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STMicroelectronics SN260Q
- Part No.:
- SN260Q
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
SN260Q.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX+MCU 802.15.4 40QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,933
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Product details
Overview
SN260Q from STMicroelectronics is a ZigBee®-compliant 802.15.4 network processor integrating a 2.4 GHz transceiver, 16-bit XAP2b microprocessor, EmberZNet™ stack, 1.8 V integrated voltage regulator, and hardware AES encryption accelerator. It delivers –99 dBm RX sensitivity (1% PER), +2.5 dBm nominal TX power, and supports Boost mode (–100 dBm / +4.5 dBm). Used as a serially controlled network coprocessor in battery-powered smart home sensors.
For engineers reviewing the SN260Q datasheet, SN260Q pinout, SN260Q application, or SN260Q equivalent, key selection considerations include SPI/UART host interface flexibility, sub-1 µA deep-sleep current, integrated MAC offload for CSMA-CA and automatic ACK, RF coexistence with 802.11g/Bluetooth, and EmberZNet licensing model requiring stack-bound procurement.
Technical Context
The SN260Q implements a low-IF super-heterodyne receiver with differential RF front-end (RF_P/RF_N), 4 MHz IF stage, and 12 Msps ADC, enabling robust adjacent-channel rejection against 802.11g and Bluetooth. Its transmitter directly modulates an integrated 4.8 GHz VCO and includes a built-in PA with optional secondary TX port (RF_TX_ALT_P/N) for external amplification.
Hardware-accelerated IEEE 802.15.4 MAC handles packet filtering, clear channel assessment (CCA), automatic backoff, and ACK generation-reducing host CPU load. The XAP2b core executes EmberZNet over EZSP via SPI or UART, while SIF provides non-intrusive debug access independent of runtime operation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RX Sensitivity | –99 dBm at 1% PER (20-byte packet); enables reliable link budget in dense 2.4 GHz environments |
| TX Output Power | +2.5 dBm nominal; sufficient for 10–30 m indoor mesh node range without external PA |
| Boost Mode | –100 dBm RX / +4.5 dBm TX; software-selectable for extended range or interference-limited deployments |
| Deep Sleep Current | 1.0 µA; sustains multi-year battery life in coin-cell–powered occupancy or temperature sensors |
| Integrated Regulator | 1.8 V output; powers internal RF, digital core, and Flash domains from single unregulated input (2.1–3.6 V) |
| AES Accelerator | Hardware CCM* engine; offloads encryption/authentication from XAP2b core, reducing latency and power per frame |
| Host Interface | SPI (4-wire + nHOST_INT/nWAKE) or UART (RXD/TXD + RTS/CTS); enables drop-in integration with ARM Cortex-M or legacy 8-bit MCUs |
Pinout & Package
SN260Q is housed in a 7 mm × 7 mm, 41-pin QFN package with exposed thermal pad (Pin 41 = GND). All power domains are segregated: VDD_CORE/VDD_FLASH/VDD_RF/VDD_VCO/VDD_IF each require dedicated 1.8 V decoupling; VDD_PADS accepts 2.1–3.6 V for I/O pads.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| RF_P / RF_N | Differential RF I/O | Main transceiver antenna interface; requires 50 Ω balanced matching network |
| RF_TX_ALT_P / RF_TX_ALT_N | Differential TX-only output | Enables connection to external PA without modifying main RF path; driven only in Boost mode |
| nHOST_INT | Interrupt output | Active-low signal alerts host of pending EZSP response or event (e.g., packet received) |
| nWAKE | Wake input | Asynchronous wake request from host; exits deep sleep within 10 µs |
| TX_ACTIVE | TX enable control | Drives external RX/TX switch during transmission; logic-high (1.8 V) synchronized to RF burst |
| SIF_MOSI / SIF_MISO / SIF_CLK / nSIF_LOAD | Debug programming interface | Non-intrusive 4-wire SIF allows real-time firmware upload and breakpoint debugging without halting stack operation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Hardware MAC Offload | Full IEEE 802.15.4 CSMA-CA, CCA, automatic ACK/NAK, and packet filtering executed in silicon-eliminates host-side timing-critical ISR overhead |
| Packet Trace Interface (PTI) | Real-time, non-intrusive visibility into PHY/MAC layer frames via PTI_EN/PTI_DATA pins-enables protocol-level debugging with InSight Desktop |
| Dual Clock Sources | 24 MHz crystal oscillator (OSCA/OSCB) + internal 10 kHz RC oscillator-supports fast wake-from-sleep and ultra-low-power timing without external components |
| Simulated EEPROM | Firmware-managed wear-leveling over embedded Flash; provides 100 k-cycle endurance for stack tokens and application NVRAM |
| Regulated Power Domains | Independent VDD_CORE, VDD_RF, VDD_VCO supplies allow selective shutdown during sleep-key to achieving 1.0 µA deep-sleep current |
Applications
| Smart Thermostat Sensor Node | ZigBee Lighting Controller |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered wall-mount temperature/humidity sensor reporting to HVAC gateway every 5 minutes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Network coprocessor handling 802.15.4 PHY/MAC, EmberZNet routing, and AES-CCM* frame encryption-relieving host MCU of real-time radio timing. Use Value: 1.0 µA deep-sleep current extends CR2032 battery life beyond 5 years; Boost mode ensures reliable uplink during building RF congestion. |
Use Scenario: Mains-powered LED driver with dimming control via ZigBee cluster commands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dedicated network processor executing EmberZNet stack and managing ZCL command parsing-decoupling radio complexity from lighting control firmware. Use Value: Hardware MAC offload guarantees sub-10 µs ACK response time required by ZigBee Light Link profile; PTI enables field-deployed packet-level commissioning validation. |
| Asset Tracking Tag | Home Security Contact Sensor |
|
