RF6525
3.0V TO 4.2V, 2.4GHz FRONT END MODULE
Package Style: QFN, 20-Pin, 3.5mmx3.5mmx0.5mm
VCC_BAIS
TXCT
GND
VCC
15
14
13
12
Features
TXN
16
NC
11
10
VCC
TX Output Power: 22dBm
RX Gain: 11.5dB
RX NF: 2.5dB
Integrated RF Front End
Module with TX/RX balun, PA,
Filter, LNA with Bypass Mode
and DP2T Switch.
Dual Differential Transceiver
Interface.
ZigBee® 802.15.4 Based
Systems for Remote
Monitoring and Control
2.4GHz ISM Band
Applications
Smart Meters for Energy
Management
TXP
17
9
GND
RXCT
18
ANT
8
ANT1
RXBN
19
7
GND
RXBP
20
6
ANT2
1
LNA_MODE
2
VCC
3
ANT_SEL
4
TX_EN
5
RX_EN
Applications
Functional Block Diagram
Product Description
The RF6525 integrates a complete solution in a single Front End Module (FEM) for
ZigBee® applications in the 2.4GHz to 2.5GHz band. This FEM integrates the PA
plus harmonic filter in the transmit path and the LNA with bypass mode in the
receive side. It also integrates a diversity switch and provides balanced input and
output signals for both the TX and RX paths respectively.
The RF6525 FEM is ideal for ZigBee® systems operating with a minimum output
power of 20dBm and high efficiency requirements. On the receive path, the RX
Chain provides 11.5dB of typical gain with only 7mA of current and excellent NF of
2.5dB. This FEM meets or exceeds the system requirements for ZigBee® applica-
tions operating in the 2.4GHz to 2.5GHz band. The device is provided in a 3.5mm x
3.5mm x 0.5mm, 20-pin QFN package.
Ordering Information
RF6525SQ
RF6525SR
RF6525TR13
RF6525PCK-410
Standard 25 piece bag
Standard 100 piece reel
Standard 2500 piece reel
Fully assembled evaluation board with 5 loose pieces
Optimum Technology Matching® Applied
DS111110
GaAs HBT
GaAs MESFET
InGaP HBT
SiGe BiCMOS
Si BiCMOS
SiGe HBT
GaAs pHEMT
Si CMOS
Si BJT
GaN HEMT
BiFET HBT
LDMOS
RF MICRO DEVICES®, RFMD®, Optimum Technology Matching®, Enabling Wireless Connectivity™, PowerStar®, POLARIS™ TOTAL RADIO™ and UltimateBlue™ are trademarks of RFMD, LLC. BLUETOOTH is a trade-
mark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., U.S.A. and licensed for use by RFMD. All other trade names, trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2006, RF Micro Devices, Inc.
7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 · For sales or technical
support, contact RFMD at (+1) 336-678-5570 or sales-support@rfmd.com.
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RF6525
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Parameter
DC Supply Voltage
Operating Case Temperature
Storage Temperature
ESD Human Body Model RF Pins
ESD Human Body Model All Other
Pins
ESD Charge Device Model All Pins
Moisture Sensitivity Level
Maximum Input Power to PA and
LNA (No Damage in High Gain
Mode)
Rating
5
-40 to +85
-40 to +150
1000
500
500
MSL 2
+5
Unit
V
°C
°C
V
V
V
dBm
Caution! ESD sensitive device.
Exceeding any one or a combination of the Absolute Maximum Rating conditions may
cause permanent damage to the device. Extended application of Absolute Maximum
Rating conditions to the device may reduce device reliability. Specified typical perfor-
mance or functional operation of the device under Absolute Maximum Rating condi-
tions is not implied.
The information in this publication is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no
responsibility is assumed by RF Micro Devices, Inc. ("RFMD") for its use, nor for any
infringement of patents, or other rights of third parties, resulting from its use. No
license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of
RFMD. RFMD reserves the right to change component circuitry, recommended appli-
cation circuitry and specifications at any time without prior notice.
RFMD Green: RoHS compliant per EU Directive 2002/95/EC, halogen free
per IEC 61249-2-21, < 1000ppm each of antimony trioxide in polymeric
materials and red phosphorus as a flame retardant, and <2% antimony in
solder.
Parameter
Overall
Operating Frequency Range
Operating Voltage (V
CC
)
Leakage Current
Min.
Specification
Typ.
Max.
Unit
Condition
Specifications must be met across supply voltage,
control voltage, and temperature ranges unless oth-
erwise noted. Typical conditions: T=25°C,
V
CC
=3.6V, TX_EN=High
2400
3.0
3.6
0.5
2483
4.2
MHz
V
uA
V
CC
=3.6V, RF=OFF, TX_EN=Low, RX_EN=Low.
LNA_EN, ANT_SEL, and LNA Mode=Low.
Transmit Parameters
Frequency
Input Return Loss
Amplitude Imbalance
Phase Imbalance
Output Return Loss
Gain
Gain Variation
Gain Flatness
Rated Output Power
Supply Current
Supply Current
Thermal Resistance
2nd Harmonic Level
25
-1.5
-1
20
22
19
200
175
53
-45
-42
230
205
-1
-15
-14
28
+1.5
+1
2400
-13
2483
-9.6
1
15
-9.6
MHz
dB
dB
deg
dB
dB
dB
dB
dBm
dBm
mA
mA
°C/W
dBm/MHz
V
CC
=2.6V, V
CC
_Bias=3.0V
P
O
=22dBm 802.15.4 OQPSK. Typical Conditions.
