Si4461-Bxx-FM [SILICON]

HIGH-PERFORMANCE, LOW-CURRENT TRANSCEIVER;
Si4461-Bxx-FM
型号: Si4461-Bxx-FM
厂家: SILICON    SILICON
描述:

HIGH-PERFORMANCE, LOW-CURRENT TRANSCEIVER

文件: 总56页 (文件大小:1079K)
中文:  中文翻译
下载:  下载PDF数据表文档文件
Si4464/63/61/60  
HIGH-PERFORMANCE, LOW-CURRENT TRANSCEIVER  
Features  
Frequency range = 119–1050 MHz Power supply = 1.8 to 3.6 V  
Receive sensitivity = –126 dBm  
Modulation  
(G)FSK, 4(G)FSK, (G)MSK  
OOK  
Max output power  
+20 dBm (Si4464/63)  
+16 dBm (Si4461)  
Excellent selectivity performance  
60 dB adjacent channel  
75 dB blocking at 1 MHz  
Antenna diversity and T/R switch control  
Highly configurable packet handler  
TX and RX 64 byte FIFOs  
Auto frequency control (AFC)  
Automatic gain control (AGC)  
Low BOM  
+13 dBm (Si4460)  
PA support for +27 or +30 dBm  
Low active power consumption  
10/13 mA RX  
Low battery detector  
Temperature sensor  
18 mA TX at +10 dBm (Si4460)  
20-Pin QFN package  
Ultra low current powerdown modesIEEE 802.15.4g compliant  
Pin Assignments  
30 nA shutdown, 50 nA standby FCC Part 90 Mask D, FCC part 15.247,  
15,231, 15,249, ARIB T-108, T-96, T-67,  
RCR STD-30, China regulatory  
ETSI Class-I Operation with SAW  
Data rate = 100 bps to 1 Mbps  
Fast wake and hop times  
20 19 18 17  
SDN  
RXp  
RXn  
TX  
1
16  
2
15 nSEL  
14 SDI  
13 SDO  
12 SCLK  
11 nIRQ  
Applications  
3
4
5
GND  
PAD  
Smart metering (802.15.4g & MBus)  
Remote control  
Home security and alarm  
Telemetry  
Garage and gate openers  
Remote keyless entry  
Home automation  
Industrial control  
Sensor networks  
Health monitors  
NC  
6
7
8
9
10  
Electronic shelf labels  
Description  
Patents pending  
Silicon Laboratories' Si446x devices are high-performance, low-current  
transceivers covering the sub-GHz frequency bands from 119 to 1050 MHz. The  
radios are part of the EZRadioPRO® family, which includes a complete line of  
transmitters, receivers, and transceivers covering a wide range of applications. All  
parts offer outstanding sensitivity of –126 dBm while achieving extremely low  
active and standby current consumption. The Si4463/61/60 offers frequency  
coverage in all major bands. The Si4464 offers frequency coverage in bands not  
covered by Si4463/61/60. Typically, these are non-standard frequencies or  
licensed frequency bands. The Si446x includes optimal phase noise, blocking,  
and selectivity performance for narrow band and licensed band applications, such  
as FCC Part90 and 169 MHz wireless Mbus. The 60 dB adjacent channel  
selectivity with 12.5 kHz channel spacing ensures robust receive operation in  
harsh RF conditions, which is particularly important for narrow band operation.  
The Si4464/63 offers exceptional output power of up to +20 dBm with outstanding  
TX efficiency. The high output power and sensitivity results in an industry-leading  
link budget of 146 dB allowing extended ranges and highly robust communication  
links. The Si4460 active mode TX current consumption of 18 mA at +10 dBm and  
RX current of 10 mA coupled with extremely low standby current and fast wake  
times ensure extended battery life in the most demanding applications. The  
Si4464/63 can achieve up to +27 dBm output power with built-in ramping control  
of a low-cost external FET. The devices can meet worldwide regulatory standards:  
FCC, ETSI, and ARIB. All devices are designed to be compliant with 802.15.4g  
and WMbus smart metering standards. The devices are highly flexible and can be  
configured via the Wireless Development Suite (WDS) available on the Silicon  
Labs web site.  
Rev 1.2 1/16  
Copyright © 2016 by Silicon Laboratories  
Si4464/63/62/61/60  
Si4464/63/61/60  
Functional Block Diagram  
GPIO3 GPIO2  
XIN XOUT  
30 MHz XO  
Loop  
Filter  
PFD / CP  
VCO  
FBDIV  
Frac-N Div  
LO  
Gen  
Bootup  
OSC  
TX DIV  
SDN  
RF  
IF  
PKDET  
PKDET  
nSEL  
MODEM  
RXP  
LNA  
RXN  
SDI  
SDO  
FIFO  
Packet  
Handler  
PGA  
ADC  
SCLK  
nIRQ  
LDOs  
POR  
LBD  
PowerRamp  
Cntl  
PA  
TX  
Digital  
Logic  
PA  
LDO  
32K LP  
OSC  
VDD TXRAMP  
VDD  
GPIO0 GPIO1  
Product  
Si4464  
Si4463  
Freq. Range  
Banded  
Max Output  
Power  
TX Current  
RX Current  
Narrow Band  
Support  
Image Cal  
+20 dBm  
+20 dBm  
+16 dBm  
+13 dBm  
915 MHz: 85 mA 10.6/13.6 mA  
119–960 MHz  
Major bands  
142-1050 MHz  
169 MHz: 70 mA  
915 MHz: 85 mA  
10/13 mA  
10/13 mA  
10/13 mA  
Si4461  
Si4460  
Major bands  
142-1050 MHz  
+13 dBm: 29 mA  
+14 dBm: 33 mA  
Major bands  
142-1050 MHz  
+10 dBm: 18 mA  
+11 dBm: 20 mA  
2
Rev 1.2  
Si4464/63/61/60  
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
Section  
Page  
1. Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4  
1.1. Definition of Test Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14  
2. Functional Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15  
3. Controller Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17  
3.1. Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17  
3.2. Fast Response Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19  
3.3. Operating Modes and Timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19  
3.4. Application Programming Interface (API) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23  
3.5. Interrupts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23  
3.6. GPIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24  
4. Modulation and Hardware Configuration Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25  
4.1. MODEM_MOD_TYPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25  
4.2. Modulation Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26  
4.3. Hardware Configuration Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26  
4.4. Preamble Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27  
5. Internal Functional Blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29  
5.1. RX Chain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29  
5.2. RX Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30  
5.3. Synthesizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32  
5.4. Transmitter (TX) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34  
5.5. Crystal Oscillator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38  
6. Data Handling and Packet Handler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39  
6.1. RX and TX FIFOs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39  
6.2. Packet Handler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39  
7. RX Modem Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41  
8. Auxiliary Blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41  
8.1. Wake-up Timer and 32 kHz Clock Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41  
8.2. Low Duty Cycle Mode (Auto RX Wake-Up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43  
8.3. Temperature, Battery Voltage, and Auxiliary ADC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44  
8.4. Low Battery Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45  
8.5. Antenna Diversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45  
9. Pin Descriptions: Si4464/63/61/60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46  
10. Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48  
11. Package Outline: Si4464/63/61/60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49  
12. PCB Land Pattern: Si4464/63/61/60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51  
13. Top Marking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53  
13.1. Si4464/63/61/60 Top Marking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53  
13.2. Top Marking Explanation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53  
Document Change List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54  
Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56  
Rev 1.2  
3
Si4464/63/61/60  
1. Electrical Specifications  
Table 1. DC Characteristics1  
Parameter  
Symbol  
Test Condition  
Min Typ Max Unit  
Supply Voltage  
Range  
V
1.8  
3.3  
3.6  
V
DD  
Power Saving Modes I  
RC Oscillator, Main Digital Regulator,  
and Low Power Digital Regulator OFF  
30  
nA  
nA  
nA  
Shutdown  
I
Register values maintained and RC  
oscillator/WUT OFF  
50  
Standby  
I
RC Oscillator/WUT ON and all register values main-  
tained, and all other blocks OFF  
900  
SleepRC  
SleepXO  
2
I
Sleep current using an external 32 kHz crystal.  
1.7  
1
µA  
µA  
I
Low battery detector ON, register values maintained,  
and all other blocks OFF  
Sensor  
-LBD  
I
Crystal Oscillator and Main Digital Regulator ON,  
all other blocks OFF  
1.8  
mA  
Ready  
TUNE Mode Current  
RX Mode Current  
I
RX Tune, High Performance Mode  
TX Tune, High Performance Mode  
High Performance Mode  
7.2  
8
mA  
mA  
mA  
mA  
mA  
Tune_RX  
I
Tune_TX  
I
13.7  
10.7  
85  
RXH  
2
I
Low Power Mode  
RXL  
TX Mode Current  
(Si4464/63)  
I
+20 dBm output power, class-E match, 915 MHz,  
3.3 V  
TX_+20  
+20 dBm output power, class-E match, 460 MHz,  
3.3 V  
75  
70  
43  
37  
29  
18  
mA  
mA  
mA  
mA  
mA  
mA  
+20 dBm output power, square-wave match,  
169 MHz, 3.3 V  
TX Mode Current  
(Si4461)  
I
I
I
I
+16 dBm output power, class-E match, 868 MHz,  
TX_+16  
TX_+14  
TX_+13  
TX_+10  
2
3.3 V  
+14 dBm output power, Switched-current match,  
2
868 MHz, 3.3 V  
+13 dBm output power, switched-current match,  
2
868 MHz, 3.3 V  
TX Mode Current  
(Si4460)  
+10 dBm output power, Class-E match, 868 MHz,  
2
3.3 V  
Notes:  
1. All specifications guaranteed by production test unless otherwise noted. Production test conditions and max limits are  
listed in the "Production Test Conditions" section of "1.1. Definition of Test Conditions" on page 14.  
2. Guaranteed by qualification. Qualification test conditions are listed in the “Qualification Test Conditions” section in "1.1.  
Definition of Test Conditions" on page 14.  
4
Rev 1.2  
Si4464/63/61/60  
Table 2. Synthesizer AC Electrical Characteristics1  
Parameter  
Symbol  
Test Condition  
Min  
Typ  
Max  
Unit  
Synthesizer Frequency  
Range (Si4463/61/60)  
F
850  
1050 MHz  
SYN  
420  
284  
142  
705  
353  
177  
119  
525  
350  
175  
960  
639  
319  
159  
MHz  
MHz  
MHz  
MHz  
MHz  
MHz  
MHz  
Hz  
Synthesizer Frequency  
Range (Si4464)  
F
SYN  
Synthesizer Frequency  
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
28.6  
14.3  
9.5  
4.7  
28.6  
19.1  
14.3  
9.5  
7.1  
4.7  
50  
RES-960  
RES-525  
RES-350  
RES-175  
RES-960  
RES-639  
RES-479  
RES-319  
RES-239  
RES-159  
850–1050 MHz  
420–525 MHz  
283–350 MHz  
142–175 MHz  
705–960 MHz  
470–639 MHz  
353–479 MHz  
235–319 MHz  
177–239 MHz  
119–159 MHz  
3
Resolution  
Hz  
Hz  
Hz  
Synthesizer Frequency  
Hz  
3
Resolution (Si4464)  
Hz  
Hz  
Hz  
Hz  
Hz  
4
t
Measured from exiting Ready mode with  
XOSC running to any frequency.  
Including VCO Calibration.  
µs  
Synthesizer Settling Time  
LOCK  
4
L(f )  
F = 10 kHz, 460 MHz, High Perf Mode  
F = 100 kHz, 460 MHz, High Perf Mode  
F = 1 MHz, 460 MHz, High Perf Mode  
F = 10 MHz, 460 MHz, High Perf Mode  
–106  
–110  
–123  
–130  
dBc/Hz  
dBc/Hz  
dBc/Hz  
dBc/Hz  
Phase Noise  
M
Notes:  
1. All specification guaranteed by production test unless otherwise noted. Production test conditions and max limits are  
listed in the “Production Test Conditions” section in "1.1. Definition of Test Conditions" on page 14.  
2. For applications that use the major bands covered by Si4463/61/60, customers should use those parts instead of  
Si4464.  
3. Default API setting for modulation deviation resolution is double the typical value specified.  
4. Guaranteed by qualification. Qualification test conditions are listed in the "Qualification Test Conditions" section in "1.1.  
Definition of Test Conditions" on page 14.  
Rev 1.2  
5
Si4464/63/61/60  
Table 3. Receiver AC Electrical Characteristics1  
Parameter  
RX Frequency  
Range (Si4463/61/60)  
Symbol  
Test Condition  
Min  
850  
420  
284  
142  
705  
Typ  
Max  
1050  
525  
350  
175  
960  
Unit  
MHz  
MHz  
MHz  
MHz  
MHz  
F
RX  
RX Frequency  
Range (Si4464)  
F
RX  
353  
177  
119  
639  
319  
159  
MHz  
MHz  
MHz  
Notes:  
1. All specification guaranteed by production test unless otherwise noted. Production test conditions and max limits are  
listed in the "Production Test Conditions" section in "1.1. Definition of Test Conditions" on page 14.  
2. For applications that use the major bands covered by Si4463/61/60, customers should use those parts instead of  
Si4464.  
3. Guaranteed by qualification. BER is specified for the 450–470 MHz band. Qualification test conditions are listed in the  
"Qualification Test Conditions" section in "1.1. Definition of Test Conditions" on page 14.  
4. For PER tests, 48 preamble symbols, 4 byte sync word, 10 byte payload and CRC-32 was used. PER and BER tested  
in the 450–470 MHz band.  
