrowband FM applications where SA615DK/01's higher gain/noise trade-off is unnecessary | Choose SA605DK/01 when optimizing for battery life in portable scanners or when RSSI accuracy below ±2 dB is required |
Compared with SA615D/01, SA615DK/01 offers 30% smaller PCB footprint and higher thermal resistance, making it optimal for space-constrained handheld radios; versus SA605DK/01, SA615DK/01 trades 2 dB higher RSSI error and 0.7 mA higher ICC for 2.5 dB improved mixer noise figure and broader IF bandwidth.
Availability
SA615DK/01 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular radio FM IF, high-performance communications receivers, SCA receivers, and RF level meter applications requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges (−40 °C to +85 °C).
Supply support for SA615DK/01 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
NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor leader specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and communication markets.
The SA615 product line was designed for high-sensitivity, low-power FM intermediate frequency processing in cellular and professional radio systems, targeting EIA AMPS/TACS compliance with integrated RSSI and muting.
FAQ
What is the primary function of the SA615DK/01 in an FM receiver design?
The SA615DK/01 serves as a complete FM IF subsystem, integrating mixer/oscillator, dual limiting IF amplifiers, quadrature detector, muting logic, and temperature-compensated RSSI. In a 455 kHz IF architecture, SA615DK/01 replaces discrete gain stages and demodulators while maintaining EIA AMPS/TACS compliance. Its 1.5 kΩ IF input/output impedances enable direct ceramic filter interfacing without external matching networks.
How does the RSSI output of the SA615DK/01 behave across its specified input range?
The SA615DK/01 RSSI output delivers 0–5.8 V over a −118 dBm to −18 dBm IF input range, with ±2 dB variation across −40 °C to +85 °C. At −118 dBm, RSSI_OUT is 0–800 mV; at −68 dBm, it is 1.7–3.3 V; and at −18 dBm, it reaches 3.6–5.8 V. This logarithmic response enables precise signal-strength indication in cellular base stations and portable scanners without external calibration.
Can the SA615DK/01 operate with a crystal oscillator, and what is the maximum supported frequency?
Yes, the SA615DK/01 supports crystal oscillator configurations up to 150 MHz using Butler oscillator topology. Pin 3 (OSC_OUT) and pin 4 (OSC_IN) connect directly to a 3rd-overtone crystal like the 44.545 MHz HC-49U part used in reference designs. For frequencies above 100 MHz, Hartley or Colpitts L/C tanks are recommended, with L/C oscillator operation validated to 1 GHz in test circuits.
What are the key differences between SA615DK/01 and SA605DK/01 beyond package type?
SA615DK/01 and SA605DK/01 share identical SSOP20 pinouts but differ in guaranteed specifications: SA615DK/01 has higher ICC (5.7 mA vs. 5.0 mA typ), lower input IP3 (−12 dBm vs. −10 dBm), and wider RSSI error (±2 dB vs. ±1.5 dB), while offering better mixer noise figure (4.6 dB vs. 5.0 dB) and broader limiter bandwidth (25 MHz vs. unspecified). These trade-offs make SA615DK/01 preferable for high-sensitivity cellular IF stages.
Does the SA615DK/01 require external decoupling capacitors, and if so, what values are recommended?
Yes, SA615DK/01 requires multiple external decoupling capacitors per the datasheet: a 10–22 µF tantalum capacitor on the VCC line (pin 6), a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor near the supply pin, and dedicated 100 nF ceramics on each IF_AMP_DECOUPL (pins 12, 19) and LIMITER_DECOUPL (pins 13, 18) terminals. These ensure stable 25 MHz limiter operation and prevent oscillation in high-gain IF stages.
SA615DK/01,118 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- SA615
- Package/Case:
- 20-LSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- Cellular, ASK, FSK, UHF, VHF
- Frequency:
- 500MHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 3
- Gain:
- 13dB
- Noise Figure:
- 5dB
- Secondary Attributes:
- Up Converter
- Current - Supply:
- 7.4mA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5V ~ 8V
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-SSOP
SA615DK/01,118 FAQ
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5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for SA615DK/01,118?
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6.How does Aetrix verify that SA615DK/01,118 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA615DK/01,118 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 SA615DK/01,118 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA615DK/01,118?
All SA615DK/01,118 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA615DK/01,118, 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 SA615DK/01,118 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA615DK/01,118:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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