EM346-RT Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The EM346-RT is a Silicon Labs RF transceiver with integrated microcontroller designed for 802.15.4 Zigbee applications operating at 2.4GHz. This device combines a TxRx + MCU architecture in a 48-VFQFN package with 192kB Flash and 12kB RAM memory. The EM346-RT is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for new designs and ongoing production requirements.

Substiute Parts

EM346-RT

Silicon LabsIn Stock: 936EM346-RT Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B

Silicon LabsIn Stock: 685EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

EFR32MG13P732F512GM48-D

Silicon LabsIn Stock: 3728EFR32MG13P732F512GM48-D Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the EM346-RT is determined by the following critical parameters:

• RF Family/Standard compatibility (802.15.4 support)
• Protocol support (Zigbee® capability)
• Operating frequency (2.4GHz)
• Package type (48-VFQFN Exposed Pad)
• Supply voltage range compatibility
• Operating temperature range
• RoHS compliance status

The EFR32MG13P732F512GM48-D qualifies as a direct substitute based on full support for 802.15.4, Zigbee®, and Thread protocols at 2.4GHz in the same 48-VFQFN package with superior memory capacity and active product status.

The EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B is classified as a manufacturer-recommended alternative for new designs, offering Bluetooth v5.3 capability in the same package, though it does not support 802.15.4 or Zigbee® protocols.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For applications requiring 802.15.4 and Zigbee® protocol support, the EFR32MG13P732F512GM48-D is the appropriate substitute. This device maintains protocol compatibility while offering increased memory capacity and active product status, ensuring long-term availability and support.

For new designs where protocol flexibility is acceptable, the EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B is the manufacturer-recommended option. This part provides significantly expanded memory resources and extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 125°C), though it requires protocol migration from Zigbee® to Bluetooth v5.3.

Both substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and the same 48-VFQFN package footprint, enabling direct PCB compatibility with appropriate firmware modifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B directly replace the EM346-RT in existing Zigbee® designs?

A: No. The EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B does not support 802.15.4 or Zigbee® protocols. It is designed for Bluetooth v5.3 applications. Protocol migration and firmware redesign are required.

Q: Is the EFR32MG13P732F512GM48-D a pin-compatible replacement?

A: Both devices use the 48-VFQFN Exposed Pad package. PCB footprint compatibility is maintained. Firmware updates are necessary to account for differences in memory architecture and peripheral configuration.

Q: What are the supply voltage considerations when substituting?

A: The EM346-RT operates at 2.1V ~ 3.6V. The EFR32MG13P732F512GM48-D accepts 1.8V ~ 3.8V, and the EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B accepts 1.71V ~ 3.8V. Both substitutes support the original operating range with extended lower voltage capability.

Q: Are there memory implications for substitution?

A: The EM346-RT provides 192kB Flash and 12kB RAM. The EFR32MG13P732F512GM48-D offers 512kB Flash and 64kB RAM. The EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B provides 1024kB Flash and 128kB RAM. Increased memory enables more complex applications but does not create compatibility issues.

Q: What is the operating temperature range difference?

A: The EM346-RT and EFR32MG13P732F512GM48-D both operate at -40°C ~ 85°C. The EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B extends to -40°C ~ 125°C, providing wider thermal operating capability for demanding environments.