EM3586-IRT RF Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The EM3586-IRT is a Silicon Labs RF transceiver IC designed for 2.4GHz wireless applications including 802.15.4, Bluetooth, WiFi 802.11g, and Zigbee® protocols. This device operates as a TxRx Only module, providing RF transmission and reception capabilities without integrated microcontroller functionality. The EM3586-IRT is classified as Obsolete, making identification of active equivalent parts essential for new designs and ongoing production support.

Substiute Parts

EM3586-IRT

Silicon LabsIn Stock: 761EM3586-IRT Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B

Silicon LabsIn Stock: 685EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the EM3586-IRT requires evaluation based on the following critical parameters:

Frequency Compatibility: The substitute must operate within the 2.4GHz band to maintain RF performance in existing circuit designs.

Package Compatibility: Both the main part and substitute use 48-VFQFN Exposed Pad surface mount packages, ensuring PCB layout compatibility.

Serial Interface Support: The substitute must provide I2C, SPI, and UART interfaces to maintain host microcontroller communication protocols.

Supply Voltage Range: The substitute must accept the voltage levels specified for the original design to ensure power distribution compatibility.

Modulation Support: The substitute must support O-QPSK modulation to maintain protocol compatibility with existing firmware and network implementations.

The EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B is classified as an active substitute because it maintains the 48-VFQFN package format, operates in the 2.4GHz frequency band, provides required serial interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART), and supports compatible modulation schemes. However, this substitute integrates both RF transceiver and microcontroller functionality (TxRx + MCU), representing an architectural change from the TxRx Only topology of the EM3586-IRT.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Product Status Consideration: The EM3586-IRT is classified as Obsolete. The EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B is classified as Active and carries ROHS3 compliance certification, meeting current regulatory requirements for new designs and production continuity.

Architectural Differences: The EM3586-IRT functions as a TxRx Only RF transceiver requiring an external microcontroller. The EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B integrates both RF transceiver and microcontroller functionality. This architectural change requires design modification if the original system architecture depends on external MCU control of RF operations.

Package Dimensions: Both devices use 48-VFQFN packages with exposed pads. The EM3586-IRT uses a 7x7mm footprint while the EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B uses a 6x6mm footprint. PCB layout modifications are required to accommodate the smaller package size.

Supply Voltage Range: The EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B accepts a wider supply voltage range (1.71V ~ 3.8V) compared to the EM3586-IRT (1.18V ~ 1.32V, 1.7V ~ 1.9V). Existing power distribution designs may require adjustment to operate within the substitute's specified range.

Current Consumption: The EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B demonstrates significantly lower current consumption during receive (4.4mA ~ 5.1mA vs. 28mA) and transmit (5mA ~ 19.1mA vs. 33.5mA) operations, providing power efficiency improvements in battery-powered applications.

Compliance and Certifications: The EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B carries ROHS3 compliance and MSL 2 rating, meeting environmental and moisture sensitivity requirements for modern manufacturing and storage conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B directly replace the EM3586-IRT without design changes?

A: Direct replacement is not possible due to architectural differences. The EM3586-IRT is a TxRx Only device requiring external microcontroller control, while the EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B integrates microcontroller functionality. Additionally, the package footprint differs (7x7mm vs. 6x6mm), requiring PCB layout modifications. Supply voltage ranges differ, necessitating power distribution circuit adjustments.

Q: What are the key compatibility parameters for RF transceiver substitution?

A: Critical parameters include frequency band operation (2.4GHz), modulation scheme support (O-QPSK), serial interface availability (I2C, SPI, UART), package format (48-VFQFN), and supply voltage compatibility. The substitute must support these parameters to maintain RF performance and host communication protocols.

Q: How do the package dimensions affect PCB design?

A: The EM3586-IRT uses a 7x7mm 48-VFQFN package while the EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B uses a 6x6mm 48-VFQFN package. The smaller footprint of the substitute requires PCB layout redesign, including trace routing, via placement, and thermal management modifications. Both packages use exposed pads for thermal dissipation.

Q: What is the impact of the architectural change from TxRx Only to TxRx + MCU?

A: The EM3586-IRT requires an external microcontroller to manage RF operations and protocol handling. The EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B integrates these functions, potentially eliminating the need for a separate MCU. This reduces component count and PCB area but requires firmware migration and system architecture redesign.

Q: Are there supply voltage compatibility issues?

A: Yes. The EM3586-IRT operates at 1.18V ~ 1.32V and 1.7V ~ 1.9V. The EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B operates at 1.71V ~ 3.8V. Existing power supplies designed for the EM3586-IRT may require modification to ensure the substitute operates within its specified voltage range.

Q: What are the current consumption implications?

A: The EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B consumes significantly less current during receive (4.4mA ~ 5.1mA vs. 28mA) and transmit (5mA ~ 19.1mA vs. 33.5mA) operations. This reduction improves battery life in portable applications and reduces thermal dissipation requirements.

Q: Does the substitute support all RF protocols of the original part?

A: The EM3586-IRT supports 802.15.4, Bluetooth, WiFi 802.11g, and Zigbee® protocols. The EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B supports Bluetooth v5.3 with multiple modulation schemes (2FSK, 2GFSK, DSSS, GMSK, MSK, O-QPSK). Protocol support differs; design requirements must be evaluated against the substitute's capabilities.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to the substitute?

A: The EFR32MG24A010F1024IM48-B carries ROHS3 compliance certification and MSL 2 moisture sensitivity rating (1 Year). These certifications meet current environmental and manufacturing standards for electronic components.