5. Guaranteed by bench characterization.  
6
Rev 1.2  
Si4464/63/61/60  
Table 3. Receiver AC Electrical Characteristics1 (Continued)  
Parameter  
RX Sensitivity  
Symbol  
Test Condition  
Min  
Typ  
Max  
Unit  
P
(BER < 0.1%)  
–126  
dBm  
RX_0.5  
(500 bps, GFSK, BT = 0.5,  
3
f = 250Hz)  
P
(BER < 0.1%)  
–110  
–106  
–105  
–97  
dBm  
dBm  
dBm  
dBm  
dBm  
dBm  
RX_40  
(40 kbps, GFSK, BT = 0.5,  
3
f = 20 kHz)  
P
P
P
(BER < 0.1%)  
RX_100  
RX_125  
RX_500  
(100 kbps, GFSK, BT = 0.5,  
1
f = 50 kHz)  
(BER < 0.1%)  
(125 kbps, GFSK, BT = 0.5,  
3
f = 62.5 kHz)  
(BER < 0.1%)  
(500 kbps, GFSK, BT = 0.5,  
3
f = 250 kHz)  
P
P
(PER 1%)  
–110  
–88  
RX_9.6  
RX_1M  
(9.6 kbps, 4GFSK, BT = 0.5,  
3,4  
f =  kHz)  
(PER 1%)  
(1 Mbps, 4GFSK, BT = 0.5,  
3,4  
inner deviation = 83.3 kHz)  
P
(BER < 0.1%, 4.8 kbps, 350 kHz BW,  
–110  
–104  
–99  
dBm  
dBm  
dBm  
RX_OOK  
3
OOK, PN15 data)  
(BER < 0.1%, 40 kbps, 350 kHz BW,  
3
OOK, PN15 data)  
(BER < 0.1%, 120 kbps, 350 kHz BW,  
3
OOK, PN15 data)  
5
RX Channel Bandwidth  
BW  
1.1  
0
850  
0.1  
kHz  
BER Variation vs Power  
P
Up to +5 dBm Input Level  
ppm  
RX_RES  
3
Level  
RSSI Resolution  
RES  
±0.5  
dB  
RSSI  
Notes:  
1. All specification guaranteed by production test unless otherwise noted. Production test conditions and max limits are  
listed in the "Production Test Conditions" section in "1.1. Definition of Test Conditions" on page 14.  
2. For applications that use the major bands covered by Si4463/61/60, customers should use those parts instead of  
Si4464.  
3. Guaranteed by qualification. BER is specified for the 450–470 MHz band. Qualification test conditions are listed in the  
"Qualification Test Conditions" section in "1.1. Definition of Test Conditions" on page 14.  
4. For PER tests, 48 preamble symbols, 4 byte sync word, 10 byte payload and CRC-32 was used. PER and BER tested  
in the 450–470 MHz band.  
5. Guaranteed by bench characterization.  
Rev 1.2  
7
Si4464/63/61/60  
Table 3. Receiver AC Electrical Characteristics1 (Continued)  
Parameter  
Symbol  
Test Condition  
Min  
Typ  
Max  
Unit  
1-Ch Offset Selectivity,  
169 MHz  
C/I  
Desired Ref Signal 3 dB above sensitiv-  
ity, BER < 0.1%. Interferer is CW, and  
desired is modulated with 2.4 kbps  
F = 1.2 kHz GFSK with BT = 0.5, RX  
channel BW = 4.8 kHz,  
–60  
dB  
1-CH  
3
1-Ch Offset Selectivity,  
C/I  
–58  
–53  
dB  
dB  
1-CH  
3
450 MHz  
1-Ch Offset Selectivity,  
C/I  
1-CH  
channel spacing = 12.5 kHz  
3
868 / 915 MHz  
3
Desired Ref Signal 3 dB above sensitiv-  
ity, BER = 0.1%. Interferer is CW, and  
desired is modulated with 2.4 kbps,  
F = 1.2 kHz GFSK with BT = 0.5,  
RX channel BW = 4.8 kHz  
1M  
–75  
–84  
dB  
dB  
Blocking 1 MHz Offset  
BLOCK  
3
8M  
Blocking 8 MHz Offset  
BLOCK  
3
Im  
No image rejection calibration. Rejec-  
tion at the image frequency.  
IF = 468 kHz  
35  
55  
dB  
dB  
Image Rejection  
REJ  
With image rejection calibration in  
Si446x. Rejection at the image fre-  
quency. IF = 468 kHz  
Notes:  
1. All specification guaranteed by production test unless otherwise noted. Production test conditions and max limits are  
listed in the "Production Test Conditions" section in "1.1. Definition of Test Conditions" on page 14.  
2. For applications that use the major bands covered by Si4463/61/60, customers should use those parts instead of  
Si4464.  
3. Guaranteed by qualification. BER is specified for the 450–470 MHz band. Qualification test conditions are listed in the  
"Qualification Test Conditions" section in "1.1. Definition of Test Conditions" on page 14.  
4. For PER tests, 48 preamble symbols, 4 byte sync word, 10 byte payload and CRC-32 was used. PER and BER tested  
in the 450–470 MHz band.  
5. Guaranteed by bench characterization.  
8
Rev 1.2  
Si4464/63/61/60  
Table 4. Transmitter AC Electrical Characteristics1  
Parameter  
TX Frequency  
Range (Si4463/61/60)  
Symbol  
Test Condition  
Min  
Typ  
Max  
Unit  
850  
1050 MHz  
420  
284  
142  
525  
350  
175  
MHz  
MHz  
MHz  
F
TX  
705  
353  
177  
119  
960  
639  
319  
159  
500  
MHz  
MHz  
MHz  
MHz  
kbps  
TX Frequency  
Range (Si4464)  
F
TX  
3,4  
(G)FSK Data Rate  
DR  
0.1  
0.2  
0.1  
FSK  
3,4  
4(G)FSK Data Rate  
DR  
1000 kbps  
4FSK  
3,4  
OOK Data Rate  
DR  
f  
f  
f  
f  
f  
f  
f  
f  
f  
f  
120  
kbps  
MHz  
kHz  
kHz  
kHz  
MHz  
OOK  
960  
525  
350  
175  
960  
639  
479  
319  
239  
159  
Modulation Deviation  
1.5  
750  
500  
250  
1.5  
850–1050 MHz  
420–525 MHz  
283–350 MHz  
142–175 MHz  
3
Range  
Modulation Deviation  
Range (Si4464)  
705–960 MHz  
470–639 MHz  
353–479 MHz  
235–319 MHz  
177–239 MHz  
119–159 MHz  
3
1
MHz  
kHz  
kHz  
kHz  
kHz  
750  
500  
375  
250  
Notes:  
1. All specification guaranteed by production test unless otherwise noted. Production test conditions and max limits are  
listed in the "Production Test Conditions" section in "1.1. Definition of Test Conditions" on page 14.  
2. For applications that use the major bands covered by Si4463/61/60, customers should use those parts instead of  
Si4464.  
3. Guaranteed by qualification. Qualification test conditions are listed in the "Qualification Test Conditions" section in "1.1.  
Definition of Test Conditions" on page 14.  
4. The maximum data rate is dependant on the XTAL frequency and is calculated as per the formula:  
Maximum Symbol Rate = Fxtal/60, where Fxtal is the XTAL frequency (typically 30 MHz).  
5. Default API setting for modulation deviation resolution is double the typical value specified.  
6. Output power is dependent on matching components and board layout.  
Rev 1.2  
9
Si4464/63/61/60  
Table 4. Transmitter AC Electrical Characteristics1 (Continued)  
Parameter  
Symbol  
Test Condition  
850–1050 MHz  
420–525 MHz  
283–350 MHz  
142–175 MHz  
Min  
Typ  
Max  
Unit  
Modulation Deviation  
28.6  
F
Hz  
RES-960  
2,5  
Resolution  
14.3  
9.5  
F
Hz  
Hz  
Hz  
Hz  
RES-525  
F
RES-350  
4.7  
F
RES-175  
Modulation Deviation  
Resolution (Si4464)  
F
F
F
F
F
F
28.6  
19.1  
14.3  
9.5  
RES-960  
RES-639  
RES-479  
RES-319  
RES-239  
RES-159  
705–960 MHz  
470–639 MHz  
353–479 MHz  
235–319 MHz  
177–239 MHz  
119–159 MHz  
3
Hz  
Hz  
Hz  
Hz  
Hz  
7.1  
4.7  
Output Power Range  
(Si4464/63)  
P
–20  
–40  
+20  
+16  
dBm  
dBm  
6
TX  
Output Power Range  
P
6
TX61  
(Si4461)  
Output Power Range  
(Si4460)  
P
–40  
0.1  
1
+13  
dBm  
dB  
6
TX60  
3
Using switched current match within  
6 dB of max power  
TX RF Output Steps  
P  
P  
RF_OUT  
3
TX RF Output Level  
–40 to +85 C  
dB  
RF_TEMP  
Variation vs. Temperature  
TX RF Output Level  
Variation vs. Frequency  
P  
Measured across 902–928 MHz  
0.5  
0.5  
dB  
3
RF_FREQ  
Transmit Modulation  
Gaussian Filtering Bandwith Time  
Product  
B*T  
3
Filtering  
Notes:  
1. All specification guaranteed by production test unless otherwise noted. Production test conditions and max limits are  
listed in the "Production Test Conditions" section in "1.1. Definition of Test Conditions" on page 14.  
2. For applications that use the major bands covered by Si4463/61/60, customers should use those parts instead of  
Si4464.  
3. Guaranteed by qualification. Qualification test conditions are listed in the "Qualification Test Conditions" section in "1.1.  
Definition of Test Conditions" on page 14.  
4. The maximum data rate is dependant on the XTAL frequency and is calculated as per the formula:  
Maximum Symbol Rate = Fxtal/60, where Fxtal is the XTAL frequency (typically 30 MHz).  
5. Default API setting for modulation deviation resolution is double the typical value specified.  
6. Output power is dependent on matching components and board layout.  
10  
Rev 1.2  
Si4464/63/61/60  
Table 5. Auxiliary Block Specifications1  
Parameter  
Symbol  
Test Condition  
Min  
Typ  
Max  
Unit  
Temperature Sensor  
Sensitivity  
TS  
4.5  
ADC  
Codes/  
°C  
S
2
Low Battery Detector  
Resolution  
LBD  
50  
mV  
RES  
Microcontroller Clock  
Output Frequency Range  
F
Configurable to Fxtal or Fxtal  
divided by 2, 3, 7.5, 10, 15, or  
30 where Fxtal is the reference  
XTAL frequency. In addition,  
32.768 kHz is also supported.  
32.768K  
Fxtal  
Hz  
MC  
3
Temperature Sensor  
Conversion  
TEMP  
Programmable setting  
3
ms  
CT  
2
4
XTAL Range  
XTAL  
25  
32  
MHz  
µs  
Range  
30 MHz XTAL Start-Up Time  
t
Using XTAL and board layout in  
reference design. Start-up time  
will vary with XTAL type and  
board layout.  
250  
30M  
30 MHz XTAL Cap  
Resolution  
30M  
RES  
70  
fF  
2
2
32 kHz XTAL Start-Up Time  
t
2
sec  
32k  
32 kHz Accuracy using  
32KRC  
2500  
ppm  
RES  
2
Internal RC Oscillator  
POR Reset Time  
t
5
ms  
POR  
Notes:  
1. All specification guaranteed by production test unless otherwise noted. Production test conditions and max limits are  
listed in the "Production Test Conditions" section in "1.1. Definition of Test Conditions" on page 14.  
2. Guaranteed by qualification. Qualification test conditions are listed in the "Qualification Test Conditions" section in "1.1.  
Definition of Test Conditions" on page 14.  
3. Microcontroller clock frequency tested in production at 1 MHz, 30 MHz and 32.768 kHz. Other frequencies tested in  
bench characterization.  
4. XTAL Range tested in production using an external clock source (similar to using a TCXO).  
Rev 1.2  
11  
Si4464/63/61/60  
Table 6. Digital IO Specifications (GPIO_x, SCLK, SDO, SDI, nSEL, nIRQ, SDN)1  
Parameter  
2,3  
Symbol  
Test Condition  
0.1 x V to 0.9 x V ,  
DD  
Min  
Typ  
Max  
Unit  
Rise Time  
T
2.3  
ns  
RISE  
DD  
C = 10 pF,  
L
DRV<1:0> = HH  
3,4  
Fall Time  
T
0.9 x V to 0.1 x V  
2
ns  
FALL  
DD  
DD,  
C = 10 pF,  
L
DRV<1:0> = HH  
Input Capacitance  
C
V
2
pF  
V
IN  
Logic High Level Input Voltage  
Logic Low Level Input Voltage  
Input Current  
V
x 0.7  
IH  
DD  
V
–10  
1
V
x 0.3  
DD  
V
IL  
I
0<V < V  
DD  
10  
10  
µA  
µA  
mA  
mA  
mA  
mA  
mA  
mA  
mA  
mA  
mA  
mA  
mA  
mA  
V
IN  
IN  
Input Current If Pullup is Activated  
I
V
= 0 V  
IL  
INP  
3
3
Drive Strength for Output Low  
Level  
I
DRV[1:0] = LL  
6.66  
5.03  
3.16  
1.13  
5.75  
4.37  
2.73  
0.96  
2.53  
2.21  
1.7  
OmaxLL  
OmaxLH  
OmaxHL  
OmaxHH  
I
I
DRV[1:0] = LH  
DRV[1:0] = HL  
3
3
I
DRV[1:0] = HH  
3
Drive Strength for Output High  
Level  
I
DRV[1:0] = LL  
DRV[1:0] = LH  
DRV[1:0] = HL  
OmaxLL  
OmaxLH  
OmaxHL  
OmaxHH  
3
3
3
I
I
I
DRV[1:0] = HH  
3
Drive Strength for Output High  
Level for GPIO0  
I
DRV[1:0] = LL  
DRV[1:0] = LH  
DRV[1:0] = HL  
OmaxLL  
OmaxLH  
OmaxHL  
OmaxHH  
3
3
3
I
I
I
DRV[1:0] = HH  
DRV[1:0] = HL  
DRV[1:0] = HL  
0.80  
Logic High Level Output Voltage  
Logic Low Level Output Voltage  
Notes:  
V
V
x 0.8  
DD  
OH  
V
V
x 0.2  
DD  
V
OL  
1. All specifications guaranteed by qualification. Qualification test conditions are listed in the "Qualification Test  
Conditions" section in "1.1. Definition of Test Conditions" on page 14.  
2. 8 ns is typical for GPIO0 rise time.  
3. Assuming VDD = 3.3 V, drive strength is specified at Voh (min) = 2.64 V and Vol(max) = 0.66 V at room temperature.  
4. 2.4 ns is typical for GPIO0 fall time.  
