RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

What is an RF Transmitter?
In this article we will be learning about the RF transmitter and receiver. We

will also be considering some of its applications and features.

Table of Contents

What Does RF Module Mean?

From the name, the RF module functions at radio frequency. Its frequency

band usually spans between 30 kHz to 300 GHz. This digital data can be

represented in the form of variations in the carrier’s wave amplitude in the

RF system. Also, this modulation type is Amplitude Shift Keying, denoted

as ASK.

The RF Receiver and RF transmitter are found in the RF module.

Furthermore, the (Tx/Rx) transmitter/receiver pair’s frequency is 434 MHz.

The RF transmitter usually accepts the serial data then delivers it

wirelessly through radio frequency through its antenna attached to pin4.

This transaction speed falls between zero and ten kilobits every second.

The RF receiver which functions at similar frequency with the transmitter

usually receives all the data that has been transmitted.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

During the sending of logic zero when suppressing a carrier frequency

fully, the transmitter usually does not draw any power, also consumes less

power in the battery operation. Whenever logic once has been sent, the

carrier is completely on to around 4.5mA having a power supply of 3 volts.

The data is serially transmitted from a transmitter into a tuned receiver.

Also, for the transfer of data, the rf transmitter and receiver will be

connected to the two microcontrollers.

This transmitter helps in transmitting encoded serial inputs with the help

of radio frequency. Then this Receiver module will receive the entire

transmitted signal which is placed at a distance from the transmission

source. Therefore, the RF signals will be transmitted at specific

frequencies and baud rates.

Note that this RF receiver will only receive the data transmitted when it

functions at a similar frequency with the transmitter. This transmitter

module features RF tuned circuits as well as OP Amps for amplifying the

carrier wave that has been received from the transmitter.

Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now

What is an RF Transmitter?

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

RF Transmitter PCBA

The RF transmitter can be described as a device creating radio signals that

contains information whereby when an antenna is used, some distance is

propagated. The earliest RF transmitters were known as spark gap

transmitters usually found in-between two electrodes for creating RF

signals. Just like lighting usually creates static on the radio, this spark gap

creates a brief static moment on the receiver. The method was used with

Morse code in sending information through via pulses.

The RF transmitters of today, though they are quite different, are usually

based on some specific principles like the spark gap transmitters. Rather

than spark gap, the modern transmitters make use of tubes or transistors.

Also, the circuitry creates the oscillating RF signals at a specific range of

frequency, which is carried to the antenna that is tuned so as to match its

frequency.

What are the Applications of RF Transmitters?

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

RF Transmitters are utilized in different industries and applications.

Usually, devices used with the integrated circuits usually

integrate SMT technology, flat pack and THT or through hole technology.

In the telecommunications industry, these RF transmitters are mainly

designed to fit into a metal rack, which could be installed inside a cabinet.

Also, the RF transmitters are utilized in electronic article surveillance

systems and radios which are found in different retail stores. Also,

Inventory management systems make use of RF transmitters to serve as a

substitute to barcodes.

Other considerations when you are choosing the RF transmitters are RF

connectors, supply current, supply voltage, Special features, as well as

packaging. Several RF transmitters are audible or visual alarms as well

as LED indicators, which signal operating modes of signals like reception

or power on.

Some others attach into coaxial cables and feature a port or connector to

which you can attach the antenna. Typically, the RF transmitters, which are

designed for outdoor uses, feature heavy-duty waterproof designs.

Devices having a range of frequency switches and internal calibration are

available as well.

Choosing the RF Transmitters

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

The RF transmitters transport information in different ways. The spark gap

transmitter carry information by just turning the signals off and on, which

is called OOK (or the on off key). However, the modern transmitters

achieve this in ways that are more complex.

 Amplitude modulation causes baseband signals to vary the height

or amplitude of carrier waves so as to create the right information

content.

 With frequency modulation, it causes instantaneous frequency of

sine wave carries to leave the center frequency through an amount

that is proportional to the modulating signal’s instantaneous value.

 Furthermore, the amplitude shift key helps in transmitting data

through the varying of the transmitted signal’s amplitude.

 Frequency shift keys denoted as FSK can be described as digital

modulation schemes that make use of at least two output

frequencies.

