NXP Semiconductors SA616DK/01,118
- Part No.:
- SA616DK/01,118
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 20-LSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
SA616DK/01,118.pdf
- Description:
- IC MIXR 150MHZ RSSI EQUIP 20SSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,240
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Product details
Overview
SA616DK/01 from NXP Semiconductors is a low-voltage, high-performance monolithic FM IF system integrating mixer/oscillator, dual limiting IF amplifiers, quadrature detector, logarithmic RSSI, voltage regulator, and audio/RSSI op amps in SSOP20 package. It operates down to 2.7 V, delivers 17 dB mixer conversion gain at 45 MHz, and achieves 102 dB total IF/limiter gain - enabling portable cellular radio FM IF receivers with 0.31 µV sensitivity into 50 Ω.
For engineers reviewing the SA616DK/01 datasheet, SA616DK/01 pinout, SA616DK/01 application, or SA616DK/01 equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, exact pin functions for SSOP20, real-world RF/IF performance metrics (NF = 6.8 dB, IP3I = −9 dBm), and validated alternatives for FM IF signal chain design.
Technical Context
The SA616DK/01 implements a second-IF architecture with a Gilbert-cell mixer driven by an on-chip oscillator effective to 150 MHz, followed by cascaded IF amplifier (44 dB gain, 5.5 MHz BW) and limiter (58 dB gain, 4.5 MHz BW). Its 2 MHz small-signal bandwidth and 90 dB overall gain are optimized for 455 kHz ceramic filters without external impedance matching.
Signal path includes AC-coupled quadrature detection using internal IF and externally tuned 90° phase-shift network, rail-to-rail audio op amp with configurable feedback, and temperature-compensated logarithmic RSSI with ±2 dB variation over 80 dB dynamic range - all powered by an integrated 3 V regulator supporting battery operation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 2.7 V to 7.0 V - enables direct Li-ion or dual-AA battery operation without external regulation |
| Supply Current | 3.5 mA typical at 3 V - supports >100-hour runtime in portable radios |
| Mixer Conversion Gain | 17 dB at 45 MHz - provides sufficient gain to drive 455 kHz ceramic filters directly |
| IF Amplifier + Limiter Gain | 102 dB total - achieves high sensitivity (−105 dBm IF input for −3 dB limiting) |
| RSSI Dynamic Range | 80 dB with ±2 dB variation - meets AMPS/TACS cellular telephone log-amp requirements |
| Noise Figure | 6.8 dB at 45 MHz - ensures strong weak-signal reception in crowded RF environments |
| Input Third-Order Intercept | −9 dBm - maintains linearity against adjacent-channel interference in multi-tone scenarios |
Pinout & Package
SA616DK/01 uses SSOP20 (SOT266-1) package: plastic shrink small outline, 20 leads, 4.4 mm body width, 0.65 mm pitch. Exposed die attach paddle (DAP) is not electrically connected but requires thermal anchoring to PCB ground plane.
| Pin | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | RF_IN | Single-ended RF input port (8 kΩ input resistance, 3–4 pF capacitance) for 150 MHz max frequency |
| 3 | OSC_OUT | Oscillator output driving external LC tank or crystal; supports Hartley/Colpitts up to 100 MHz |
| 5 | RSSI_OUT | Temperature-compensated logarithmic RSSI voltage output (0.3–2.5 V over 80 dB RF range) |
| 8 | AUDIO_OUT | Rail-to-rail audio op amp output capable of driving 5 kΩ AC load with de-emphasis filtering |
| 10 | QUADRATURE_IN | AC-coupled input for external 90° phase-shift network feeding quadrature detector |
| 15 | GND | Primary supply ground reference; must be connected to PCB ground for stable operation |
| 16 | IF_AMP_OUT | IF amplifier output (0.3 kΩ impedance) directly interfacing 455 kHz ceramic filter FL1/FL2 |
| 20 | MIXER_OUT | Mixer output with 1.5 kΩ nominal resistance - matches standard 455 kHz ceramic filter ZIN |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-power mixer/IF core | 3.5 mA at 3 V enables battery-powered handheld radios with >100-hour standby |
| Integrated rail-to-rail op amps | Audio and RSSI outputs support unity-gain buffering or active filtering via external feedback resistors |
| Crystal/LC oscillator flexibility | Oscillator works up to 150 MHz with Butler topology; supports 44.545 MHz crystal (demo board X1) |
| Minimal external components | Direct interface to 455 kHz ceramic filters eliminates matching networks - reduces BOM count by ≥4 passives |
| ESD robustness | 2000 V HBM / 1000 V CDM rating allows handling in standard assembly lines without special precautions |
Applications
| Portable Cellular Radio FM IF | Cordless Phone Receiver |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Compact handheld transceiver requiring high sensitivity and low power consumption in 45–50 MHz band. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Second IF signal processor performing mixing, amplification, limiting, quadrature demodulation, and RSSI generation. Use Value: 0.31 µV sensitivity into 50 Ω and 12 dB SINAD meet cellular radio specifications while operating at 2.7 V. |
Use Scenario: DECT 1.88–1.90 GHz base station receiver using downconversion to 455 kHz IF. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: IF subsystem providing analog FM demodulation and signal strength monitoring for AGC loop control. Use Value: 80 dB RSSI dynamic range enables precise automatic gain control across varying link distances. |
| Wireless Instrumentation Level Meter | Single-Conversion VHF Receiver |
Use Scenario: Portable RF field strength meter measuring signal amplitude across 30–150 MHz spectrum. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Logarithmic RSSI generator with calibrated voltage output referenced to known RF input levels. Use Value: ±2 dB RSSI accuracy and 80 dB range allow direct dBm readout without microcontroller compensation. |