12  
Rev 1.2  
Si4464/63/61/60  
Table 7. Absolute Maximum Ratings  
Parameter  
Value  
Unit  
V
V
to GND  
–0.3, +3.6  
–0.3, +8.0  
–0.3, +6.5  
DD  
Instantaneous V  
Sustained V  
to GND on TX Output Pin  
V
RF-peak  
to GND on TX Output Pin  
V
RF-peak  
Voltage on Digital Control Inputs  
Voltage on Analog Inputs  
–0.3, V + 0.3  
V
DD  
–0.3, V + 0.3  
V
DD  
RX Input Power  
+10  
–40 to +85  
30  
dBm  
C  
C/W  
C  
C  
Operating Ambient Temperature Range T  
A
Thermal Impedance   
JA  
Junction Temperature T  
+125  
J
Storage Temperature Range T  
–55 to +125  
STG  
Note: Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These  
are stress ratings only and functional operation of the device at or beyond these ratings in the operational sections of  
the specifications is not implied. Exposure to absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect  
device reliability. Power Amplifier may be damaged if switched on without proper load or termination connected. TX  
matching network design will influence TX VRF-peak on TX output pin. Caution: ESD sensitive device.  
Rev 1.2  
13  
Si4464/63/61/60  
1.1. Definition of Test Conditions  
Production Test Conditions:  
T = +25 °C.  
A
V  
= +3.3 VDC.  
DD  
TX output power measured at 915 MHz.  
External reference signal (XOUT) = 1.0 V at 30 MHz, centered around 0.8 VDC.  
PP  
Production test schematic (unless noted otherwise).  
All TX output levels are referred to the pins of the Si4464/63/61/60 (not the output of the RF module).  
All RX input levels are referred to the input of a tuned balun connected to the RX input pins of the  
Si4464/63/61/60.  
Qualification Test Conditions:  
T = –40 to +85 °C (Typical T = 25 °C).  
A
A
V  
= +1.8 to +3.6 VDC (Typical V = 3.3 VDC).  
DD  
DD  
Using TX/RX Split Antenna reference design or production test schematic.  
All RF input and output levels referred to the pins of the Si4464/63/61/60 (not the RF module).  
14  
Rev 1.2  
Si4464/63/61/60  
2. Functional Description  
The Si446x devices are high-performance, low-current, wireless ISM transceivers that cover the sub-GHz bands.  
The wide operating voltage range of 1.8–3.6 V and low current consumption make the Si446x an ideal solution for  
battery powered applications. The Si446x operates as a time division duplexing (TDD) transceiver where the  
device alternately transmits and receives data packets. The device uses a single-conversion mixer to downconvert  
the 2/4-level FSK/GFSK or OOK modulated receive signal to a low IF frequency. Following a programmable gain  
amplifier (PGA) the signal is converted to the digital domain by a high performance  ADC allowing filtering,  
demodulation, slicing, and packet handling to be performed in the built-in DSP increasing the receiver’s  
performance and flexibility versus analog based architectures. The demodulated signal is output to the system  
MCU through a programmable GPIO or via the standard SPI bus by reading the 64-byte RX FIFO.  
A single high precision local oscillator (LO) is used for both transmit and receive modes since the transmitter and  
receiver do not operate at the same time. The LO is generated by an integrated VCO and  Fractional-N PLL  
synthesizer. The synthesizer is designed to support configurable data rates from 100 bps to 1 Mbps. The  
Si4463/61/60 operate in the frequency bands of 142–175, 283–350, 420–525, and 850–1050 MHz with a  
maximum frequency accuracy step size of 28.6 Hz. The Si4464 offers frequency coverage in bands not supported  
by Si4463/61/60. The transmit FSK data is modulated directly into the  data stream and can be shaped by a  
Gaussian low-pass filter to reduce unwanted spectral content.  
The Si4464/63 contains a power amplifier (PA) that supports output power up to +20 dBm with very high efficiency,  
consuming only 70 mA at 169 MHz and 85 mA at 915 MHz. The integrated +20 dBm power amplifier can also be  
used to compensate for the reduced performance of a lower cost, lower performance antenna or antenna with size  
constraints due to a small form-factor. Competing solutions require large and expensive external PAs to achieve  
comparable performance. The Si4461 supplies output power up to +16 dBm. The Si4460 is designed to support  
single coin cell operation with current consumption below 18 mA for +10 dBm output power. Two match topologies  
are available for the Si4461 and Si4460, class-E and switched-current. Class-E matching provides optimal current  
consumption, while switched-current matching demonstrates the best performance over varying battery voltage  
and temperature with slightly higher current consumption. The PA is single-ended to allow for easy antenna  
matching and low BOM cost. The PA incorporates automatic ramp-up and ramp-down control to reduce unwanted  
spectral spreading. The Si446x family supports frequency hopping, TX/RX switch control, and antenna diversity  
switch control to extend the link range and improve performance. Built-in antenna diversity and support for  
frequency hopping can be used to further extend range and enhance performance. Antenna diversity is completely  
integrated into the Si446x and can improve the system link budget by 8–10 dB, resulting in substantial range  
increases under adverse environmental conditions. A highly configurable packet handler allows for autonomous  
encoding/decoding of nearly any packet structure. Additional system features, such as an automatic wake-up  
timer, low battery detector, 64 byte TX/RX FIFOs, and preamble detection, reduce overall current consumption and  
allows for the use of lower-cost system MCUs. An integrated temperature sensor, power-on-reset (POR), and  
GPIOs further reduce overall system cost and size. The Si446x is designed to work with an MCU, crystal, and a  
few passive components to create a very low-cost system.  
The application shown in Figure 1 is designed for a system with a TX/RX direct-tie configuration without the use of  
a TX/RX switch. Most applications with output power less than 17 dBm will use this configuration. Figure 2  
demonstrates an application for +20 dBm using an external T/R-switch.  
Rev 1.2  
15  
Si4464/63/61/60  
30 MHz  
C6  
20 19 18 17 16  
15  
SDN  
RXp  
RXn  
nSEL  
SDI  
GP1  
GP2  
1
L5  
2
3
14  
13  
C2  
GP3  
SDO  
L4  
L3  
Si4461  
L2  
GP4  
GP5  
SCLK  
nIRQ  
TX  
4
5
12  
11  
NC  
C1  
C4  
C5  
C3  
6
7
8
9
10  
L1  
VDD  
C7  
100 p  
C8  
C9  
1u  
100 n  
Figure 1. Si4461 Direct-Tie Application Example  
30 MHz  
C7  
20  
19 18 17 16  
15  
nSEL  
SDN  
RXp  
RXn  
GP1  
GP2  
1
SDI  
L5  
2
3
14  
13  
C6  
GP3  
SDO  
L4  
Si4463  
L3  
L2  
GP4  
GP5  
SCLK  
nIRQ  
TX  
4
5
12  
11  
NC  
C1  
C4  
C5  
6
7
8
9
10  
C3  
C2  
L1  
VDD  
Figure 2. Si4463 Single Antenna with RF Switch Example  
16  
Rev 1.2  
Si4464/63/61/60  
3. Controller Interface  
3.1. Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI)  
The Si446x communicates with the host MCU over a standard 4-wire serial peripheral interface (SPI): SCLK, SDI,  
SDO, and nSEL. The SPI interface is designed to operate at a maximum of 10 MHz. The SPI timing parameters  
are demonstrated in Table 8. The host MCU writes data over the SDI pin and can read data from the device on the  
SDO output pin. Figure 3 demonstrates an SPI write command. The nSEL pin should go low to initiate the SPI  
command. The first byte of SDI data will be one of the firmware commands followed by n bytes of parameter data  
which will be variable depending on the specific command. The rising edges of SCLK should be aligned with the  
center of the SDI data.  
Table 8. Serial Interface Timing Parameters  
Symbol  
Parameter  
Min (ns)  
Diagram  
t
Clock high time  
Clock low time  
40  
40  
20  
20  
20  
20  
50  
20  
50  
80  
CH  
t
CL  
DS  
DH  
DD  
SCLK  
SDI  
t
Data setup time  
tSS  
tCL  
tCH  
tDS tDH  
tDD  
tSH tDE  
t
t
Data hold time  
Output data delay time  
Output enable time  
Output disable time  
Select setup time  
Select hold time  
Select high period  
t
t
EN  
SDO  
DE  
tEN  
tSW  
t
SS  
SH  
nSEL  
t
t
SW  
nSEL  
SDO  
SDI  
FW Command  
Param Byte 0  
Param Byte n  
SCLK  
Figure 3. SPI Write Command  
The Si446x contains an internal MCU which controls all the internal functions of the radio. For SPI read commands  
a typical MCU flow of checking clear-to-send (CTS) is used to make sure the internal MCU has executed the  
command and prepared the data to be output over the SDO pin. Figure 4 demonstrates the general flow of an SPI  
read command. Once the CTS value reads FFh then the read data is ready to be clocked out to the host MCU. The  
typical time for a valid FFh CTS reading is 20 µs. Figure 5 demonstrates the remaining read cycle after CTS is set  
to FFh. The internal MCU will clock out the SDO data on the negative edge so the host MCU should process the  
SDO data on the rising edge of SCLK.  
Rev 1.2  
17  
Si4464/63/61/60  
Firmware Flow  
0xFF  
Retrieve  
Response  
Send Command  
Read CTS  
CTS Value  
0x00  
NSEL  
SDO  
SDI  
CTS  
ReadCmdBuff  
SCK  
Figure 4. SPI Read Command—Check CTS Value  
NSEL  
SDO  
SDI  
Response Byte 0  
Response Byte n  
SCK  
Figure 5. SPI Read Command—Clock Out Read Data  
18  
Rev 1.2  
Si4464/63/61/60  
3.2. Fast Response Registers  
The fast response registers are registers that can be read immediately without the requirement to monitor and  
check CTS. There are four fast response registers that can be programmed for a specific function. The fast  
response registers can be read through API commands, 0x50 for Fast Response A, 0x51 for Fast Response B,  
0x53 for Fast Response C, and 0x57 for Fast Response D. The fast response registers can be configured by the  
“FRR_CTL_X_MODE” properties.  
The fast response registers may be read in a burst fashion. After the initial 16 clock cycles, each additional eight  
clock cycles will clock out the contents of the next fast response register in a circular fashion. The value of the  
FRRs will not be updated unless NSEL is toggled.  
3.3. Operating Modes and Timing  
The primary states of the Si446x are shown in Figure 6. The shutdown state completely shuts down the radio to  
minimize current consumption. Standby/Sleep, SPI Active, Ready, TX Tune, and RX tune are available to optimize  
the current consumption and response time to RX/TX for a given application. API commands START_RX,  
START_TX, and CHANGE_STATE control the operating state with the exception of shutdown which is controlled  
by SDN, pin 1. Table 9 shows each of the operating modes with the time required to reach either RX or TX mode as  
well as the current consumption of each mode. The times in Table 9 are measured from the rising edge of nSEL  
until the chip is in the desired state. Note that these times are indicative of state transition timing but are not  
guaranteed and should only be used as a reference data point. An automatic sequencer will put the chip into RX or  
TX from any state. It is not necessary to manually step through the states. To simplify the diagram it is not shown  
but any of the lower power states can be returned to automatically after RX or TX.  
Figure 6. State Machine Diagram  
Rev 1.2  
19  
Si4464/63/61/60  
Table 9. Operating State Response Time and Current Consumption*  
Response Time to  
Current in State  
/Mode  
State/Mode  
TX  
RX  
Shutdown State  
15 ms  
15 ms  
30 nA  
Standby State  
Sleep State  
SPI Active State  
Ready State  
TX Tune State  
RX Tune State  
440 µs  
440 µs  
340 µs  
126 µs  
58 µs  
440 µs  
440 µs  
340 µs  
122 µs  
50 nA  
900 nA  
1.35 mA  
1.8 mA  
8 mA  
74 µs  
7.2 mA  
TX State  
RX State  
138 µs  
75 µs  
18 mA @ +10 dBm  
10 or 13 mA  
130 µs  
*Note: TXRX and RXTX state transition timing can be reduced to 70 µs if using Zero-IF mode.  
Figure 7 shows the POR timing and voltage requirements. The power consumption (battery life) depends on the  
duty cycle of the application or how often the part is in either Rx or Tx state. In most applications the utilization of  
the standby state will be most advantageous for battery life but for very low duty cycle applications shutdown will  
have an advantage. For the fastest timing the next state can be selected in the START_RX or START_TX API  
commands to minimize SPI transactions and internal MCU processing.  
3.3.1. Power on Reset (POR)  
A Power On Reset (POR) sequence is used to boot the device up from a fully off or shutdown state. To execute this  
process, VDD must ramp within 1ms and must remain applied to the device for at least 10ms. If VDD is removed,  
then it must stay below 0.15V for at least 10ms before being applied again. Please see Figure x and Table x for  
details.  
VDD  
VRRH  
VRRL  
Time  
tSR  
tPORH  
Figure 7. POR Timing Diagram  
20  
Rev 1.2  
Si4464/63/61/60  
Table 10. POR Timing  
Variable  
Description  
Min  
Typ  
Max  
Units  
ms  
ms  
V
High time for VDD to fully settle POR circuit  
Low time for VDD to enable POR  
Voltage for successful POR  
t
10  
PORH  
t
10  
90%*Vdd  
0
PORL  
V
RRH  
Starting Voltage for successful POR  
Slew rate of VDD for successful POR  
V
150  
1
mV  
ms  
RRL  
t
SR  
3.3.2. Shutdown State  
The shutdown state is the lowest current consumption state of the device with nominally less than 30 nA of current  
consumption. The shutdown state may be entered by driving the SDN pin (Pin 1) high. The SDN pin should be held  
low in all states except the shutdown state. In the shutdown state, the contents of the registers are lost and there is  
no SPI access. When coming out of the shutdown state a power on reset (POR) will be initiated along with the  
internal calibrations. After the POR the POWER_UP command is required to initialize the radio. The SDN pin  
needs to be held high for at least 10us before driving low again so that internal capacitors can discharge. Not  
holding the SDN high for this period of time may cause the POR to be missed and the device to boot up incorrectly.  
If POR timing and voltage requirements cannot be met, it is highly recommended that SDN be controlled using the  
host processor rather than tying it to GND on the board.  
3.3.3. Standby State  
Standby state has the lowest current consumption with the exception of shutdown but has much faster response  
time to RX or TX mode. In most cases standby should be used as the low power state. In this state the register  
values are maintained with all other blocks disabled. The SPI is accessible during this mode but any SPI event,  
including FIFO R/W, will enable an internal boot oscillator and automatically move the part to SPI active state. After  
an SPI event the host will need to re-command the device back to standby through the “Change State” API  
command to achieve the 50 nA current consumption. If an interrupt has occurred (i.e., the nIRQ pin = 0) the  
interrupt registers must be read to achieve the minimum current consumption of this mode.  
