This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the RF Transceiver Modules and Modems category on DigiKey.com
RF Transceiver Modules are used to send and/or take in a radio frequency signal. The RF family/Standard is Bluetooth, Cellular, General ISM, GPS, Navigation, SiBeam, WiFi, and 802.15.4 with frequencies ranging from 70MHz to 65GHz. The data rates range from 600 bps to 12.3Gbps and power output from -10dBm to 54dBm.
SelectionCharacteristics
DigiKey Programmable: For verified products, DigiKey can program/flash your compiled code or configuration variables prior to shipping. For unverified products, please inquire with ProgCent.Techs@digikey.com.
RF Family/Standard: Indicates the general application space or communications standard for which a device is intended for use.
Protocol: Enumerates the communications protocols and/or standard interfaces that a device supports or implements.
Modulation: Enumerates RF modulation schemes that a device employs or can be configured to employ.
Frequency: The specific radio frequency at which the device operates.
Data Rate: Characterizes the rate at which information can be transmitted or received by a device. Does not necessarily refer to the throughput rate for user data, see device datasheets for further information.
Power - Output: A device’s maximum rated output power in dB relative to 1 milliwatt or watt.
Sensitivity: The minimum RF signal strength required for the receiver to successfully demodulate and recover the data from the incoming signal.
Serial Interfaces: Indicates standard serial communication interfaces/protocols that are present or provisioned for on a device.
Antenna Type: Indicates the form of the antenna and/or antenna connector provided on the module.
Utilized IC / Part: the specific IC or semiconductor component that is used in the module or modem for implementing wireless communication.
Memory Size: The amount and type of memory available in the device.
Voltage - Supply: Typically represented by a range, this indicates the low and high voltage limits that one can expect in standard operation. Voltages outside this range may damage the device and other system components.
Current - Receiving: Characterizes device current consumption while operating in an active state, awaiting a transmitted signal.
Current - Transmitting: Characterizes a device’s supply current consumption while actively transmitting.
Mounting Type : How the device is attached.
Expanding on Mounting Types
Chassis Mount
Designed to be mounted to a metal chassis.
Chassis Mount, 8" Wire Lead
Attaches to a metal chassis but it includes an 8" wire for connection.
Chassis, Stud Mount
Designed to be mounted to a metal Chassis using an incorporated stud bolt.
Screw Mount
Attaches using screw terminals.
Stud Mount
Has a stud bolt incorporated into one side for attachment.
Flange Mount
Screws or bolts go through wings (flanges) that protrude from the product.
Connector Mount
A mount that incorporates a connector into its method of attachment into the electrical system.
Surface Mount
Have pins or pads that connect to solder pads on the PCB that are then soldered in place forming an electrical and mechanical connection. The number in front of SMD indicates how many pins/pads, for example, a 6-SMD module has 6 pins/pads. May not use or even have all the pins/pads for example 24-SMD module, 14 leads: would fit in the space of a 24-SMD module but only has 14 pins/pads. Typically, they are smaller than the through-hole components.
There are three basic types of pins (leads) for surface mount devices.
Lead Types
Gull wing leads: Enable the most pins per inch when compared to J-lead types but they are more fragile. Easy to inspect for defects after soldering.
J-Leads: Less pins per inch than gull-wing leads but they are stronger and less susceptible to breakage.
Flat Leads:
Must be protectively packaged to prevent damage to leads. Leads must be formed into a gull shape prior to use with a separate piece of equipment. Due to that, they are the least popular type of lead.
Operating Temperature: Recommended operating temperature, typically given in a range or as a maximum. Exceeding these temperatures may affect performance or damage the device and other system components.
Package / Case: Indicates the type of protective case used on an electronic component to allow easy handling, installation, and protection. This selection was determined to be the closest industry standard applicable to the supplier’s device packaging. Typically it is best to check the actual dimensions from the datasheet rather than depend on this terminology when designing your circuit.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | BMD-360-A-R |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 1604-BMD-360-A-RTR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | u-blox |
| DESCRIPTION | Bluetooth Bluetooth v5.1 Transceiver Module 2.36GHz ~ 2.5GHz Integrated, Trace Surface Mount |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | ENW-89846A1KF |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | P16823TR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | Panasonic Electronic Components |
| DESCRIPTION | Bluetooth Bluetooth v4.1, Class 2 Transceiver Module 2.4GHz Integrated, Chip Surface Mount |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | XB3-24ACM |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 602-2203-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Digi |
| DESCRIPTION | 802.15.4 Bluetooth v4.0, Zigbee® Transceiver Module 2.4GHz Integrated, Chip Surface Mount |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
MediaLinks
Videos
SparkFun Artemis Module and Nordic Thingy:91
Silicon Labs Blue Gecko BGM12x Bluetooth Smart SiP Module
Articles
Software-Defined Radio Advanced RF Transceiver