Multi-band sub-1 GHz transceiver for ISM links
The Texas Instruments CC1101TRHBRG4Q1 is a single-chip TxRx-only transceiver covering three sub-1 GHz ISM bands: 310–348 MHz, 420–450 MHz, and 779–928 MHz. It supports 2FSK, GFSK, ASK, MSK, and OOK modulation at data rates up to 250 kBaud, with a receiver sensitivity of -114 dBm and a maximum output power of +11 dBm.
Sensitivity and output power — link budget anchor
The -114 dBm sensitivity combined with +11 dBm output power gives a typical link budget around 125 dB before antenna gains. That translates to reliable outdoor links in the 868/915 MHz bands at several hundred metres line-of-sight with a quarter-wave whip. The current draw in receive mode runs 15.5 mA to 19.3 mA; transmit current ranges from 12.1 mA at low power up to 35.5 mA at +11 dBm, so battery sizing needs to account for the duty cycle and output level.
The base product number CC1101 spans multiple package and temperature variants, providing a stable supply baseline for the foreseeable future.
Housed in a 32-VFQFN with exposed pad (5x5 mm body), the device requires a solid ground-plane via stitch under the thermal pad to keep junction temperatures in check during continuous transmit at +11 dBm. The SPI interface is the only control bus, so a host MCU with at least four free GPIOs (CSn, SCLK, MOSI, MISO) is needed.