3.3.4. Sleep State  
Sleep state is the same as standby state but the wake-up-timer and a 32 kHz clock source are enabled. The  
source of the 32 kHz clock can either be an internal 32 kHz RC oscillator which is periodically calibrated or a  
32 kHz oscillator using an external XTAL.The SPI is accessible during this mode but an SPI event will enable an  
internal boot oscillator and automatically move the part to SPI active mode. After an SPI event the host will need to  
re-command the device back to sleep. If an interrupt has occurred (i.e., the nIRQ pin = 0) the interrupt registers  
must be read to achieve the minimum current consumption of this mode.  
3.3.5. SPI Active State  
In SPI active state the SPI and a boot up oscillator are enabled. After SPI transactions during either standby or  
sleep the device will not automatically return to these states. A “Change State” API command will be required to  
return to either the standby or sleep modes.  
3.3.6. Ready State  
Ready state is designed to give a fast transition time to TX or RX state with reasonable current consumption. In this  
mode the Crystal oscillator remains enabled reducing the time required to switch to TX or RX mode by eliminating  
the crystal start-up time.  
3.3.7. TX State  
The TX state may be entered from any of the state with the “Start TX” or “Change State” API commands. A built-in  
sequencer takes care of all the actions required to transition between states from enabling the crystal oscillator to  
ramping up the PA. The following sequence of events will occur automatically when going from standby to TX state.  
1. Enable internal LDOs.  
2. Start up crystal oscillator and wait until ready (controlled by an internal timer).  
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3. Enable PLL.  
4. Calibrate VCO/PLL.  
5. Wait until PLL settles to required transmit frequency (controlled by an internal timer).  
6. Activate power amplifier and wait until power ramping is completed (controlled by an internal timer).  
7. Transmit packet.  
Steps in this sequence may be eliminated depending on which state the chip is configured to prior to commanding  
to TX. By default, the VCO and PLL are calibrated every time the PLL is enabled. When the START_TX API  
command is utilized the next state may be defined to ensure optimal timing and turnaround.  
Figure 8 shows an example of the commands and timing for the START_TX command. CTS will go high as soon  
as the sequencer puts the part into TX state. As the sequencer is stepping through the events listed above, CTS  
will be low and no new commands or property changes are allowed. If the Fast Response (FRR) or nIRQ is used to  
monitor the current state there will be slight delay caused by the internal hardware from when the event actually  
occurs to when the transition occurs on the FRR or nIRQ. The time from entering TX state to when the FRR will  
update is 5 µs and the time to when the nIRQ will transition is 13 µs. If a GPIO is programmed for TX state or used  
as control for a transmit/receive switch (TR switch) there is no delay.  
CTS  
NSEL  
SDI  
START_TX  
Current State  
YYY State  
Tx State  
TXCOMPLETE_STATE  
FRR  
YYY State  
Tx State  
TXCOMPLETE_STATE  
nIRQ  
GPIOx – TX state  
Figure 8. Start_TX Commands and Timing  
3.3.8. RX State  
The RX state may be entered from any of the other states by using the “Start RX” or “Change State” API command.  
A built-in sequencer takes care of all the actions required to transition between states. The following sequence of  
events will occur automatically to get the chip into RX mode when going from standby to RX state:  
1. Enable the digital LDO and the analog LDOs.  
2. Start up crystal oscillator and wait until ready (controlled by an internal timer).  
3. Enable PLL.  
4. Calibrate VCO  
5. Wait until PLL settles to required receive frequency (controlled by an internal timer).  
6. Enable receiver circuits: LNA, mixers, and ADC.  
7. Enable receive mode in the digital modem.  
Depending on the configuration of the radio, all or some of the following functions will be performed automatically  
by the digital modem: AGC, AFC (optional), update status registers, bit synchronization, packet handling (optional)  
including sync word, header check, and CRC. Similar to the TX state, the next state after RX may be defined in the  
“Start RX” API command. The START_RX commands and timing will be equivalent to the timing shown in Figure 8.  
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3.4. Application Programming Interface (API)  
An application programming interface (API), which the host MCU will communicate with, is embedded inside the  
device. The API is divided into two sections, commands and properties. The commands are used to control the  
chip and retrieve its status. The properties are general configurations which will change infrequently. The API  
descriptions can be found in“AN625: Si446x API Descriptions”.  
3.5. Interrupts  
The Si446x is capable of generating an interrupt signal when certain events occur. The chip notifies the  
microcontroller that an interrupt event has occurred by setting the nIRQ output pin LOW = 0. This interrupt signal  
will be generated when any one (or more) of the interrupt events (corresponding to the Interrupt Status bits) occur.  
The nIRQ pin will remain low until the microcontroller reads the Interrupt Status Registers. The nIRQ output signal  
will then be reset until the next change in status is detected.  
The interrupts sources are grouped into three groups: packet handler, chip status, and modem. The individual  
interrupts in these groups can be enabled/disabled in the interrupt property registers, 0101, 0102, and 0103. An  
interrupt must be enabled for it to trigger an event on the nIRQ pin. The interrupt group must be enabled as well as  
the individual interrupts in API property 0100.  
Number  
Command  
Summary  
Returns the interrupt status—packet handler, modem,  
and chip  
0x20  
GET_INT_STATUS  
0x21  
0x22  
0x23  
GET_PH_STATUS  
GET_MODEM_STATUS  
GET_CHIP_STATUS  
Returns the packet handler status.  
Returns the modem status byte.  
Returns the chip status.  
Number  
Property  
Default  
Summary  
Enables interrupt groups for PH, Modem, and  
Chip.  
0x0100  
INT_CTL_ENABLE  
0x04  
0x0101  
0x0102  
0x0103  
INT_CTL_PH_ENABLE  
INT_CTL_MODEM_ENABLE  
INT_CTL_CHIP_ENABLE  
0x00 Packet handler interrupt enable property.  
0x00 Modem interrupt enable property.  
0x04 Chip interrupt enable property.  
Once an interrupt event occurs and the nIRQ pin is low there are two ways to read and clear the interrupts. All of  
the interrupts may be read and cleared in the “GET_INT_STATUS” API command. By default all interrupts will be  
cleared once read. If only specific interrupts want to be read in the fastest possible method the individual interrupt  
groups (Packet Handler, Chip Status, Modem) may be read and cleared by the “GET_MODEM_STATUS”,  
“GET_PH_STATUS” (packet handler), and “GET_CHIP_STATUS” API commands.  
The instantaneous status of a specific function maybe read if the specific interrupt is enabled or disabled. The  
status results are provided after the interrupts and can be read with the same commands as the interrupts. The  
status bits will give the current state of the function whether the interrupt is enabled or not.  
The fast response registers can also give information about the interrupt groups but reading the fast response  
registers will not clear the interrupt and reset the nIRQ pin.  
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3.6. GPIO  
Four general purpose IO pins are available to utilize in the application. The GPIO are configured by the  
GPIO_PIN_CFG command in address 13h. For a complete list of the GPIO options please see the API guide.  
GPIO pins 0 and 1 should be used for active signals such as data or clock. GPIO pins 2 and 3 have more  
susceptibility to generating spurious in the synthesizer than pins 0 and 1. The drive strength of the GPIOs can be  
adjusted with the GEN_CONFIG parameter in the GPIO_PIN_CFG command. By default the drive strength is set  
to minimum. The default configuration for the GPIOs and the state during SDN is shown below in Table 11.The  
state of the IO during shutdown is also shown inTable 11. As indicated previously in Table 6, GPIO 0 has lower  
drive strength than the other GPIOs.  
Table 11. GPIOs  
Pin  
SDN State  
POR Default  
POR  
GPIO0  
GPIO1  
GPIO2  
GPIO3  
nIRQ  
0
0
CTS  
0
0
POR  
POR  
resistive VDD pull-up  
resistive VDD pull-up  
High Z  
nIRQ  
SDO  
SDO  
SDI  
SDI  
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4. Modulation and Hardware Configuration Options  
The Si446x supports different modulation options and can be used in various configurations to tailor the device to  
any specific application or legacy system for drop in replacement. The modulation and configuration options are set  
in API property, MODEM_MOD_TYPE.  
4.1. MODEM_MOD_TYPE  
Summary: Modulation Type  
Purpose:  
This property selects between OOK, FSK, 4FSK and GFSK modulation, modulation source, and tx direct mode  
control.  
The modulator must be configured for one mode through the entire packet. If portions of the packet alternate  
between FSK and 4FSK modes, the modem should be programmed to 4FSK mode.  
Property: 0x2000  
Default: 0x02  
Fields:  
TX_DIRECT_MODE_TYPE - default:0  
0 = Direct mode operates in synchronous mode, applies to TX only.  
1 = Direct mode operates in asynchronous mode, applies to TX only. GFSK is not supported.  
TX_DIRECT_MODE_GPIO[1:0] - default:0x0  
0 = TX direct mode uses gpio0 as data source, applies to TX only.  
1 = TX direct mode uses gpio1 as data source, applies to TX only.  
2 = TX direct mode uses gpio2 as data source, applies to TX only.  
3 = TX direct mode uses gpio3 as data source, applies to TX only.  
MOD_SOURCE[1:0] - default:0x0  
0 = Modulation source is packet handler fifo  
1 = Modulation source is direct mode pin  
2 = Modulation source is pseudo-random generator  
MOD_TYPE[2:0] - default:0x2  
0 = CW  
1 = OOK  
2 = 2FSK  
3 = 2GFSK  
4 = 4FSK  
5 = 4GFSK  
Register View  
MODEM_MOD_TYPE  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
MOD_TYPE[2:0]  
0x2  
0
TX_DIRECT_MODE_TYPE TX_DIRECT_MODE_GPIO[1:0] MOD_SOURCE[1:0]  
0x0 0x0  
0
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4.2. Modulation Types  
The Si446x supports five different modulation options: Gaussian frequency shift keying (GFSK), frequency-shift  
keying (FSK), four-level GFSK (4GFSK), four-level FSK (4FSK), and on-off keying (OOK). Minimum shift keying  
(MSK) can also be created by using GFSK settings. GFSK is the recommended modulation type as it provides the  
best performance and cleanest modulation spectrum. The modulation type is set by the “MOD_TYPE[2:0]”  
registers in the “MODEM_MOD_TYPE” API property. A continuous-wave (CW) carrier may also be selected for RF  
evaluation purposes. The modulation source may also be selected to be a pseudo-random source for evaluation  
purposes.  
4.3. Hardware Configuration Options  
There are different receive demodulator options to optimize the performance and mutually-exclusive options for  
how the RX/TX data is transferred from the host MCU to the RF device.  
4.3.1. Receive Demodulator Options  
There are multiple demodulators integrated into the device to optimize the performance for different applications,  
modulation formats, and packet structures. The calculator built into WDS will choose the optimal demodulator  
based on the input criteria.  
4.3.1.1. Synchronous Demodulator  
The synchronous demodulator's internal frequency error estimator acquires the frequency error based on a  
101010 preamble structure. The bit clock recovery circuit locks to the incoming data stream within four transactions  
of a “10” or “01” bit stream. The synchronous demodulator gives optimal performance for 2- or 4-level FSK or  
GFSK modulation that has a modulation index less than 2.  
4.3.1.2. Asynchronous Demodulator  
The asynchronous demodulator should be used OOK modulation and for FSK/GFSK/4GFSK under one or more of  
the following conditions:  
Modulation index > 2  
Non-standard preamble (not 1010101... pattern)  
When the modulation index exceeds 2, the asynchronous demodulator has better sensitivity compared to the  
synchronous demodulator. An internal deglitch circuit provides a glitch-free data output and a data clock signal to  
simplify the interface to the host. There is no requirement to perform deglitching in the host MCU. The  
asynchronous demodulator will typically be utilized for legacy systems and will have many performance benefits  
over devices used in legacy designs. Unlike the Si4432/31 solution for non-standard packet structures, there is no  
requirement to perform deglitching on the data in the host MCU. Glitch-free data is output from Si446x devices, and  
a sample clock for the asynchronous data can also be supplied to the host MCU; so, oversampling or bit clock  
recovery is not required by the host MCU. There are multiple detector options in the asynchronous demodulator  
block, which will be selected based upon the options entered into the WDS calculator. The asynchronous  
demodulator's internal frequency error estimator is able to acquire the frequency error based on any preamble  
structure.  
4.3.2. RX/TX Data Interface With MCU  
There are two different options for transferring the data from the RF device to the host MCU. FIFO mode uses the  
SPI interface to transfer the data, while direct mode transfers the data in real time over GPIO.  
4.3.2.1. FIFO Mode  
In FIFO mode, the transmit and receive data is stored in integrated FIFO register memory. The TX FIFO is  
accessed by writing Command 66h followed directly by the data/clk that the host wants to write into the TX FIFO.  
The RX FIFO is accessed by writing command 77h followed by the number of clock cycles of data the host would  
like to read out of the RX FIFO. The RX data will be clocked out onto the SDO pin.  
In TX mode, if the packet handler is enabled, the data bytes stored in FIFO memory are “packaged” together with  
other fields and bytes of information to construct the final transmit packet structure. These other potential fields  
include the Preamble, Sync word, Header, CRC checksum, etc. The configuration of the packet structure in TX  
mode is determined by the Automatic Packet Handler (if enabled), in conjunction with a variety of Packet Handler  
properties. If the Automatic Packet Handler is disabled, the entire desired packet structure should be loaded into  
FIFO memory; no other fields (such as Preamble or Sync word) will be automatically added to the bytes stored in  
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FIFO memory. For further information on the configuration of the FIFOs for a specific application or packet size,  
see "6. Data Handling and Packet Handler" on page 39. In RX mode, only the bytes of the received packet  
structure that are considered to be “data bytes” are stored in FIFO memory. Which bytes of the received packet are  
considered “data bytes” is determined by the Automatic Packet Handler (if enabled) in conjunction with the Packet  
Handler configuration. If the Automatic Packet Handler is disabled, all bytes following the Sync word are  
considered data bytes and are stored in FIFO memory. Thus, even if Automatic Packet Handling operation is not  
desired, the preamble detection threshold and Sync word still need to be programmed so that the RX Modem  
knows when to start filling data into the FIFO. When the FIFO is being used in RX mode, all of the received data  
may still be observed directly (in realtime) by properly programming a GPIO pin as the RXDATA output pin; this can  
be quite useful during application development. When in FIFO mode, the chip will automatically exit the TX or RX  
State when either the PACKET_SENT or PACKET_RX interrupt occurs. The chip will return to the IDLE state  
programmed in the argument of the “START TX” or “START RX” API command, TXCOMPLETE_STATE[3:0] or  
RXVALID_STATE[3:0]. For example, the chip may be placed into TX mode by sending the “START TX” command  
and by writing the 30h to the TXCOMPLETE_STATE[3:0] argument. The chip will transmit all of the contents of the  
FIFO, and the ipksent interrupt will occur. When this event occurs, the chip will return to the ready state as defined  
by TXCOMPLETE_STATE[3:0] = 30h.  