P
O
=20dBm 802.15.4 OQPSK.
V
CC
= 3.6V, P
OUT
= 22dBm, T
REF
= 85°C
Measured using standard 802.15.4 OQPSK modula-
tion signal at P
OUT
=20dBm over temperature, fre-
quency, and voltage
Measured using standard 802.15.4 OQPSK modula-
tion signal at P
OUT
=20dBm over temperature, fre-
quency, and voltage
No spurs above -45dBm
Over all conditions for both Antenna 1 and Antenna
2
At rated power and nominal conditions
Over temperature
Over frequencies and voltage
Over all conditions for both Antenna 1 and Antenna
2
3rd Harmonic Level
-45
-42
dBm/MHz
VSWR Stability and Load
Mismatch Susceptibility
VSWR No Damage
4:1
8:1
2 of 11
7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 · For sales or technical
support, contact RFMD at (+1) 336-678-5570 or sales-support@rfmd.com.
DS111110
RF6525
Parameter
Transmit Parameters,
cont.
Gain Settling Time
Current Sourced through
TXCT Pin
Voltage Drop from TXCT Pin
to TXP/TXN
1
2
18.0
0.1
uS
mA
V
Min.
Specification
Typ.
Max.
Unit
Condition
Receive Parameters
(LNA Mode)
Frequency
Gain
Noise Figure
Current
Input IP3
Gain Flatness
Input Return Loss
Output Return Loss
Amplitude Imbalance
Phase Imbalance
Current Sourced through
RXCT Pin
Voltage Drop from RXCT Pin
to RXP/RXN
0.05
-1
-15
5
-0.7
10
8
1
15
1
0.1
2400
8
11.5
2.5
8
10
0.7
2483
14
3.5
12
MHz
dB
dB
mA
dBm
dB
dB
dB
dB
deg
mA
V
Differential RX Port
On 180 degrees typical, differential RX Port
From antenna to RX pin (entire RX path). (All condi-
tions.)
From antenna to RX pin (entire RX path).
LNA + Switches
At nominal conditions
over frequency
ByPass Mode
Frequency
Insertion Loss
Noise Figure
Current
IIP3
Gain Flatness
Input Return Loss
Output Return Loss
Amplitude Imbalance
Phase Imbalance
Current Sourced through
RXCT Pin
Voltage Drop from RXCT Pin
to RXP/RXN
0.05
-1
-15
-0.1
15
9.5
2400
5
5
5
50
18
0.1
12
8
1
15
1
0.1
2483
7
MHz
dB
dB
uA
uA
dBm
dB
dB
dB
dB
deg
mA
V
Differential RX Port
On 180 degrees typical, differential RX Port
Entire RX path
Entire RX path
ANT1
ANT2
Nominal
over frequency
Antenna Switch
RF-to-Control Isolation
RF-to-ANT Isolation
17
50
20
dB
dB
Measured at any control pin while in TX or RX mode.
Measured from Antenna to RX port while in Transmit
mode. Measured from Antenna to TX port while in
Receive mode.
Measured from TX port to RX port while in receive or
transmit modes.
All Logic I/O’s
All Logic I/O’s
RF-to-RF Isolation
Switch Control Logic = HIGH
Switch Control Logic = LOW
18
=V
CC
-0.3
0.0
20
=V
CC
0.2
dB
V
V
DS111110
7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 · For sales or technical
support, contact RFMD at (+1) 336-678-5570 or sales-support@rfmd.com.
3 of 11
RF6525
Switch Control Current. Logic
HIGH
Switch Control Current. Logic
LOW
Antenna Select Switch Speed
2
0.1
1
5
A
A
uS
All Logic I/O’s
All Logic I/O’s
ANT1 or ANT2 path, TX or RX mode
4 of 11
7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 · For sales or technical
support, contact RFMD at (+1) 336-678-5570 or sales-support@rfmd.com.
DS111110
RF6525
Pin
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Function
LNA_MODE
VCC
ANT_SEL
TX_EN
RX_EN
ANT2
GND
ANT1
GND
VCC
NC
VCC
VCC_BIAS
GND
TXCT
TXN
TXP
RXCT
RXBN
RXBP
Description
Bypass enable pin. See logic table for operation.
Voltage Supply. An external 1uF capacitor might be needed for low frequency decoupling.
Control pin for Antenna select. See logic table for operation.
Enable voltage pin for the PA and Transmit switch. See logic table for operation.
Enable voltage pin for the LNA and Receive switch. See logic table for operation
This is the common port (antenna). It is matched to 50Ω and DC-block is provided internally.
Ground.
This is the common port (antenna). It is matched to 50Ω and DC-block is provided internally
Ground.
Voltage Supply. An external 1uF capacitor might be needed for low frequency decoupling
No connect pin. Must be left floating.
Voltage Supply. An external 1uF capacitor might be needed for low frequency decoupling
Voltage Supply. An external 1 uF capacitor might be needed for low frequency decoupling
Ground.
Center tap for passing thru DC voltage to TXN and TXP pins that connect to the TXVR SoIC.
100 single-ended, 200Ω differential.
100 single-ended, 200Ω differential.
Center tap for passing thru DC voltage to RXBN and RXBP pins that connect to the TXVR SoIC.
100 single-ended, 200Ω differential.
100 single-ended, 200Ω differential.
DS111110
7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 · For sales or technical
support, contact RFMD at (+1) 336-678-5570 or sales-support@rfmd.com.
5 of 11
