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STMicroelectronics SN260QT
- Part No.:
- SN260QT
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
SN260QT.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX+MCU 802.15.4 40QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,594
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Product details
Overview
SN260QT from STMicroelectronics is a ZigBee® 802.15.4 network processor integrating a 2.4 GHz transceiver, XAP2b 16-bit microprocessor, EmberZNet™ stack, 128 kB Flash, and 8 kB RAM. It delivers –99 dBm RX sensitivity (1% PER), +2.5 dBm nominal TX power, and supports Boost mode (–100 dBm / +4.5 dBm). It operates in deep sleep at 1.0 µA and interfaces via SPI or UART to host MCUs in wireless sensor networks.
For engineers reviewing the SN260QT datasheet, SN260QT pinout, SN260QT application, or SN260QT equivalent, key selection criteria include IEEE 802.15.4 PHY/MAC hardware acceleration, integrated AES encryption, low-power sleep modes (1.0 µA), and EmberZNet stack licensing - all critical for battery-powered ZigBee end devices and coordinators.
Technical Context
The SN260QT implements a low-IF super-heterodyne receiver with differential RF paths, 4 MHz IF, and 12 Msps ADC sampling, enabling robust coexistence with 802.11g/Bluetooth. Its digital baseband includes coherent O-QPSK demodulation and hardware-accelerated MAC functions including automatic ACK, CSMA-CA timing, and packet filtering.
Transmit path uses direct VCO modulation with integrated PA and optional secondary RF port (RF_TX_ALT_P/N) for external amplification. The XAP2b core executes EmberZNet firmware while offloading time-critical MAC and security operations to dedicated hardware blocks including AES-128 accelerator and PTI debug interface.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RX Sensitivity | –99 dBm at 1% PER (20-byte packet); enables reliable link budget in noisy 2.4 GHz environments |
| TX Output Power | +2.5 dBm nominal; sufficient for 10–30 m indoor range without external PA |
| Boost Mode | –100 dBm RX / +4.5 dBm TX; software-selectable for extended range or interference-limited deployments |
| Sleep Current | 1.0 µA in deep sleep and power-down modes; supports multi-year battery life in coin-cell applications |
| Memory | 128 kB embedded Flash + 8 kB RAM; stores EmberZNet stack, application tokens, and simulated EEPROM |
| Clock Sources | Integrated 24 MHz crystal oscillator + internal 10 kHz RC oscillator; eliminates need for external timing components |
| Security | Hardware AES-128 accelerator; offloads encryption/decryption from XAP2b core, reducing latency and power |
Pinout & Package
SN260QT is housed in a 41-pin QFN package (6 mm × 6 mm, 0.4 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad (Pin 41 = GND). All power domains are segregated: VDD_CORE (1.8 V digital), VDD_RF/VDD_VCO/VDD_IF (1.8 V RF/analog), VDD_PADS (2.1–3.6 V I/O), and VDD_FLASH (1.8 V Flash).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| RF_P / RF_N | Differential RF I/O | Main transceiver antenna interface; requires 50 Ω differential matching network |
| RF_TX_ALT_P / RF_TX_ALT_N | Differential TX-only output | Enables connection to external PA; isolated from main RF path during normal operation |
| nRESET | Active-low reset input | Internal pull-up; asserts cold reset and triggers POR sequence on falling edge |
| nHOST_INT | Interrupt output to Host | Signals EZSP frame completion, MAC events, or error conditions to host MCU |
| nWAKE | Wake input from Host | Asynchronously wakes SN260QT from deep sleep; edge-triggered, debounced internally |
| MOSI / MISO / SCLK / nSSEL | SPI interface signals | Standard 4-wire SPI plus chip select; supports up to 8 MHz clock for high-throughput EZSP transactions |
| TXD / RXD / nCTS / nRTS | UART interface signals | Full-duplex UART with hardware flow control; compatible with standard 3.3 V logic levels |
| SIF_MOSI / SIF_MISO / SIF_CLK / nSIF_LOAD | Serial Interface Framework debug | Non-intrusive JTAG-equivalent interface for flash programming and real-time debugging without halting XAP2b |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Hardware MAC Acceleration | Offloads ACK generation, CSMA-CA backoff, CCA, and packet filtering - reduces host MCU latency and jitter |
| Packet Trace Interface (PTI) | Real-time packet-level visibility into PHY/MAC layer activity; essential for InSight™ network debugging |
| Integrated Voltage Regulator | Generates stable 1.8 V from unregulated 2.1–3.6 V supply; eliminates external LDO and simplifies BOM |
| Multi-domain Power Management | Independent power gating of RF, digital, and memory domains enables fine-grained current optimization per operational state |
| Simulated EEPROM | Flash-based wear-leveling implementation for persistent token storage; survives >100k write cycles |
Applications
| Smart Lighting Control | Industrial Sensor Node |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Wireless dimming and grouping of LED fixtures in commercial buildings using ZigBee Light Link profile. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Network processor executing EmberZNet coordinator firmware; handles mesh routing, security key management, and OTA updates. Use Value: Hardware MAC timing compliance ensures sub-15 ms beacon interval accuracy required for synchronized lighting groups. |