4.3.2.2. Direct Mode  
For legacy systems that perform packet handling within the host MCU or other baseband chip, it may not be  
desirable to use the FIFO. For this scenario, a Direct mode is provided, which bypasses the FIFOs entirely. In TX  
Direct mode, the TX modulation data is applied to an input pin of the chip and processed in “real time” (i.e., not  
stored in a register for transmission at a later time). Any of the GPIOs may be configured for use as the TX Data  
input function. Furthermore, an additional pin may be required for a TX Clock output function if GFSK modulation is  
desired (only the TX Data input pin is required for FSK). To achieve direct mode, the GPIO must be configured in  
the “GPIO_PIN_CFG” API command as well as the “MODEM_MOD_TYPE” API property. For GFSK,  
“TX_DIRECT_MODE_TYPE” must be set to Synchronous. For 2FSK or OOK, the type can be set to asynchronous  
or synchronous. The MOD_SOURCE[1:0] should be set to 01h for are all direct mode configurations. In RX Direct  
mode, the RX Data and RX Clock can be programmed for direct (real-time) output to GPIO pins. The  
microcontroller may then process the RX data without using the FIFO or packet handler functions of the RFIC.  
4.4. Preamble Length  
The preamble length requirement is only relevant if using the synchronous demodulator. If the asynchronous  
demodulator is being used, then there is no requirement for a conventional 101010 pattern.  
The preamble detection threshold determines the number of valid preamble bits the radio must receive to qualify a  
valid preamble. The preamble threshold should be adjusted depending on the nature of the application. The  
required preamble length threshold depends on when receive mode is entered in relation to the start of the  
transmitted packet and the length of the transmit preamble. With a shorter than recommended preamble detection  
threshold, the probability of false detection is directly related to how long the receiver operates on noise before the  
transmit preamble is received. False detection on noise may cause the actual packet to be missed. The preamble  
detection threshold may be adjusted in the modem calculator by modifying the “PM detection threshold” in the “RX  
parameters tab” in the radio control panel. For most applications with a preamble length longer than 32 bits, the  
default value of 20 is recommended for the preamble detection threshold. A shorter Preamble Detection Threshold  
may be chosen if occasional false detections may be tolerated. When antenna diversity is enabled, a 20- bit  
preamble detection threshold is recommended. When the receiver is synchronously enabled just before the start of  
the packet, a shorter preamble detection threshold may be used. Table 12 demonstrates the recommended  
preamble detection threshold and preamble length for various modes.  
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Table 12. Recommended Preamble Length  
Mode  
AFC  
Antenna  
Diversity  
Preamble Type  
Recommended  
Preamble Length  
Recommended  
Preamble Detection  
Threshold  
(G)FSK  
(G)FSK  
(G)FSK  
(G)FSK  
(G)FSK  
(G)FSK  
4(G)FSK  
4(G)FSK  
4(G)FSK  
OOK  
Disabled  
Enabled  
Disabled  
Enabled  
Disabled  
Enabled  
Disabled  
Enabled  
Disabled  
Disabled  
Disabled  
Standard  
Standard  
4 Bytes  
5 Bytes  
2 Bytes  
20 bits  
20 bits  
0 bits  
Non-standard  
Non-standard  
Standard  
Not Supported  
Enabled  
Enabled  
Disabled  
Disabled  
7 Bytes  
8 Bytes  
24 bits  
24 bits  
Standard  
Standard  
40 symbols  
48 symbols  
16 symbols  
16 symbols  
Standard  
Non-standard  
Standard  
Not Supported  
Disabled  
Disabled  
Enabled  
Disabled  
Disabled  
4 Bytes  
2 Bytes  
20 bits  
0 bits  
OOK  
Non-standard  
OOK  
Not Supported  
Notes:  
1. The recommended preamble length and preamble detection thresholds listed above are to achieve 0% PER. They may  
be shortened when occasional packet errors are tolerable.  
2. All recommended preamble lengths and detection thresholds include AGC and BCR settling times.  
3. “Standard” preamble type should be set for an alternating data sequence at the max data rate (…10101010…)  
4. “Non-standard” preamble type can be set for any preamble type including …10101010...  
5. When preamble detection threshold = 0, sync word needs to be 3 Bytes to avoid false syncs. When only a 2 Byte sync  
word is available the sync word detection can be extended by including the last preamble Byte into the RX sync word  
setting.  
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5. Internal Functional Blocks  
The following sections provide an overview to the key internal blocks and features.  
5.1. RX Chain  
The internal low-noise amplifier (LNA) is designed to be a wide-band LNA that can be matched with three external  
discrete components to cover any common range of frequencies in the sub-GHz band. The LNA has extremely low  
noise to suppress the noise of the following stages and achieve optimal sensitivity; so, no external gain or front-end  
modules are necessary. The LNA has gain control, which is controlled by the internal automatic gain control (AGC)  
algorithm. The LNA is followed by an I-Q mixer, filter, programmable gain amplifier (PGA), and ADC. The I-Q  
mixers downconvert the signal to an intermediate frequency. The PGA then boosts the gain to be within dynamic  
range of the ADC. The ADC rejects out-of-band blockers and converts the signal to the digital domain where  
filtering, demodulation, and processing is performed. Peak detectors are integrated at the output of the LNA and  
PGA for use in the AGC algorithm.  
The RX and TX pins maybe directly tied externally for output powers less than +17 dBm, see the direct-tie  
reference designs on the Silicon Labs web site for more details.  
5.1.1. RX Chain Architecture  
It is possible to operate the RX chain in different architecture configurations: fixed-IF, zero-IF, scaled-IF, and  
modulated IF. There are trade-offs between the architectures in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, and image rejection.  
Fixed-IF is the default configuration and is recommended for most applications. With 35 dB native image rejection  
and autonomous image calibration to achieve 55 dB, the fixed-IF solution gives the best performance for most  
applications. Fixed-IF obtains the best sensitivity, but it has the effect of degraded selectivity at the image frequency.  
An autonomous image rejection calibration is included in Si446x devices and described in more detail in "5.2.3.  
Image Rejection and Calibration" on page 31. For fixed-IF and zero-IF, the sensitivity is degraded for data rates less  
than 100 kbps or bandwidths less than 200 kHz. The reduction in sensitivity is caused by increased flicker noise as  
dc is approached. The benefit of zero-IF is that there is no image frequency; so, there is no degradation in the  
selectivity curve, but it has the worst sensitivity. Scaled-IF is a trade-off between fixed-IF and zero-IF. In the  
scaled-IF architecture, the image frequency is placed or hidden in the adjacent channel where it only slightly  
degrades the typical adjacent channel selectivity. The scaled-IF approach has better sensitivity than zero-IF but still  
some degradation in selectivity due to the image. In scaled-IF mode, the image frequency is directly proportional to  
the channel bandwidth selected. Figure 9 demonstrates the trade-off in sensitivity between the different architecture  
options.  
1% PER sensitivity vs. data rate (h=1)  
-95  
-100  
-105  
Fixed IF  
Scaled IF  
-110  
Zero IF  
-115  
-120  
1
10  
100  
Data rate (kbps)  
Figure 9. RX Architecture vs. Data Rate  
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5.2. RX Modem  
Using high-performance ADCs allows channel filtering, image rejection, and demodulation to be performed in the  
digital domain, which allows for flexibility in optimizing the device for particular applications. The digital modem  
performs the following functions:  
Channel selection filter  
TX modulation  
RX demodulation  
Automatic Gain Control (AGC)  
Preamble detection  
Invalid preamble detection  
Radio signal strength indicator (RSSI)  
Automatic frequency compensation (AFC)  
Image Rejection Calibration  
®
Packet handling including EZMAC features  
Cyclic redundancy check (CRC)  
The digital channel filter and demodulator are optimized for ultra-low-power consumption and are highly  
configurable. Supported modulation types are GFSK, FSK, 4GFSK, 4FSK, GMSK, and OOK. The channel filter  
can be configured to support bandwidths ranging from 850 down to 1.1 kHz. A large variety of data rates are  
supported ranging from 100 bps up to 1 Mbps. The configurable preamble detector is used with the synchronous  
demodulator to improve the reliability of the sync-word detection. Preamble detection can be skipped using only  
sync detection, which is a valuable feature of the asynchronous demodulator when very short preambles are used  
in protocols, such as MBus. The received signal strength indicator (RSSI) provides a measure of the signal  
strength received on the tuned channel. The resolution of the RSSI is 0.5 dB. This high-resolution RSSI enables  
accurate channel power measurements for clear channel assessment (CCA), carrier sense (CS), and listen before  
talk (LBT) functionality. A comprehensive programmable packet handler including key features of Silicon Labs’  
EZMAC is integrated to create a variety of communication topologies ranging from peer-to-peer networks to mesh  
networks. The extensive programmability of the packet header allows for advanced packet filtering, which, in turn  
enables a mix of broadcast, group, and point-to-point communication. A wireless communication channel can be  
corrupted by noise and interference, so it is important to know if the received data is free of errors. A cyclic  
redundancy check (CRC) is used to detect the presence of erroneous bits in each packet. A CRC is computed and  
appended at the end of each transmitted packet and verified by the receiver to confirm that no errors have  
occurred. The packet handler and CRC can significantly reduce the load on the system microcontroller allowing for  
a simpler and cheaper microcontroller. The digital modem includes the TX modulator, which converts the TX data  
bits into the corresponding stream of digital modulation values to be summed with the fractional input to the  
sigma-delta modulator. This modulation approach results in highly accurate resolution of the frequency deviation. A  
Gaussian filter is implemented to support GFSK and 4GFSK, considerably reducing the energy in adjacent  
channels. The default bandwidth-time product (BT) is 0.5 for all programmed data rates, but it may be adjusted to  
other values.  
5.2.1. Automatic Gain Control (AGC)  
The AGC algorithm is implemented digitally using an advanced control loop optimized for fast response time. The  
AGC occurs within a single bit or in less than 2 µs. Peak detectors at the output of the LNA and PGA allow for  
optimal adjustment of the LNA gain and PGA gain to optimize IM3, selectivity, and sensitivity performance.  
5.2.2. Auto Frequency Correction (AFC)  
Frequency mistuning caused by crystal inaccuracies can be compensated for by enabling the digital automatic  
frequency control (AFC) in receive mode. There are two types of integrated frequency compensation: modem  
frequency compensation, and AFC by adjusting the PLL frequency. With AFC disabled, the modem compensation  
can correct for frequency offsets up to ±0.25 times the IF bandwidth. When the AFC is enabled, the received signal  
will be centered in the pass-band of the IF filter, providing optimal sensitivity and selectivity over a wider range of  
frequency offsets up to ±0.35 times the IF bandwidth. When AFC is enabled, the preamble length needs to be long  
enough to settle the AFC. As shown in Table 12 on page 28, an additional byte of preamble is typically required to  
settle the AFC.  
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Si4464/63/61/60  
5.2.3. Image Rejection and Calibration  
Since the receiver utilizes a low-IF architecture, the selectivity will be affected by the image frequency. The IF  
frequency is 468.75 kHz (Fxtal/64), and the image frequency will be at 937.5 kHz below the RF frequency. The  
native image rejection of the Si446x family is 35 dB. Image rejection calibration is available in the Si446x to  
improve the image rejection to more than 55 dB. The calibration is initiated with the IRCAL API command. The  
calibration uses an internal signal source, so no external signal generator is required. The initial calibration takes  
250 ms, and periodic re-calibration takes 100 ms. Re-calibration should be initiated when the temperature has  
changed more than 30 °C.  
5.2.4. Received Signal Strength Indicator  
The received signal strength indicator (RSSI) is an estimate of the signal strength in the channel to which the  
receiver is tuned. The RSSI measurement is done after the channel filter, so it is only a measurement of the  
desired or undesired in-band signal power. There are two different methods for reading the RSSI value and several  
different options for configuring the RSSI value that is returned. The fastest method for reading the RSSI is to  
configure one of the four fast response registers (FRR) to return a latched RSSI value. The latched RSSI value is  
measured once per packet and is latched at a configurable amount of time after RX mode is entered. The fast  
response registers can be read in 16 SPI clock cycles with no requirement to wait for CTS. The RSSI value may  
also be read out of the GET_MODEM_STATUS command. In this command, both the current RSSI and the latched  
RSSI are available. The current RSSI value represents the signal strength at the instant in time the  
GET_MODEM_STATUS command is processed and may be read multiple times per packet. Reading the RSSI in  
the GET_MODEM_STATUS command takes longer than reading the RSSI out of the fast response register. After  
the initial command, it will take 33 μs for CTS to be set and then the four or five bytes of SPI clock cycles to read  
out the respective current or latched RSSI values.  
The RSSI configuration options are set in the MODEM_RSSI_CONTROL API property. The latched RSSI value  
may be latched and stored based on the following events: preamble detection, sync detection, or a configurable  
number of bit times measured after the start of RX mode (minimum of 4 bit times). The requirement for four bit  
times is determined by the processing delay and settling through the modem and digital channel filter. In  
MODEM_RSSI_CONTROL, the RSSI may be defined to update every bit period or to be averaged and updated  
every four bit periods. If RSSI averaging over four bits is enabled, the latched RSSI value will be delayed to a  
minimum of 7 bits after the start of RX mode to allow for the averaging. The latched RSSI values are cleared when  
entering RX mode so they may be read after the packet is received or after dropping back to standby mode. If the  
RSSI value has been cleared by the start of RX but not latched yet, a value of 0 will be returned if it is attempted to  
be read.  
The RSSI value read by the API could be translated to dBm by the following linear equation:  
RSSI (in dBm) = (RSSI_value /2) – RSSIcal  
RSSIcal in the above formula depends on the matching network, modem settings, and external LNA gain (if  
present). The RSSIcal value can be obtained by a simple calibration with a signal generator connected at the  
antenna input. Without external LNA, the value of RSSIcal is around 130 ±30.  
