This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the RF Transmitters category on DigiKey.com
RF Transmitters are used to send a radio frequency signal and modulate that signal to carry data from a system. The frequency range is from 315Hz to 64GHz with a data rate of 3kbps to 2Mbps and power output from -30dBm to 24.7dBm. The data interface is a connector, I2C, pads for pins, parallel, PCB, serial, solder pad, SPI, UART, and USB, and an antenna connection of castellation, on-board, PCB, and through-hole.
SelectionCharacteristics
Frequency: The frequency or frequencies this product is designed to be compatible with.
Applications: Application is the type of equipment or environment the device will be used in, they are tested and typically rated by a third party to ensure certain minimum standards for the application they are intended for. You could use one with a higher rating, but you cannot use one with a lower rating as it will fail in that application. For example, you could use a medically rated device to replace a commercial device, but you cannot replace the medical device with the commercial device.
Modulation or Protocol: Indicates the communication standard(s) or RF modulation techniques supported or employed by a device.
Data Rate (Max): Characterizes the maximum 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: This rating refers to the amount of energy used to transmit an RF signal in a specific amount of time.
Current - Transmitting: Characterizes a device’s supply current consumption while actively transmitting.
Data Interface: Indication of which interface(s) or protocol(s) are used by the device to communicate with other components in the system.
Antenna Connector: Indicates the style/format of the connector used to connect to an antenna
Memory Size: Indicates the amount and type of writable memory available for use within the product.
Features: These are different capabilities of the device, such as automotive or programmable.
Voltage - Supply: Typically given in a range it represents the low and high voltage limits - within this range a device will meet its given specifications. Voltages outside this range may damage device and/or other system components.
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.
Mounting Type: How the device is attached.
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: Fewer 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.
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 suppliers device packaging. Typically it is best to check the actual dimensions from the datasheet rather than depend on this terminology when designing your circuit.
Supplier Device Package: This is what the manufacturer calls the package of this device. They are manufacturer specific. It is typically best to use the actual dimensions from the datasheets rather than to go by this terminology when designing your circuit.
ProductExamples
| DigiKey Part Number | ATA8404C-6DQY-66TR-ND | |
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology | |
| Manufacturer Product Number | ATA8404C-6DQY-66 | |
| Description | RF TX IC ASK 313-317MHZ 10TFSOP | |
| Datasheet | Click Here |
| DigiKey Part Number | TXM-433-LR_-ND | |
| Manufacturer | Linx Technologies Inc. | |
| Manufacturer Product Number | TXM-433-LR | |
| Description | RF TX IC ASK/OOK 433MHZ 8SMD MOD | |
| Datasheet | Click Here |
| DigiKey Part Number | 1568-1176-ND | |
| Manufacturer | SparkFun Electronics | |
| Manufacturer Product Number | WRL-10535 | |
| Description | RF LINK TRANSMITTER - 315MHZ | |
| Datasheet | Click Here |
MediaLinks
Videos
Getting Started with the MAX41460 RF Transmitter
Coherent Tunable XFP demo
RF Power Solutions for Digital Broadcasting
Articles
Small, Low-Power Disposable Radios—Part 1
Wireless Links Inside Rotating Machinery
RF Energy Harvesting: Batteries Not Included
Simplify the Design of an RF Remote Control
Small, Low-Cost, Low-Power Disposable Radios—Part 2: FM, FSK, and PSK
Embedded Design Requirements for Smart Metering Systems
Designing a Wireless Heart Rate Monitor
Harvested RF Powers Remote Sensors
Other RF Transmitter Search Results
Product Training Modules
RF Transmitter Results for Product Training Modules (PTMs)
Blogs
Blogs on RF Transmitters
TechForum
Radio Frequency Terminology
Do RF tx modules need to be FCC certified?