Texas Instruments CC1000PP user manual Introduction, Typical performance

Introduction

The CC1000 is a very flexible and feature-rich single-chip very low-power RF transceiver. Chipcon has designed the CC1000PP plug-and-play module to serve as a reference layout and enable very quick prototyping of an RF system.

The tiny CC1000PP module (28x20 mm) contains all RF components required for proper operation. This includes all the components mentioned in the CC1000 application circuit (see datasheet for details), as well as a reference crystal and a LC output filter. The layout is based on a standard, inexpensive 2-layer 1.6mm thick FR-4 PCB process, and has been carefully optimised by Chipcon. Components are mounted on one side only, the component side is used for signal routing, and the “solder” (reverse) side is used for a ground plane.

The CC1000PP layout can easily be used as a reference layout by importing it into a PCB CAD program. Chipcon provides the layout in the industry-standard Gerber format. To download the files, please visit the Chipcon web site.

As the CC1000PP module contains only the components required for operation, the layout does not require major modifications when used to make a custom PCB, the user can merely delete the connector pins at each end of the module. But it is very important that the component placement, routing and vias are not altered if the same performance is to be achieved.

If a four layer PCB is to be used, either the two top layers should be used for the RF part, or layer 1 and 4. Layer 4 should then be the ground plane and layers 2 and 3 should be masked off.

In a ready-built form, the CC1000PP is ideal for quick prototyping. The module may be connected to a prototyping board or PCB containing the rest of the system. The CC1000 can in this way be tested in a complete system without having to create a custom RF PCB layout.

Full documentation is provided for this module, including schematics and PCB layout. This information can be downloaded from Chipcon’s web site.

Typical performance

The table below shows typical performance at 3 V / 25°C.

Parameter	CC1000PP-433	CC1000PP-868		Unit
	433 MHz	868 MHz	915 MHz
Sensitivity, 2.4 kBaud	-111	-107	-105	dBm
Output power, max	8	2.5	0.5	dBm
RF frequency accuracy	± 10	± 10	± 10	ppm
LO leakage	-68	-62	-59	dBm
2nd harmonic	<-36	<-30	<-40 dBc	dBm
3rd harmonic	<-30	<-30	<-40 dBc	dBm
Current consumption, TX	24	23	23	mA
Current consumption, RX	9.7	11.7	11.7	mA
Current consumption, PD	100	100	100	nA

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