During packet reception, it may be useful to detect whether a secondary interfering signal (desired or undesired)  
arrives. To detect this event, a feature for RSSI jump detection is available. If the RSSI level changes by a  
programmable amount during the reception of a packet, an interrupt or GPIO can be configured to notify the host.  
The level of RSSI increase or decrease (jump) is programmable through the MODEM_RSSI_JUMP_THRESH API  
property. If an RSSI jump is detected, the modem may be programmed to automatically reset so that it may lock  
onto the new stronger signal. The chip may also be configured to automatically reset the receiver upon jump  
detection in order to acquire the new signal. The configuration and options for RSSI jump detection are  
programmed in the MODEM_RSSI_CONTROL2 API property. By default, RSSI jump detection is not enabled.  
Rev 1.2  
31  
Si4464/63/61/60  
The RSSI values and curves may be offset by the MODEM_RSSI_COMP API property. The default value of 7’h32  
corresponds to no RSSI offset. Setting a value less than 7’h32 corresponds to a negative offset, and a value higher  
than 7’h32 corresponds to a positive offset. The offset value is in 1 dB steps. For example, setting a value of 7’h3A  
corresponds to a positive offset of 8 dB.  
Clear channel assessment (CCA) or RSSI threshold detection is also available. An RSSI threshold may be set in  
the MODEM_RSSI_THRESH API property. If the RSSI value is above this threshold, an interrupt or GPIO may  
notify the host. Both the latched version and asynchronous version of this threshold are available on any of the  
GPIOs. Automatic fast hopping based on RSSI is available. See “5.3.1.2. Automatic RX Hopping and Hop Table”.  
5.3. Synthesizer  
An integrated Sigma Delta () Fractional-N PLL synthesizer capable of operating over the bands from 142–175,  
283–350, 420–525, and 850–1050 MHz for the Si4460/61/63. The Si4464 offers frequency coverage in bands that  
are not covered by Si4463/1/0. Using a  synthesizer has many advantages; it provides flexibility in choosing data  
rate, deviation, channel frequency, and channel spacing. The transmit modulation is applied directly to the loop in  
the digital domain through the fractional divider, which results in very precise accuracy and control over the  
transmit deviation. The frequency resolution in the 850–1050 MHz band is 28.6 Hz with more resolution in the  
other bands. The nominal reference frequency to the PLL is 30 MHz, but any XTAL frequency from 25 to 32 MHz  
may be used. The modem configuration calculator in WDS will automatically account for the XTAL frequency being  
used. The PLL utilizes a differential LC VCO with integrated on-chip inductors. The output of the VCO is followed  
by a configurable divider, which will divide the signal down to the desired output frequency band.  
5.3.1. Synthesizer Frequency Control  
The frequency is set by changing the integer and fractional settings to the synthesizer. The WDS calculator will  
automatically provide these settings, but the synthesizer equation is shown below for convenience. The APIs for  
setting the frequency are FREQ_CONTROL_INTE, FREQ_CONTROL_FRAC2, FREQ_CONTROL_FRAC1, and  
FREQ_CONTROL_FRAC0.  
fc_frac  
219  
2 freq_xo  
outdiv  
-----------------  
-----------------------------  
Hz  
RF_channel = fc_inte +  
Note: The fc_frac/219 value in the above formula has to be a number between 1 and 2.  
Table 13. Output Divider (Outdiv) Values for the Si4460/61/63  
Outdiv  
Lower (MHz)  
Upper (MHz)  
175  
24  
12  
8
142  
284  
420  
850  
350  
525  
4
1050  
Table 14. Output Divider (Outdiv) for the Si4464  
Outdiv  
Lower (MHz)  
Upper (MHz)  
24  
16  
12  
8
119  
177  
235  
353  
470  
705  
159  
239  
319  
479  
639  
960  
6
4
32  
Rev 1.2  
Si4464/63/61/60  
5.3.1.1. EZ Frequency Programming  
In applications that utilize multiple frequencies or channels, it may not be desirable to write four API registers each  
time a frequency change is required. EZ frequency programming is provided so that only a single register write  
(channel number) is required to change frequency. A base frequency is first set by first programming the integer  
and fractional components of the synthesizer. This base frequency will correspond to channel 0. Next, a channel  
step  
size  
is  
programmed  
into  
the  
FREQ_CONTROL_CHANNEL_STEP_SIZE_1  
and  
FREQ_CONTROL_CHANNEL_STEP_SIZE_0 API registers. The resulting frequency will be:  
RF Frequency = Base Frequency + Channel Stepsize  
The second argument of the START_RX or START_TX is CHANNEL, which sets the channel number for EZ  
frequency programming. For example, if the channel step size is set to 1 MHz, the base frequency is set to  
900 MHz with the INTE and FRAC API registers, and a CHANNEL number of 5 is programmed during the  
START_TX command, the resulting frequency will be 905 MHz. If no CHANNEL argument is written as part of the  
START_RX/TX command, it will default to the previous value. The initial value of CHANNEL is 0; so, if no  
CHANNEL value is written, it will result in the programmed base frequency.  
5.3.1.2. Automatic RX Hopping and Hop Table  
The transceiver supports an automatic hopping feature that can be fully configured through the API. This is  
intended for RX hopping where the device has to hop from channel to channel and look for packets. Once the  
device is put into the RX state, it automatically starts hopping through the hop table if the feature is enabled.  
The hop table can hold up to 64 entries and is maintained in firmware. Each entry is a channel number; so, the hop  
table can hold up to 64 channels. The number of entries in the table is set by RX HOP TABLE_SIZE API. The  
specified channels correspond to the EZ frequency programming method for programming the frequency. The  
receiver starts at the base channel and hops in sequence from the top of the hop table to the bottom. The table will  
wrap around to the base channel once it reaches the end of the table. An entry of 0xFF in the table indicates that  
the entry should be skipped. The device will hop to the next non 0xFF entry.  
There are three conditions that can be used to determine whether to continue hopping or to stay on a particular  
channel. These conditions are:  
RSSI threshold  
Preamble timeout (invalid preamble pattern)  
Sync word timeout (invalid or no sync word detected after preamble)  
These conditions can be used individually, or they can be enabled all together by configuring the  
RX_HOP_CONTROL API. However, the firmware will make a decision on whether or not to hop based on the first  
condition that is met.  
The RSSI that is monitored is the current RSSI value. This is compared to the threshold, and, if it is above the  
threshold value, it will stay on the channel. If the RSSI is below the threshold, it will continue hopping. There is no  
averaging of RSSI done during the automatic hopping from channel to channel. Since the preamble timeout and  
the sync word timeout are features that require packet handling, the RSSI threshold is the only condition that can  
be used if the user is in “direct” or “RAW” mode where packet handling features are not used.  
Note that the RSSI threshold is not an absolute RSSI value; instead, it is a relative value and should be verified on  
the bench to find an optimal threshold for the application.  
The turnaround time from RX to RX on a different channel using this method is 115 µs. The time spent in receive  
mode will be determined by the configuration of the hop conditions. Manual RX hopping will have the fastest  
turn-around time but will require more overhead and management by the host MCU.  
The following are example steps for using Auto Hop:  
1. Set the base frequency (inte + frac) and channel step size.  
2. Define the number of entries in the hop table (RX_HOP_TABLE_SIZE).  
3. Write the channels to the hop table (RX_HOP_TABLE_ENTRY_n)  
4. Configure the hop condition and enable auto hopping- RSSI, preamble, or sync (RX_HOP_CONTROL).  
5. Set preamble and sync parameters if enabled.  
Rev 1.2  
33  
Si4464/63/61/60  
6. Program the RSSI threshold property in the modem using “MODEM_RSSI_THRESH”.  
7. Set the preamble threshold using “PREAMBLE_CONFIG_STD_1”.  
8. Program the preamble timeout property using “PREAMBLE_CONFIG_STD_2”.  
9. Set the sync detection parameters if enabled.  
10. If needed, use “GPIO_PIN_CFG” to configure a GPIO to toggle on hop and hop table wrap.  
11. Use the “START_RX” API with channel number set to the first valid entry in the hop table (i.e., the first non  
0xFF entry).  
12. Device should now be in auto hop mode.  
5.3.1.3. Manual RX Hopping  
The RX_HOP command provides the fastest method for hopping from RX to RX but it requires more overhead and  
management by the host MCU. Using the RX_HOP command, the turn-around time is 75 µs. The timing is faster  
with this method than Start_RX or RX hopping because one of the calculations required for the synthesizer  
calibrations is offloaded to the host and must be calculated/stored by the host, VCO_CNT0. For information about  
using fast manual hopping, contact customer support.  
5.4. Transmitter (TX)  
The Si4464/63 contains an integrated +20 dBm transmitter or power amplifier that is capable of transmitting from  
–20 to +20 dBm. The output power steps are less than 0.25 dB within 6 dB of max power but become larger and  
more non-linear close to minimum output power. The Si4464/63 PA is designed to provide the highest efficiency  
and lowest current consumption possible. The Si4461 PA is capable of transmitting from –40 to +16 dBm. The  
Si4461 PA can be optimized for either optimum current consumption (Class E) or for fine output power steps and  
performance over voltage and temperature (switched-current). Switched-current matching will have fine output  
power steps and more constant output power over VDD, but it will have higher current consumption than the  
class-E matching. The class E will have the most efficient current consumption, but it will have more coarse output  
power steps and variation across VDD. The Si4460 is designed to supply +10 dBm output power for less than  
20 mA for applications that require operation from a single coin cell battery. The Si4460 can also operate with  
either class-E or switched current matching and output up to +13 dBm Tx power. All PA options are single-ended to  
allow for easy antenna matching and low BOM cost. Automatic ramp-up and ramp-down is automatically  
performed to reduce unwanted spectral spreading.  
Chip’s TXRAMP pin is disabled by default to save current in cases where on-chip PA will be able to drive the  
antenna. In cases where on-chip PA will drive the external PA, and the external PA needs a ramping signal,  
TXRAMP is the signal to use. To enable TXRAMP, set the API Property PA_MODE[7] = 1. TXRAMP will start to  
ramp up, and ramp down at the SAME time as the internal on-chip PA ramps up/down.  
The ramping speed is programmed by TC[3:0] in the PA_RAMP_EX API property, which has the following  
characteristics:  
TC  
0.0  
1.0  
2.0  
3.0  
4.0  
5.0  
6.0  
7.0  
8.0  
Ramp Time (µs)  
2.0  
2.1  
2.2  
2.4  
2.6  
2.8  
3.1  
3.4  
3.7  
34  
Rev 1.2  
Si4464/63/61/60  
9.0  
4.1  
4.5  
10.0  
11.0  
12.0  
13.0  
14.0  
15.0  
5.0  
6.0  
8.0  
10.0  
20.0  
The ramping profile is close to a linear ramping profile with smoothed out corner when approaching Vhi and Vlo.  
The TXRAMP pin can source up to 1 mA without voltage drooping. The TXRAMP pin’s sinking capability is  
equivalent to a 10 kpull-down resistor.  
Vhi = 3 V when Vdd > 3.3 V. When Vdd < 3.3 V, the Vhi will be closely following the Vdd, and ramping time will be  
smaller also.  
Vlo = 0 V when NO current needed to be sunk into TXRAMP pin. If 10uA need to be sunk into the chip, Vlo will be  
10 µA x 10k = 100 mV.  
Number  
0x2200  
0x2201  
Command  
PA_MODE  
Summary  
Sets PA type.  
PA_PWR_LVL  
Adjust TX power in fine steps.  
Adjust TX power in coarse steps  
and optimizes for different  
match configurations.  
0x2202  
PA_BIAS_CLKDUTY  
PA_TC  
Changes the ramp up/down time  
of the PA.  
0x2203  
5.4.1. Si4464/63: +20 dBm PA  
The +20 dBm configuration utilizes a class-E matching configuration. Typical performance for the 900 MHz band  
for output power steps, voltage, and temperature are shown in Figures 10–12. The output power is changed in 128  
steps through PA_PWR_LVL API. For detailed matching values, BOM, and performance at other frequencies, refer  
to the PA Matching application note.  
TX Power vs. PA_PWR_LVL  
25  
20  
15  
10  
5
0
-5  
-10  
-15  
-20  
-25  
-30  
-35  
0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120  
PA_PWR_LVL  
Figure 10. +20 dBm TX Power vs. PA_PWR_LVL  
Rev 1.2  
35  
Si4464/63/61/60  
TX Power vs. PA_PWR_LVL  
25  
20  
15  
10  
5
0
-5  
-10  
-15  
-20  
-25  
-30  
-35  
0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120  
PA_PWR_LVL  
Figure 11. +20 dBm TX Power vs. VDD  
TX Power vs Temp  
20.5  
20  
19.5  
19  
18.5  
18  
-40 -30 -20 -10  
0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80  
Temperature (C)  
Figure 12. +20 dBm TX Power vs. Temp  
36  
Rev 1.2  
Si4464/63/61/60  
5.4.2. Si4461 +16 dBm PA  
The Si4461 PA can utilize different matches to optimize the performance for 16, 14, 13 dBm, or a lower power. A  
class-E match is recommended for 16 dBm to maximize the efficiency and battery life. For 13 and 14 dBm, a  
switched current match is recommended to provide optimal performance over VDD and temperature variation.  
Typical performance for the 900 MHz band for output power steps, voltage, and temperature are shown in Figures  
13 and 14. The output power is changed in 128 steps through the PA_PWR_LVL API. For detailed matching  
values, BOM, and performance at other frequencies, refer to “AN627: Si4460/61 Low-Power PA Matching.  
Figure 13. +13 dBm TX Power vs. PA_PWR_LVL  
Figure 14. +13 dBm TX Power vs. Supply Voltage (VDD)  
Rev 1.2  
37  
Si4464/63/61/60  
5.5. Crystal Oscillator  
The Si446x includes an integrated crystal oscillator with a fast start-up time of less than 250 µs. The design is  
differential with the required crystal load capacitance integrated on-chip to minimize the number of external  
components. By default, all that is required off-chip is the crystal. The default crystal is 30 MHz, but the circuit is  
designed to handle any XTAL from 25 to 32 MHz. If a crystal different than 30 MHz is used, the POWER_UP API  
boot command must be modified. The WDS calculator crystal frequency field must also be changed to reflect the  
frequency being used. The crystal load capacitance can be digitally programmed to accommodate crystals with  
various load capacitance requirements and to adjust the frequency of the crystal oscillator. The tuning of the crystal  
load capacitance is programmed through the GLOBAL_XO_TUNE API property. The total internal capacitance is  
11 pF and is adjustable in 127 steps (70 fF/step). The crystal frequency adjustment can be used to compensate for  
crystal production tolerances. The frequency offset characteristics of the capacitor bank are demonstrated in  
Figure 15.  
