RF gurus-A question from a wireless dullard

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting a suitable RF transceiver for wireless communication over a distance of approximately 500 feet. The focus is on finding a single integrated circuit (IC) transceiver that requires minimal control from the user and operates within the ISM band, specifically around 900 MHz using FSK modulation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster seeks a transceiver that can handle communication autonomously, requiring only the transmission of 32 bits from each end.
  • Concerns are raised about whether a transmitter with a power rating of 8 dBm and a receiver sensitivity of -100 dBm can facilitate reliable data transmission over 500 feet without an RF amplifier.
  • Some participants suggest checking other specialized forums for additional insights and recommendations on RF applications.
  • Recommendations for potential ICs from companies like TI, Analog Devices, Microchip, and Macro Linear Corp. are mentioned, though their suitability remains uncertain.
  • One participant notes a link budget calculation indicating that the setup should theoretically work even with 0 dB antenna gain at both ends, though they express skepticism about this outcome.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of expertise and uncertainty regarding the original poster's requirements and the feasibility of achieving reliable communication without additional amplification. No consensus on a specific solution or IC recommendation is reached.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential dependencies on environmental factors, antenna gain, and the specific characteristics of the suggested ICs, which have not been fully evaluated in the discussion.

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RF gurus---A question from a wireless dullard

Ok, I need to collect and send data to/from a remote device about 500ft away. I'm looking for a single IC transceiver in a small smt package if possible. I'd like a transceiver that handles the communications with little to no control from either my laptop or the remote device i.e. either end hands 32 bits to the transceiver, something magic happens and the 32 bits appears at the other end. I really don't want to have to write code to control communications from A to B if at all possible. Moreover, I'm looking for something in an ISM band.

I've come across a couple of offerings from TI, Analog devices and Microchip that 'may' fit the bill. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated though.

Anywho, here's the question: If my transmitter has a power rating of 8dBm and my receiver has a receiver sensitivity of about -100dBm will I be able to TRx data back and forth across said 500ft without using an RF amp?

I'm an RF novice. I had a class once--years ago--to meet a requirement and then promptly dropped all of the knowledge in the expectation that I'd never have to fiddle with wireless comms. So, any insight into my problem would be greatly appreciated.

As always, thanks in advance for any and all support in my time of need.

[edit] The above transmits at 900'ishMHz using FSK modulation and the area between the device and my PC is fairly clear(a couple of small less than 8' tall trailers if any) if that helps.
 
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Anyone? Bueller, Bueller, Bueller. Well, I guess it serves me right. I should have payed more attention in class and retained said information---and text---longer than 14 seconds after the final.

[edit] according to this site: http://huizen.deds.nl/~pa0hoo/helix_wifi/linkbudgetcalc/wlan_budgetcalc.html I should be in the greem even with 0dB antenna gain at both ends. This shouldn't be the case but worse case scenerio...

Anyone out there with an IC recomendation is welcome to respond still.
 
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I have dabbled a bit with RF apps (lower freq), but no expert on your question.

If you do not get many volunteers on our forum, you might try one of the specialized
groups like http://www.rfglobalnet.com/forums/ I see they have a forum on short-range wireless and another on Chips For Wireless Applications

Another possibility is http://www.rfcafe.com/phpBB2/index.php

Another company to check is Macro Linear Corp. They have RF tranceiver ICs for 900MHz FSK. Not sure if they meet all your criteria though.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You could also try contacting one of their apps engineers. Sometime the latency is long but the reply is usually helpful.
 

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