EM346-RTR Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The EM346-RTR is a Silicon Labs RF transceiver with integrated microcontroller designed for 802.15.4 Zigbee applications operating at 2.4GHz. This device combines a wireless transceiver and MCU in a 48-VFQFN package with exposed pad. The product is currently obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing system support and new design considerations.

Substiute Parts

EM346-RTR

Silicon LabsIn Stock: 857EM346-RTR Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-BR

Silicon LabsIn Stock: 929EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-BR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

EFR32MG13P732F512GM48-DR

Silicon LabsIn Stock: 202659EFR32MG13P732F512GM48-DR Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

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

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Manufacturer: Silicon Labs (same ecosystem)
• Package Type: 48-VFQFN Exposed Pad (physical compatibility)
• Frequency Band: 2.4GHz (RF compatibility)
• RF Standard Support: 802.15.4 and/or Zigbee® protocol capability
• Voltage Supply Range: Overlap with 2.1V ~ 3.6V
• Operating Temperature: Support for -40°C ~ 85°C minimum

Substitute Parts Identified:

1. EFR32MG13P732F512GM48-DR (Similar/Direct Equivalent) - Supports 802.15.4, Bluetooth, Thread, and Zigbee® protocols in the same package with enhanced capabilities and active product status.

2. EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-BR (MFR Recommended) - Manufacturer-recommended upgrade path with Bluetooth v5.3 support, though primary protocol differs from original 802.15.4 Zigbee focus.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct 802.15.4 Zigbee® Replacement:

The EFR32MG13P732F512GM48-DR is the appropriate substitute for EM346-RTR applications requiring continued 802.15.4 and Zigbee® protocol support. This part maintains protocol compatibility while offering enhanced memory (512kB Flash vs. 192kB), improved sensitivity (-103.3dBm vs. -102dBm), and active product status. The identical package footprint (48-VFQFN 7x7) and voltage supply range overlap (1.8V ~ 3.8V encompasses 2.1V ~ 3.6V) ensure direct compatibility. Both parts are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 2 rating.

For Bluetooth-Centric Applications:

The EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-BR represents the manufacturer-recommended upgrade path for new designs. This part offers significantly enhanced memory (1024kB Flash, 128kB RAM), lower receive current consumption (4.4mA ~ 5.1mA), and extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 125°C). However, the primary protocol is Bluetooth v5.3 rather than 802.15.4 Zigbee®. The package footprint differs slightly (48-VFQFN 6x6 vs. 7x7), requiring PCB layout verification. This option is suitable only for applications where Bluetooth protocol migration is acceptable.

Product Status Consideration:

Both substitute parts carry active product status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain stability compared to the obsolete EM346-RTR.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the EFR32MG13P732F512GM48-DR directly replace the EM346-RTR in existing designs?

A: Yes, for 802.15.4 and Zigbee® applications. The EFR32MG13P732F512GM48-DR maintains protocol compatibility, uses the identical 48-VFQFN package footprint (7x7), and operates within overlapping voltage supply ranges. Firmware porting may be required due to enhanced peripheral set and memory architecture differences.

Q: What are the package differences between substitute parts?

A: The EFR32MG13P732F512GM48-DR uses a 48-VFQFN 7x7 package, identical to the EM346-RTR. The EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-BR uses a 48-VFQFN 6x6 package. Physical footprint differences require PCB layout verification before substitution.

Q: Is the EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-BR suitable for Zigbee® applications?

A: The EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-BR is primarily a Bluetooth v5.3 device. While it supports multiple modulation schemes, it does not list 802.15.4 or Zigbee® as primary protocols. Use this part only if application requirements permit protocol migration to Bluetooth.

Q: How do power consumption profiles compare?

A: The EFR32MG13P732F512GM48-DR offers lower receive current (8.4mA ~ 14mA vs. 22mA ~ 28.5mA) and comparable transmit current. The EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-BR provides the lowest receive current (4.4mA ~ 5.1mA), making it optimal for battery-powered applications where power efficiency is critical.

Q: Are all parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. The EM346-RTR, EFR32MG13P732F512GM48-DR, and EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-BR are all ROHS3 compliant with MSL 2 (1 Year) moisture sensitivity rating.

Q: What is the temperature operating range difference?

A: The EM346-RTR and EFR32MG13P732F512GM48-DR operate from -40°C to 85°C. The EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-BR extends to -40°C to 125°C, providing wider temperature margin for industrial applications.