Use Scenario: Rechargeable tag attached to high-value equipment, transmitting location beacon every 30 seconds using RSSI-based proximity detection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Integrated RSSI and CCA measurement engine used for proximity estimation; XAP2b runs lightweight asset logic while EmberZNet handles mesh forwarding. Use Value: On-chip RSSI accuracy ±3 dB enables reliable zone-based triggering; secondary TX port supports external PA for warehouse-range beacons. |
Use Scenario: Door/window contact sensor powered by AA batteries, waking on magnetic reed switch closure to send alarm frame. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Ultra-low-power network processor with <10 µs wake latency from nWAKE; hardware AES ensures secure alarm payload confidentiality. Use Value: Sub-1 µA power-down mode preserves battery during 99.9% idle time; integrated POR and watchdog guarantee fail-safe reset after brownout events. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ZigBee network processor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| EM2520 (Silicon Labs) | Integrated 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 core; higher MIPS but no Boost mode; requires external 3.3 V regulator | Supports larger EmberZNet PRO feature set; lacks secondary TX port and 1.0 µA deep sleep | Choose for complex edge processing; avoid if sub-µA sleep or external PA support is mandatory |
| CC2531 (Texas Instruments) | 8051 core; lower RX sensitivity (–97 dBm); no hardware AES; 2.2 µA deep sleep | Lower BOM cost; limited to basic ZigBee HA profiles; no PTI or simulated EEPROM | Choose for cost-sensitive, short-range HA devices; avoid for security-critical or long-life industrial use |
Compared with EM2520 and CC2531, SN260Q uniquely balances ultra-low-power operation (1.0 µA), RF performance headroom (Boost mode), and debug capability (SIF + PTI)-making it optimal for battery-constrained, field-deployable ZigBee nodes requiring long-term reliability and protocol visibility.
Availability
SN260Q is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for building automation sensors, smart home controllers, and industrial asset trackers requiring stable component supply, full-stack licensing compliance, and long-term lifecycle assurance.
Supply support for SN260Q 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
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, analog ICs, MEMS, and wireless solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
SN260Q belongs to ST's ZigBee network processor product line, engineered specifically to offload 802.15.4 radio and EmberZNet stack execution from host MCUs-targeting low-power, certified mesh networking in residential and commercial IoT deployments.
FAQ
Is SN260Q sold with EmberZNet stack pre-installed and licensed?
Yes. SN260Q is only available with EmberZNet stack pre-flashed and fully licensed by Silicon Labs. The part number includes stack entitlement; no separate license purchase or stack download is required. Stack version is fixed per production lot and validated per Ember's certification requirements for ZigBee 3.0 interoperability.
Can SN260Q operate without an external 24 MHz crystal?
No. The SN260Q requires a 24 MHz fundamental-mode crystal connected across OSCA/OSCB pins for primary clocking. The internal 10 kHz RC oscillator supports only deep-sleep timing and cannot replace the crystal for radio or stack operation. Crystal load capacitance must match manufacturer specification (typically 12 pF).
What is the function of the TX_ACTIVE pin, and how must it be used with an external PA?
TX_ACTIVE is a logic-high (1.8 V) output asserted synchronously with RF transmission bursts. When driving an external PA, it must control the enable pin of an RF switch or PA bias circuit to ensure transmit path activation occurs precisely during packet transmission-preventing leakage, self-interference, or PA damage from DC bias during idle periods.
Does SN260Q support over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates for the EmberZNet stack?
No. The EmberZNet stack in SN260Q is stored in one-time-programmable (OTP) memory and cannot be updated OTA or in-field. Stack revisions are tied to hardware production lots. Customers requiring newer features must procure updated SN260Q units qualified with the target EmberZNet version-verified through official Silicon Labs compatibility matrices.
SN260Q Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Type:
- TxRx + MCU
- RF Family/Standard:
- 802.15.4
- Protocol:
- Zigbee®
- Modulation:
- O-QPSK
- Frequency:
- 2.4GHz
- Data Rate (Max):
- -
- Power - Output:
- 4.5dBm
- Sensitivity:
- -100dBm
- Memory Size:
- -
- Serial Interfaces:
- SPI, UART
- GPIO:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.1V ~ 3.6V
- Current - Receiving:
- 28mA ~ 36mA
- Current - Transmitting:
- 19mA ~ 36mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 40-QFN (6x6)
SN260Q FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SN260Q through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SN260Q 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 SN260Q reliable?
The price and inventory of SN260Q are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SN260Q is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SN260Q?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SN260Q transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SN260Q?
SN260Q orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SN260Q 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 SN260Q?
For technical support, including SN260Q datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SN260Q requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SN260Q is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SN260Q 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 SN260Q meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SN260Q?
All SN260Q units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SN260Q, 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 SN260Q part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SN260Q:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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