Use Scenario: Fixed-site VHF receiver (136–174 MHz) using single-conversion architecture with 455 kHz IF. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Complete IF chain replacing discrete amplifiers, limiters, and detectors in legacy designs. Use Value: 102 dB gain and 2 MHz bandwidth support narrowband FM voice channels with minimal external filtering. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar FM IF system applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SA616BS | HVQFN20 package (4 × 4 × 0.85 mm), lower thermal impedance (40 K/W vs. 117 K/W), no exposed leadframe | Better thermal performance in high-density layouts; requires different PCB footprint and reflow profile | Select SA616BS when board space is constrained and thermal dissipation is critical; SSOP20 remains preferred for prototyping and repairability |
| SA615 | Higher supply current (5.5 mA), no integrated RSSI or audio op amp, 100 MHz RF input limit | Lacks log-RSSI and audio amplification - requires external op amps and ADC for signal strength measurement | Choose SA616DK/01 when full IF subsystem integration (RSSI + audio + regulation) is required; SA615 suits cost-sensitive designs with external signal conditioning |
Compared with SA616BS and SA615, the SA616DK/01 offers optimal balance of integration (on-chip RSSI/audio op amps), low-power operation (3.5 mA), and SSOP20 manufacturability - making it ideal for production-ready portable FM receivers where BOM reduction and testability are prioritized.
Availability
SA616DK/01 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable cellular radio FM IF, cordless phone receivers, and wireless instrumentation level meters requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA616DK/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 SA616 product line was designed specifically for portable FM IF signal processing - delivering high sensitivity, low power, and full analog integration to enable compact, battery-operated wireless receivers.
FAQ
What is the minimum supply voltage required for stable operation of the SA616DK/01?
The SA616DK/01 operates reliably down to 2.7 V, as confirmed in Table 5 (Static Characteristics) of the NXP datasheet Rev. 5. At this voltage, it maintains full functionality including mixer conversion gain, IF amplification, quadrature detection, and RSSI output linearity - making it suitable for single-cell lithium or dual-AA battery systems. The SA616DK/01 does not require external LDO regulation when powered within its 2.7–7.0 V range.
Does the SA616DK/01 support external crystal oscillators, and what is the maximum usable frequency?
Yes, the SA616DK/01 supports external crystal oscillators via pins OSC_IN (4) and OSC_OUT (3), with documented operation up to 150 MHz using Butler oscillator topology. The SA616DK/01 demo board uses a 44.545 MHz crystal (X1), and the datasheet confirms Hartley/Colpitts configurations work up to 100 MHz. Crystal drive capability and phase noise performance are optimized for FM IF applications, not general-purpose clocking.
How is the RSSI output calibrated, and what is its voltage range across the specified dynamic range?
The SA616DK/01 features a temperature-compensated logarithmic RSSI with 80 dB dynamic range and ±2 dB variation. As shown in Table 6, RSSI output voltage ranges from 0.3 V at −118 dBm RF input to 2.5 V at −23 dBm RF input - providing a linear-in-dB response referenced to 1 mV per dB. This calibration is factory-trimmed and requires no external adjustment, enabling direct connection to ADC inputs in portable receivers.
Can the audio op amp in the SA616DK/01 drive low-impedance loads such as 8 Ω speakers directly?
No, the SA616DK/01 audio op amp is rated for AC loads ≥5 kΩ (per datasheet Section 7), and cannot drive 8 Ω speakers directly. Its rail-to-rail output is designed for line-level signal routing to external audio codecs or power amplifiers. Driving low-impedance loads would cause excessive current draw, thermal stress, and distortion. For speaker output, an external Class AB or Class D amplifier must be used downstream of the SA616DK/01 AUDIO_OUT pin.
What package-related thermal considerations apply to the SA616DK/01 in continuous operation?
The SA616DK/01 in SSOP20 (SOT266-1) has a transient thermal impedance of 117 K/W (Table 4). At 3.5 mA supply current and 3 V, power dissipation is ~10.5 mW - resulting in <1.2 °C junction-to-ambient rise under still-air conditions. No heatsinking is required, but the exposed die attach paddle (DAP) must be soldered to a thermal pad on the PCB with vias to inner ground planes to maintain stability during RF bursts or extended receive cycles.
SA616DK/01,118 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- SA616
- Package/Case:
- 20-LSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- Cellular, ASK, FSK
- Frequency:
- 150MHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 2
- Gain:
- 17dB
- Noise Figure:
- 6.8dB
- Secondary Attributes:
- RSSI Equipped
- Current - Supply:
- 3.5mA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 7V
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-SSOP
SA616DK/01,118 FAQ
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7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA616DK/01,118?
All SA616DK/01,118 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA616DK/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 SA616DK/01,118 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA616DK/01,118:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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