Figure 15. Capacitor Bank Frequency Offset Characteristics  
Utilizing the on-chip temperature sensor and suitable control software, the temperature dependency of the crystal  
can be canceled.  
A TCXO or external signal source can easily be used in place of a conventional XTAL and should be connected to  
the XIN pin. The incoming clock signal is recommended to have a peak-to-peak swing in the range of 600 mV to  
1.4 V and ac-coupled to the XIN pin. If the peak-to-peak swing of the TCXO exceeds 1.4 V peak-to-peak, then dc  
coupling to the XIN pin should be used. The maximum allowed swing on XIN is 1.8 V peak-to-peak.  
The XO capacitor bank should be set to 0 whenever an external drive is used on the XIN pin. In addition, the  
POWER_UP command should be invoked with the TCXO option whenever external drive is used.  
38  
Rev 1.2  
Si4464/63/61/60  
6. Data Handling and Packet Handler  
6.1. RX and TX FIFOs  
Two 64-byte FIFOs are integrated into the chip, one for RX and one for TX, as shown in Figure 16. Writing to  
command Register 66h loads data into the TX FIFO, and reading from command Register 77h reads data from the  
RX FIFO. The TX FIFO has a threshold for when the FIFO is almost empty, which is set by the “TX_FIFO_EMPTY”  
property. An interrupt event occurs when the data in the TX FIFO reaches the almost empty threshold. If more data  
is not loaded into the FIFO, the chip automatically exits the TX state after the PACKET_SENT interrupt occurs. The  
RX FIFO has one programmable threshold, which is programmed by setting the “RX_FIFO_FULL” property. When  
the incoming RX data crosses the Almost Full Threshold, an interrupt will be generated to the microcontroller via  
the nIRQ pin. The microcontroller will then need to read the data from the RX FIFO. The RX Almost Full Threshold  
indication implies that the host can read at least the threshold number of bytes from the RX FIFO at that time. Both  
the TX and RX FIFOs may be cleared or reset with the “FIFO_RESET” command.  
RX FIFO  
TX FIFO  
RX FIFO Almost  
Full Threshold  
TX FIFO Almost  
Empty Threshold  
Figure 16. TX and RX FIFOs  
6.2. Packet Handler  
When using the FIFOs, automatic packet handling may be enabled for TX mode, RX mode, or both. The usual  
fields for network communication, such as preamble, synchronization word, headers, packet length, and CRC, can  
be configured to be automatically added to the data payload. The fields needed for packet generation normally  
change infrequently and can therefore be stored in registers. Automatically adding these fields to the data payload  
in TX mode and automatically checking them in RX mode greatly reduces the amount of communication between  
the microcontroller and Si446x. It also greatly reduces the required computational power of the microcontroller. The  
general packet structure is shown in Figure 17. Any or all of the fields can be enabled and checked by the internal  
packet handler.  
Preamble  
1-255 Bytes  
1-4 Bytes  
Config  
Config  
Config  
Config  
Config  
0, 2, or 4  
Bytes  
0, 2, or 4  
Bytes  
0, 2, or 4  
Bytes  
0, 2, or 4  
Bytes  
0, 2, or 4  
Bytes  
Figure 17. Packet Handler Structure  
Rev 1.2  
39  
Si4464/63/61/60  
The fields are highly programmable and can be used to check any kind of pattern in a packet structure. The  
general functions of the packet handler include the following:  
Detection/validation of Preamble quality in RX mode (PREAMBLE_VALID signal)  
Detection of Sync word in RX mode (SYNC_OK signal)  
Detection of valid packets in RX mode (PKT_VALID signal)  
Detection of CRC errors in RX mode (CRC_ERR signal)  
Data de-whitening and/or Manchester decoding (if enabled) in RX mode  
Match/Header checking in RX mode  
Storage of Data Field bytes into FIFO memory in RX mode  
Construction of Preamble field in TX mode  
Construction of Sync field in TX mode  
Construction of Data Field from FIFO memory in TX mode  
Construction of CRC field (if enabled) in TX mode  
Data whitening and/or Manchester encoding (if enabled) in TX mode  
For details on how to configure the packet handler, see “AN626: Packet Handler Operation for Si446x RFICs”.  
40  
Rev 1.2  
Si4464/63/61/60  
7. RX Modem Configuration  
The Si446x can easily be configured for different data rate, deviation, frequency, etc. by using the WDS settings  
calculator, which generates an initialization file for use by the host MCU.  
8. Auxiliary Blocks  
8.1. Wake-up Timer and 32 kHz Clock Source  
The chip contains an integrated wake-up timer that can be used to periodically wake the chip from sleep mode. The  
wake-up timer runs from either the internal 32 kHz RC Oscillator, or from an external 32 kHz XTAL.  
The wake-up timer can be configured to run when in sleep mode. If WUT_EN = 1 in the GLOBAL_WUT_CONFIG  
property, prior to entering sleep mode, the wake-up timer will count for a time specified defined by the  
GLOBAL_WUT_R and GLOBAL_WUT_M properties. At the expiration of this period, an interrupt will be generated  
on the nIRQ pin if this interrupt is enabled in the INT_CTL_CHIP_ENABLE property. The microcontroller will then  
need to verify the interrupt by reading the chip interrupt status either via GET_INT_STATUS or a fast response  
register. The formula for calculating the Wake-Up Period is as follows:  
4 2WUT_R  
32768  
-----------------------------  
WUT = WUT_M   
ms  
The RC oscillator frequency will change with temperature; so, a periodic recalibration is required. The RC oscillator  
is automatically calibrated during the POWER_UP command and exits from the Shutdown state. To enable the  
recalibration feature, CAL_EN must be set in the GLOBAL_WUT_CONFIG property, and the desired calibration  
period should be selected via WUT_CAL_PERIOD[2:0] in the same API property. During the calibration, the  
32 kHz RC oscillator frequency is compared to the 30 MHz XTAL and then adjusted accordingly. The calibration  
needs to start the 30 MHz XTAL, which increases the average current consumption; so, a longer CAL_PERIOD  
results in a lower average current consumption. The 32 kHz XTAL accuracy is comprised of both the XTAL  
parameters and the internal circuit. The XTAL accuracy can be defined as the XTAL initial error + XTAL aging +  
XTAL temperature drift + detuning from the internal oscillator circuit. The error caused by the internal circuit is  
typically less than 10 ppm.  
Rev 1.2  
41  
Si4464/63/61/60  
Table 15. WUT Specific Commands and Properties  
API Properties  
Description  
Requirements/Notes  
WUT_EN—Enable/disable wake up timer.  
WUT_LBD_EN—Enable/disable low battery detect  
measurement on WUT interval.  
WUT_LDC_EN:  
GLOBAL_WUT_CONFIG  
GLOBAL WUT configuration  
0 = Disable low duty cycle operation.  
1 = RX LDC operation  
treated as wake up START_RX  
WUT state is used  
2 = TX LDC operation  
treated as wakeup START_TX  
WUT state is used  
CAL_EN—Enable calibration of the 32 kHz RC  
oscillator  
WUT_CAL_PERIOD[2:0]—Sets calibration period.  
WUT_M—Parameter to set the actual wakeup time.  
See equation above.  
GLOBAL_WUT_M_15_8  
GLOBAL_ WUT_M_7_0  
GLOBAL_WUT_R  
Sets HW WUT_M[15:8]  
Sets HW WUT_M[7:0]  
WUT_M—Parameter to set the actual wakeup time.  
See equation above.  
WUT_R—Parameter to set the actual wakeup time.  
See equation above.  
WUT_SLEEP:  
Sets WUT_R[4:0]  
Sets WUT_SLEEP to choose  
WUT state  
0 = Go to ready state after WUT  
1 = Go to sleep state after WUT  
WUT_LDC—Parameter to set the actual wakeup  
time. See equation in "8.2. Low Duty Cycle Mode  
(Auto RX Wake-Up)" on page 43.  
GLOBAL_WUT_LDC  
Sets FW internal WUT_LDC  
Table 16. WUT Related API Commands and Properties  
Description Requirements/Notes  
WUT Interrupt Enable  
Command/Property  
CHIP_INT_STATUS_EN—Enables chip status  
interrupt.  
INT_CTL_ENABLE  
Interrupt enable property  
WUT_EN—Enables WUT interrupt.  
INT_CTL_CHIP_ENABLE Chip interrupt enable property  
32 kHz Clock Source Selection  
CLK_32K_SEL[2:0]—Configuring the source of  
WUT.  
GLOBAL_CLK_CFG  
GPIO_PIN_CFG  
START_RX/TX  
Clock configuration options  
WUT Interrupt Output  
GPIOx_MODE[5:0] = 14 and  
NIRQ_MODE[5:0] = 39.  
Host can enable interrupt on  
WUT expire  
RX/TX Operation  
START RX/TX when wake up  
timer expire  
START = 1.  
42  
Rev 1.2  
Si4464/63/61/60  
8.2. Low Duty Cycle Mode (Auto RX Wake-Up)  
The low duty cycle (LDC) mode is implemented to automatically wake-up the receiver to check if a valid signal is  
available or to enable the transmitter to send a packet. It allows low average current polling operation by the Si446x  
for which the wake-up timer (WUT) is used. RX and TX LDC operation must be set via the  
GLOBAL_WUT_CONFIG property when setting up the WUT. The LDC wake-up period is determined by the  
following formula:  
4 2WUT_R  
32768  
-----------------------------  
LDC = WUT_LDC   
ms  
where the WUT_LDC parameter can be set by the GLOBAL_WUT_LDC property. The WUT period must be set in  
conjunction with the LDC mode duration; for the relevant API properties, see the wake-up timer (WUT) section.  
Figure 18. RX and TX LDC Sequences  
The basic operation of RX LDC mode is shown in Figure 19. The receiver periodically wakes itself up to work on  
RX_STATE during LDC mode duration. If a valid preamble is not detected, a receive error is detected, or an entire  
packet is not received, the receiver returns to the WUT state (i.e., ready or sleep) at the end of LDC mode duration  
and remains in that mode until the beginning of the next wake-up period. If a valid preamble or sync word is  
detected, the receiver delays the LDC mode duration to receive the entire packet. If a packet is not received during  
two LDC mode durations, the receiver returns to the WUT state at the last LDC mode duration until the beginning  
of the next wake-up period.  
Figure 19. Low Duty Cycle Mode for RX  
In TX LDC mode, the transmitter periodically wakes itself up to transmit a packet that is in the data buffer. If a  
packet has been transmitted, nIRQ goes low if the option is set in the INT_CTL_ENABLE property. After  
transmitting, the transmitter immediately returns to the WUT state and stays there until the next wake-up time  
expires.  
Rev 1.2  
43  
Si4464/63/61/60  
8.3. Temperature, Battery Voltage, and Auxiliary ADC  
The Si446x family contains an integrated auxiliary ADC for measuring internal battery voltage, an internal  
temperature sensor, or an external component over a GPIO. The ADC utilizes a SAR architecture and achieves  
11-bit resolution. The Effective Number of Bits (ENOB) is 9 bits. When measuring external components, the input  
voltage range is 1 V, and the conversion rate is between 300 Hz to 2.44 kHz. The ADC value is read by first  
sending the GET_ADC_READING command and enabling the inputs that are desired to be read: GPIO, battery, or  
temp. The temperature sensor accuracy at 25 °C is typically ±2 °C.  
Command Stream  
GET_ADC_READING  
Command  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
CMD  
0x14  
TEMPERATURE_EN BATTERY_VOLTAGE_EN ADC_GPIO_EN ADC_GPIO_PIN[1:0]  
ADC_EN  
0
0
0
ADC_CFG  
UDTIME[3:0]  
GPIO_ATT[3:0]  
Reply Stream  
GET_ADC_READING Reply  
CTS  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
CTS[7:0]  
GPIO_ADC  
GPIO_ADC[15:8]  
GPIO_ADC[7:0]  
BATTERY_ADC[15:8]  
BATTERY_ADC[7:0]  
TEMP_ADC[15:8]  
TEMP_ADC[7:0]  
Reserved  
GPIO_ADC  
BATTERY_ADC  
BATTERY_ADC  
TEMP_ADC  
TEMP_ADC  
RESERVED  
RESERVED  
Reserved  
Parameters  
TEMPERATURE_EN  
0 = Do not perform ADC conversion of temperature. This will read 0 value in reply TEMPERATURE.  
1 = Perform ADC conversion of temperature. This results in TEMP_ADC.  
Temp (°C) = TEMP_ADC[15:0] x 568/2560 – 297  
BATTERY_VOLTAGE_EN  
0 = Don't do ADC conversion of battery voltage, will read 0 value in reply BATTERY_ADC  
1 = Do ADC conversion of battery voltage, results in BATTERY_ADC. Vbatt = 3*BATTERY_ADC/1280  
ADC_GPIO_EN  
0 = Don't do ADC conversion on GPIO, will read 0 value in reply  
1 = Do ADC conversion of GPIO, results in GPIO_ADC. Vgpio = GPIO_ADC/GPIO_ADC_DIV where  
GPIO_ADC_DIV is defined by GPIO_ATT selection.  
ADC_GPIO_PIN[1:0] - Select GPIOx pin. The pin must be set as input.  
0 = Measure voltage of GPIO0  
1 = Measure voltage of GPIO1  
2 = Measure voltage of GPIO2  
3 = Measure voltage of GPIO3  
UDTIME[7:4] - ADC conversion Time = SYS_CLK / 12 / 2^(UDTIME + 1). Defaults to 0xC if ADC_CFG is 0.  
44  
Rev 1.2  
Si4464/63/61/60  
Selecting shorter conversion times will result in lower ADC resolution and longer times will result in higher ADC  
resolution.  
GPIO_ATT[3:0] - Sets attenuation of gpio input voltage when vgpio measured. Defaults to 0xC if ADC_CFG is 0.  