 The Phase Shift Key can be described as digital modulation schemes

hereby the transmitted signal phase is varied in line with baseband

data signals.

433 MHz RF Transmitter and Receiver

During lots of projects out there, the RF modules are used in transmitting

as well as receiving data due to its ability to have a huge volume of

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

applications compared to IR. The RF transceiver module would always

function in pairs. This means that it requires both a transmitter and

receiver for sending and receiving data. The transmitter will send only the

information and the receiver will only be able to receive it. Therefore data

can only be sent from one specific end to the other.

Transistor modules are made of three main pins, which include ground,

Din, and Vcc. This Vcc pin features a wide input voltage range between 3V

and 12V. This transmitter usually consumes at least 9mA of current, and

can reach a high 40mA when transmission is ongoing. This center pin can

be described as the data pins for transmitting the signal. The signal is

modulated utilizing the ASK, which is then sent on the air at

a 433MHz frequency.

RF Receiver Module Pins

The RF receiver module features four major pins. These include Ground,

Linear out, and Vcc. This Vcc pin has to be powered with a regulated 5

volts supply. This module’s operating current is below 5.5 mA. The Linear

out and pins Dout is shorted altogether so as to receive the air’s 433 MHz

Signal. The signal would then be demodulated so as to get the specified

data and then sent out via the data pins.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

In addition, the wireless 434 MHz RF module is majorly an Amplitude

superheterodyne Keying ook based module (On-off Keying). The design of

the RF module is done with respect to the RF receiver or RF transmitter

with functions at a 433 MHz frequency. The RF module is usually used with

pairs of encoders/decoders. This can be described as RF encoder and

decoder interfacing boards having HT12E and HT12D IC chips.

The HT12E is useful for the encoding of data for the RF Transmitter as well

as HT12D, which is used for decoding the data that the RF receiver has

received. This module is made up of the SAW resonator that is tuned for

the 433.xx MHz function. However, these functions are performed with

the help of the switching transistor, as well as some passive components.

Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now

What are the Features of the 433MHz RF Transmitter and

Receiver?

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

 It has a receiver frequency of 433 MHz transmitter

 Low consumption of power

 Operating voltage of the receiver is 5V

 Output power of the transmitter is 4~12 Dbm

 Supply voltage of the transmitter is 3V~6V

 Frequency range of the transmitter is 433.92 MHz

 Typical sensitivity of the receiver is 105 Dbm

 Current supply of the receiver is 3.5mA

What are the Applications of the RF Module?

Robotic Vehicles (Remote-operated)

This robot can be described as a moving vehicle, which is controlled

remotely by a transmitting and receiving unit. For this case, the HT12E

encoder that helps in the conversion of 4-bit data into serial output is used.

Then the output’s RF module is fed into the HT12D serial

decoder integrated circuit, whose output is fed into the

first microcontroller pin to the fourth one.

The microcontroller’s transmitting end is then connected onto some

pushbutton switches into the 3rd of the 20th pin of the microcontroller

AT89C2051.

Robotics Without the Microcontroller Circuit Diagram

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

The pin14 of the encoder HT12E has low logic signals as the data signals

function on the negative logic. This encoder helps in converting parallel

signals into serial formats and then transfers them via the radio frequency

transmitter at a rate of one to two kilobytes per second. These signals are

then decoded into the parallel signals once the receiver receives it.

After inverting the signals, they will be applied onto the motor driver

integrated circuit, in order to drive this motor. You can change the

directions of the motor by varying those logics applied to the pins 15, 10, 7,

2.

Conclusion

In summary, an RF transmitter can be described as a device creating radio

signals that contains information whereby when an antenna is used, some

distance is propagated. RF Transmitters are utilized in different industries

and applications. Usually, devices used with the integrated circuits usually

integrate SMT technology, flat pack and THT or through hole technology.

Related Posts:

1. Benefits, Limitations, and Applications of the .STEP File

2. Advantages, Disadvantages, and Applications of MLB PCB

3. Why Burn in Boards is Crucial in Semiconductor Manufacturing

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

4. Why Aluminum Backed PCB is Suitable for Different Applications

https://www.raypcb.com/rf-transmitter/

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/