Use Scenario: Battery-powered temperature/humidity node deployed in factory HVAC ducts with 10-year lifetime target. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: End device running EmberZNet router-capable firmware; enters deep sleep between 30-second sensor reads and reports. Use Value: 1.0 µA deep sleep current enables CR2032 operation for >120 months without maintenance. |
| Home Security Panel | Asset Tracking Tag |
|
Use Scenario: Central hub aggregating door/window sensors, motion detectors, and siren modules in residential security system. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Trust center and network coordinator; performs AES-128 link-key establishment and secure rejoin handling. Use Value: Dedicated AES accelerator processes security handshakes in <100 µs, preventing perceptible alarm response delay. |
Use Scenario: GPS-denied indoor asset tag tracking pallets in warehouse using ZigBee proximity mesh. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power end device transmitting RSSI/LQI-stamped beacons every 5 seconds via hardware-timed timer. Use Value: Integrated sleep timer and wake-on-RF capability eliminate external RTC, reducing size and cost by 30%. |
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) | Based on 8051 core; 64 kB Flash; no integrated regulator; requires external 3.3 V supply | Lacks Boost mode and PTI; supports Z-Wave dual-band variants but not EmberZNet licensed stack | Select when migrating legacy EM2xx designs or requiring Z-Wave interoperability over ZigBee |
| CC2530 (Texas Instruments) | 8051 core; 256 kB Flash; integrated 2.4 GHz transceiver; no hardware MAC offload for CSMA-CA | Runs Z-Stack instead of EmberZNet; higher active current (24 mA RX) limits battery life vs. SN260QT's 17 mA | Select for cost-sensitive, non-battery applications where full-stack flexibility outweighs power efficiency |
Compared with EM2520 and CC2530, SN260QT uniquely combines EmberZNet licensing, hardware MAC timing compliance, 1.0 µA deep sleep, and Boost mode - making it optimal for certified, long-life ZigBee PRO end devices requiring minimal external components.
Availability
SN260QT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for building automation, home security systems, and industrial sensor networks requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for SN260QT 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, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, analog ICs, MEMS, and wireless solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
SN260QT belongs to ST's ZigBee network processor product line, engineered specifically to deliver certified, low-power, stack-integrated wireless connectivity for battery-operated mesh nodes in smart infrastructure applications.
FAQ
Is the EmberZNet stack included with SN260QT?
Yes. SN260QT is only sold with a license for EmberZNet™, the Ember ZigBee-compliant protocol stack. The stack resides in embedded Flash and is pre-validated for ZigBee PRO certification. No separate stack purchase or royalty payment is required - the license is bundled with the silicon.
Can SN260QT operate without an external 24 MHz crystal?
No. The SN260QT requires a 24 MHz fundamental-mode crystal connected between OSCA and OSCB pins for primary clock generation. The internal RC oscillator serves only for low-power sleep timing and cannot replace the crystal for RF or MAC operation.
What is the function of the RF_TX_ALT_P/N pins?
RF_TX_ALT_P and RF_TX_ALT_N provide a secondary, isolated differential TX output path. They are used exclusively when connecting an external power amplifier - the main RF_P/N path is disabled during transmission on this alternate port to prevent signal coupling and self-interference.
Does SN260QT support over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates?
Yes. SN260QT supports OTA updates via EmberZNet's bootloader mechanism. The embedded Flash includes protected boot and application sectors, and the SIF debug interface allows secure field reprogramming without physical access to the board.
SN260QT Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- 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)
SN260QT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SN260QT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SN260QT 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 SN260QT reliable?
The price and inventory of SN260QT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SN260QT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SN260QT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SN260QT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SN260QT?
SN260QT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SN260QT 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 SN260QT?
For technical support, including SN260QT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SN260QT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SN260QT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SN260QT 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 SN260QT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SN260QT?
All SN260QT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SN260QT, 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 SN260QT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SN260QT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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