0x0 = ADC range 0 to 0.8V. GPIO_ADC_DIV = 2560  
0x4 = ADC range 0 to 1.6V. GPIO_ADC_DIV = 1280  
0x8 = ADC range 0 to 2.4V. GPIO_ADC_DIV = 853.33  
0x9 = ADC range 0 to 3.6V. GPIO_ADC_DIV = 426.66  
0xC = ADC range 0 to 3.2V. GPIO_ADC_DIV = 640  
Response  
GPIO_ADC[15:0] - ADC value of voltage on GPIO  
BATTERY_ADC[15:0] - ADC value of battery voltage  
TEMP_ADC[15:0] - ADC value of temperature sensor voltage  
RESERVED[7:0] - RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE  
RESERVED[7:0] - RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE  
8.4. Low Battery Detector  
The low battery detector (LBD) is enabled and utilized as part of the wake-up-timer (WUT). The LBD function is not  
available unless the WUT is enabled, but the host MCU can manually check the battery voltage anytime with the  
auxiliary ADC. The LBD function is enabled in the GLOBAL_WUT_CONFIG API property. The battery voltage will  
be compared against the threshold each time the WUT expires. The threshold for the LBD function is set in  
GLOBAL_LOW_BATT_THRESH. The threshold steps are in increments of 50 mV, ranging from a minimum of  
1.5 V up to 3.05 V. The accuracy of the LBD is ±3%. The LBD notification can be configured as an interrupt on the  
nIRQ pin or enabled as a direct function on one of the GPIOs.  
8.5. Antenna Diversity  
To mitigate the problem of frequency-selective fading due to multipath propagation, some transceiver systems use  
a scheme known as antenna diversity. In this scheme, two antennas are used. Each time the transceiver enters RX  
mode the receive signal strength from each antenna is evaluated. This evaluation process takes place during the  
preamble portion of the packet. The antenna with the strongest received signal is then used for the remainder of  
that RX packet. The same antenna will also be used for the next corresponding TX packet. This chip fully supports  
antenna diversity with an integrated antenna diversity control algorithm. The required signals needed to control an  
external SPDT RF switch (such as a PIN diode or GaAs switch) are available on the GPIOx pins. The operation of  
these GPIO signals is programmable to allow for different antenna diversity architectures and configurations. The  
antdiv[2:0] bits are found in the MODEM_ANT_DIV_CONTROL API property descriptions and enable the antenna  
diversity mode. The GPIO pins are capable of sourcing up to 5 mA of current; so, it may be used directly to  
forward-bias a PIN diode if desired. The antenna diversity algorithm will automatically toggle back and forth  
between the antennas until the packet starts to arrive. The recommended preamble length for optimal antenna  
selection is 8 bytes.  
Rev 1.2  
45  
Si4464/63/61/60  
9. Pin Descriptions: Si4464/63/61/60  
20 19 18 17  
SDN  
RXp  
RXn  
TX  
1
16  
2
15 nSEL  
14 SDI  
13 SDO  
12 SCLK  
11 nIRQ  
3
4
5
GND  
PAD  
NC  
6
7
8
9
10  
Pin  
Pin Name  
I/0  
Description  
Shutdown Input Pin.  
0–VDD V digital input. SDN should be = 0 in all modes except Shutdown mode.  
When SDN = 1, the chip will be completely shut down, and the contents of the  
registers will be lost.  
1
SDN  
I
2
3
RXp  
RXn  
I
I
Differential RF Input Pins of the LNA.  
See application schematic for example matching network.  
Transmit Output Pin.  
4
TX  
O
The PA output is an open-drain connection, so the L-C match must supply  
VDD (+3.3 VDC nominal) to this pin.  
No Connect. Not connected internally to any circuitry.  
5
6
NC  
+1.8 to +3.6 V Supply Voltage Input to Internal Regulators.  
VDD  
VDD  
O
The recommended VDD supply voltage is +3.3 V.  
Programmable Bias Output with Ramp Capability for External FET PA.  
7
TXRAMP  
See "5.4. Transmitter (TX)" on page 34.  
+1.8 to +3.6 V Supply Voltage Input to Internal Regulators.  
8
9
VDD  
VDD  
I/O  
The recommended VDD supply voltage is +3.3 V.  
GPIO0  
General Purpose Digital I/O.  
May be configured through the registers to perform various functions including:  
Microcontroller Clock Output, FIFO status, POR, Wake-Up timer, Low Battery  
Detect, TRSW, AntDiversity control, etc.  
10  
GPIO1  
I/O  
General Microcontroller Interrupt Status Output.  
When the Si4463/61 exhibits any one of the interrupt events, the nIRQ pin will  
be set low = 0. The Microcontroller can then determine the state of the inter-  
rupt by reading the interrupt status. No external resistor pull-up is required, but  
it may be desirable if multiple interrupt lines are connected.  
11  
nIRQ  
O
46  
Rev 1.2  
Si4464/63/61/60  
Pin  
Pin Name  
I/0  
Description  
Serial Clock Input.  
0–VDD V digital input. This pin provides the serial data clock function for the  
4-line serial data bus. Data is clocked into the Si4463/61 on positive edge tran-  
sitions.  
12  
SCLK  
I
0–VDD V Digital Output.  
13  
14  
SDO  
SDI  
O
I
Provides a serial readback function of the internal control registers.  
Serial Data Input.  
0–VDD V digital input. This pin provides the serial data stream for the 4-line  
serial data bus.  
Serial Interface Select Input.  
15  
nSEL  
I
0–VDD V digital input. This pin provides the Select/Enable function for the  
4-line serial data bus.  
Crystal Oscillator Output.  
16  
17  
XOUT  
XIN  
O
I
Connect to an external 25 to 32 MHz crystal, or leave floating when driving  
with an external source on XIN.  
Crystal Oscillator Input.  
Connect to an external 25 to 32 MHz crystal, or connect to an external source.  
Connect to PCB ground.  
18  
19  
GND  
GND  
I/O  
GPIO2  
General Purpose Digital I/O.  
May be configured through the registers to perform various functions, including  
Microcontroller Clock Output, FIFO status, POR, Wake-Up timer, Low Battery  
Detect, TRSW, AntDiversity control, etc.  
20  
GPIO3  
I/O  
The exposed metal paddle on the bottom of the Si446x supplies the RF and cir-  
cuit ground(s) for the entire chip. It is very important that a good solder connec-  
tion is made between this exposed metal paddle and the ground plane of the  
PCB underlying the Si446x.  
PKG PADDLE_GND  
GND  
Rev 1.2  
47  
Si4464/63/61/60  
10. Ordering Information  
Part Number1,2  
Description  
Package Type  
Operating  
Temperature  
QFN-20  
Pb-free  
ISM EZRadioPRO Transceiver  
Si4464-Bxx-FM  
Si4463-Bxx-FM  
Si4461-Bxx-FM  
Si4460-Bxx-FM  
–40 to 85 °C  
–40 to 85 °C  
–40 to 85 °C  
–40 to 85 °C  
QFN-20  
Pb-free  
ISM EZRadioPRO Transceiver  
QFN-20  
Pb-free  
ISM EZRadioPRO Transceiver  
ISM EZRadioPRO Transceiver  
QFN-20  
Pb-free  
Notes:  
1. Add an “(R)” at the end of the device part number to denote tape and reel option.  
2. For Bxx, the first “x” indicates the ROM version, and the second “x” indicates the FW version in OTP.  
48  
Rev 1.2  
Si4464/63/61/60  
11. Package Outline: Si4464/63/61/60  
Figure 20 illustrates the package details for the Si446x. Table 17 lists the values for the dimensions shown in the  
illustration.  
2X  
bbb C  
A
D
D2  
B
Pin 1 (Laser)  
e
20  
1
E2  
2X  
aaa C  
20x b  
ccc C  
ddd  
C A B  
eee C  
SEATING PLANE  
C
Figure 20. 20-Pin Quad Flat No-Lead (QFN)  
Rev 1.2  
49  
Si4464/63/61/60  
Table 17. Package Dimensions  
Min  
0.80  
0.00  
Nom  
0.85  
Max  
0.90  
0.05  
Dimension  
A
A1  
0.02  
A3  
0.20 REF  
0.25  
b
0.18  
2.45  
0.30  
2.75  
D
4.00 BSC  
2.60  
D2  
e
0.50 BSC  
4.00 BSC  
2.60  
E
E2  
2.45  
0.30  
2.75  
0.50  
L
0.40  
aaa  
bbb  
ccc  
ddd  
eee  
Notes:  
0.15  
0.15  
0.10  
0.10  
0.08  
1. All dimensions are shown in millimeters (mm) unless otherwise noted.  
2. Dimensioning and tolerancing per ANSI Y14.5M-1994.  
3. This drawing conforms to the JEDEC Solid State Outline MO-220,  
Variation VGGD-8.  
4. Recommended card reflow profile is per the JEDEC/IPC J-STD-020C  
specification for Small Body Components.  
50  
Rev 1.2  
Si4464/63/61/60  
12. PCB Land Pattern: Si4464/63/61/60  
Figure 21 illustrates the PCB land pattern details for the Si446x. Table 18 lists the values for the dimensions shown  
in the illustration.  
Figure 21. PCB Land Pattern  
Rev 1.2  
51  
Si4464/63/61/60  
Table 18. PCB Land Pattern Dimensions  
Symbol  
Millimeters  
Min  
3.90  
3.90  
Max  
4.00  
4.00  
C1  
C2  
E
0.50 REF  
X1  
X2  
Y1  
Y2  
0.20  
2.55  
0.65  
2.55  
0.30  
2.65  
0.75  
2.65  
Notes:  
General  
1. All dimensions shown are in millimeters (mm) unless otherwise noted.  
2. This land pattern design is based on IPC-7351 guidelines.  
Solder Mask Design  
3. All metal pads are to be non-solder mask defined (NSMD). Clearance  
between the solder mask and the metal pad is to be 60 µm minimum, all  
the way around the pad.  
Stencil Design  
4. A stainless steel, laser-cut and electro-polished stencil with trapezoidal  
walls should be used to assure good solder paste release.  
5. The stencil thickness should be 0.125 mm (5 mils).  
6. The ratio of stencil aperture to land pad size should be 1:1 for the  
perimeter pads.  
7. A 2x2 array of 1.10 x 1.10 mm openings on 1.30 mm pitch should be  
used for the center ground pad.  
Card Assembly  
8. A No-Clean, Type-3 solder paste is recommended.  
9. The recommended card reflow profile is per the JEDEC/IPC J-STD-020  
specification for small body components.  
52  
Rev 1.2  
Si4464/63/61/60  
13. Top Marking  
13.1. Si4464/63/61/60 Top Marking  
13.2. Top Marking Explanation  
YAG Laser  
Mark Method  
1
44641B = Si4464 Rev 1B  
44631B = Si4463 Rev 1B  
44611B = Si4461 Rev 1B  
1
Part Number  
Line 1 Marking  
Line 2 Marking  
1
1
44601B = Si4460 Rev 1B  
2
TTTTT = Internal Code  
Internal tracking code.  
YY = Year  
WW = Workweek  
Assigned by the Assembly House. Corresponds to the last  
significant digit of the year and workweek of the mold date.  
Line 3 Marking  
Notes:  
1. The first letter after the part number is part of the ROM revision. The last letter indicates the firmware  
revision.  
2. The first letter of this line is part of the ROM revision.  
Rev 1.2  
53  
Si4464/63/61/60  
DOCUMENT CHANGE LIST  
Revision 0.4 to Revision 1.0  
Updated Table 3 on page 6.  
Updated Table 6 on page 12.  
Updated Figure 13 on page 37.  
Replaced Table 12 on page 28.  
Updated "11. Package Outline: Si4464/63/61/60" on  
page 49.  
Revision 1.0 to Revision 1.1  
Updated RX Mode Current in Table 1 on page 4.  
Updated Synthesizer Frequency Range in Table 2  
on page 5.  
Updated RX Frequency Range and RX Sensitivity in  
Table 3 on page 6.  
Updated TX Frequency Range in Table 4 on page 9.  
Updated Temperature Sensor Sensitivity in Table 5  
on page 11.  
Updated Drive Strength in Table 6 on page 12.  
Updated Figure 1 and Figure 2 on page 16.  
Updated "3.2. Fast Response Registers" on page  
19.  
Updated Table 9 on page 20.  
Updated Figure 9 on page 29.  
Updated "5.2.4. Received Signal Strength Indicator"  
on page 31.  
Updated "5.4. Transmitter (TX)" on page 34.  
Updated "8.3. Temperature, Battery Voltage, and  
Auxiliary ADC" on page 44.  
Updated "9. Pin Descriptions: Si4464/63/61/60" on  
page 46.  
Updated "11. Package Outline: Si4464/63/61/60" on  
page 49.  
Revision 1.1 to Revision 1.2  
Updated all instances of frequency range for  
Si4463/61/60 and Si4464, primarily in the electrical  
specifications Tables.  
Removed emissions and harmonics specifications  
from the electrical specifications.  
Updated Tables 13 and 14 to reflect frequency  
coverage.  
Updated sections 5.2.3 and 5.2.4.  
Updated “13.1. Si4464/63/61/60 Top Marking”.  
Updated “9. Pin Descriptions: Si4464/63/61/60” for  
pins 16 and 17.  
54  
Rev 1.2  
Si4464/63/61/60  
NOTES:  
Rev 1.2  
55  
Si4464/63/61/60  
CONTACT INFORMATION  
Silicon Laboratories Inc.  
400 West Cesar Chavez  
Austin, TX 78701  
Tel: 1+(512) 416-8500  
Fax: 1+(512) 416-9669  
Toll Free: 1+(877) 444-3032  
Please visit the Silicon Labs Technical Support web page:  
https://www.silabs.com/support/pages/contacttechnicalsupport.aspx  
and register to submit a technical support request.  
Patent Notice  
Silicon Labs invests in research and development to help our customers differentiate in the market with innovative low-power, small size, ana-  
log-intensive mixed-signal solutions. Silicon Labs' extensive patent portfolio is a testament to our unique approach and world-class engineering  
team.  
The information in this document is believed to be accurate in all respects at the time of publication but is subject to change without notice.  
Silicon Laboratories assumes no responsibility for errors and omissions, and disclaims responsibility for any consequences resulting from  
the use of information included herein. Additionally, Silicon Laboratories assumes no responsibility for the functioning of undescribed fea-  
tures or parameters. Silicon Laboratories reserves the right to make changes without further notice. Silicon Laboratories makes no warran-  
ty, representation or guarantee regarding the suitability of its products for any particular purpose, nor does Silicon Laboratories assume any  
liability arising out of the application or use of any product or circuit, and specifically disclaims any and all liability, including without limitation  
consequential or incidental damages. Silicon Laboratories products are not designed, intended, or authorized for use in applications intend-  
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56  
Rev 1.2  

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