RF Transceiver Modules and Modems

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
EM7565_1104207 Sierra Wireless	RX TXRX MOD CELLULAR CARD EDGE	0
WP7504-1G_1103669 Sierra Wireless	RF TXRX 4G AT&T/T-MOBILE	319
HL8548-G_1103969 Sierra Wireless	RX TXRX MODULE SMD 3G W/GNSS	500
WP8548-G_1103552 Sierra Wireless	RX TXRX MODULE CELL CAST SMD	346
HL7688_1104119 Sierra Wireless	RX TXRX MODULE CELLULAR 4G SMD	0
BC127-APTX_1103708 Sierra Wireless	RX TXRX MOD BLUETOOTH CHIP SMD	2076
MC7455_1103578 Sierra Wireless	RF TXRX CELLULAR 4G LTE CAT-6	60
HL7618RD_1104077 Sierra Wireless	RX TXRX MOD CELLULAR 4G VERIZON	187
BC127-EXT-APTX_1103783 Sierra Wireless	RX TXRX MOD BLUETOOTH CAST SMD	0
HL7588_1102498 Sierra Wireless	RX TXRX MODULE CELL 4G LTE AT&T	0
XA1100_1103872 Sierra Wireless	RX TXRX MODULE CER GPS PATCH SMD	0
XA1110_1103891 Sierra Wireless	RX TXRX MODULE SURFACE MOUNT	10
1104231 BX3105 Sierra Wireless	RX TXRX MOD WIFI TRACE ANT SMD	973
HL7648_1104593 Sierra Wireless	HL7648 AT&T DATA ONLY	500
HL7648_1104116 Sierra Wireless	RF TXRX CELL 4G LTE CAT-1 AT&T	417
EM7430_1102475 Sierra Wireless	RX TXRX MOD CELLULAR/NAV 4G SMD	0
EM7430_1103732 Sierra Wireless	RX TXRX MODULE CELLULAR/NAV SMD	0
HL7650_1104146 Sierra Wireless	RX TXRX MODULE CELL IOT CAST SMD	1324
WP7601-1 Sierra Wireless	RF TXRX CELL 4G LTE CAT1 VERIZON	0
WP7702-G_1104214 Sierra Wireless	RX TXRX MODULE CELL CAST IOT SMD	465

RF Transceiver Modules and Modems

1. Overview

RF (Radio Frequency) and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) transceiver modules and modems are critical components in wireless communication systems. RF transceivers enable bidirectional data transmission over radio waves, while RFID modules specialize in identifying and tracking objects via electromagnetic coupling. These technologies underpin modern IoT, industrial automation, logistics, and consumer electronics by enabling seamless connectivity and asset management.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functionality	Application Examples
Sub-1GHz RF Modules	Long-range, low-power communication	Smart meters, wireless sensors
2.4GHz RF Modules	High-speed, short-range communication	Bluetooth, Zigbee devices
UHF RFID Modules	Ultra-High Frequency identification	Supply chain tracking, retail inventory
HF RFID Modules	High-Frequency contactless communication	Access control, ticketing systems

3. Structure and Components

A typical RF transceiver module consists of an antenna interface, RF front-end (LNA, PA), frequency synthesizer, baseband processor, and digital interface. RFID modules include a reader antenna, RFID chip, modulation/demodulation circuit, and protocol engine. Both integrate RFICs (Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits) and support standards like IEEE 802.15.4 or EPCglobal Gen2.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description	Importance
Frequency Range	Operational bandwidth (e.g., 868-915MHz)	Determines regulatory compliance and interference resistance
Transmit Power	Output power (e.g., 0-20dBm)	Affects communication range and signal penetration
Receiver Sensitivity	Minimum detectable signal (e.g., -120dBm)	Impacts link reliability in noisy environments
Data Rate	Transmission speed (e.g., 2Mbps)	Dictates real-time data throughput
Protocol Support	Standards compatibility	Ensures interoperability with existing systems

5. Application Fields

Industrial: Wireless sensor networks, factory automation
Consumer: Smart home devices, wearables
Healthcare: Patient monitoring, asset tracking
Logistics: RFID-based inventory management

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Features
Texas Instruments	CC2652R	Multi-protocol 2.4GHz SoC for Zigbee/Thread
Nordic Semiconductor	nRF52840	Bluetooth 5.2 and Thread support
Impinj	R420	UHF RFID reader for retail and supply chain
STMicroelectronics	S2-LP	Sub-1GHz transceiver for IoT sensors

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations include: frequency band compliance, required communication range, data rate requirements, power consumption constraints, and protocol compatibility. For example, UHF RFID modules are preferred for long-range asset tracking, while sub-1GHz modules suit low-power, long-distance industrial applications. Environmental factors (e.g., interference sources) and cost-effectiveness should also be evaluated.

8. Industry Trends

Future development focuses on: integration of AI for dynamic spectrum management, adoption of mmWave frequencies for higher bandwidth, miniaturization via System-on-Chip (SoC) designs, and enhanced security protocols for IoT deployments. The convergence of RFID with blockchain for supply chain transparency is also gaining traction.