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NB-Fi Transceiver: Features and Applications

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This app note covers NB-Fi Transceiver basics and focuses on the NB-Fi Transceiver from WAVIoT, highlighting its key features and specifications.

Introduction

NB-Fi stands for NarrowBand Fidelity. This technology was developed by WAVIoT, a company headquartered in Russia. It’s designed as an open protocol, making it easier for developers to create products based on it.

What is NB-Fi?

NB-Fi architecture

As illustrated above, an NB-Fi network includes end devices, a base station, a cloud server, and other servers for billing and overall network management.

The following image provides a summary of NB-Fi specifications:

NB-Fi specifications

What is an NB-Fi Transceiver?

An RF transceiver combines the functions of both a transmitter and a receiver into a single device. The transmitter takes baseband information and modulates it onto an RF signal according to the NB-Fi frequency. Conversely, the receiver performs the reverse operation. The transmitter handles up-conversion, while the receiver handles down-conversion.

In essence, the NB-Fi transceiver is a programmable modem designed for long-range communication in IoT LPWAN applications, all while operating at ultra-low power.

WAVIoT NB-Fi Transceiver

Here are the specifications and features you’ll find in the WAVIoT NB-Fi Transceiver:

  • Frequency Bands: Supports frequencies from 430 MHz to 500 MHz and 860 MHz to 925 MHz.
  • Receiver Sensitivity: Offers a receiver sensitivity of -148 dBm.
  • Transmit Power: Maximum transmit output power of 15 dBm.
  • SPI Interface: Features an SPI interface for simple connection to external devices.
  • Modulation Scheme: Uses DBPSK modulation.
  • Data Rates: Supports various data rates, including 50, 100, 400, 3200, and 25600 bps.