The model RFM433-1 RF receiver module from Joinsmart operates on 433.92MHz and supports up to 10Kbps.

Companies adopt imported ICs to ensure improved sensitivity, data transfer rate and power consumption.

China makers of RF modules are taking advantage of the growing wireless security products market to widen selections dominated by models for telecom applications. They plan to raise output for the former segment by about 10 percent. The selections target mainly alarm and home automation systems, and remote controls.

For suppliers such as Giant Alarm System Co. Ltd and Joinsmart IOT Technology Corp., the subcategory’s share is about 10 percent. The former’s releases are used in car, motorcycle, electric bike and house alarms. Joinsmart concentrates on car security and smart home system uses. Qinuo Electronics Co. Ltd’s models are mostly for remote controls and gate operators.

To enhance competitiveness in the mature line, manufacturers keep high sensitivity and data transfer rate, and low power consumption on the product agenda. They adopt ICs from foreign companies, including Silicon Labs, Nordic, Microchip and Micrel. Joinsmart’s RFM433-1 model has the MICRF211 chip from the last. It supports up to 10Kbps.

Meeting custom requirements is also emphasized. Makers accommodate buyers’ specifications on frequency, sensitivity, data rate, operating voltage, power output and package to suit applications.

The global market of security products is projected to increase 8 percent annually between 2012 and 2017, hitting $32.2 billion by the end of the period, according to Memoori. Use of wireless technology is spreading in this segment for its benefit of reducing equipment installation time and cost.

Mainland China companies expect climbing sales as a result. By this year’s end, they hope to achieve about 10 percent higher revenue from domestic and overseas transactions.

There are more than 500 suppliers of RF modules in the mainland. Local businesses form the majority, with the rest mainly with investment from Taiwan and Hong Kong.

The Pearl River and Yangtze River Delta regions and the Bohai Bay Rim Economic Region are the production centers.

300kHz to 30GHz product selection

The line in the mainland consists of transmitter, receiver and transceiver modules with operating frequency ranging from 300kHz to 30GHz. The signal modulation methods commonly used are ASK, OOK and FSK.

Typical units support 315, 433.92, 868, 915MHz or 2.4GHz based on national and international regulations governing the use of radio communication. At Qinuo and Giant, products that run on 315 and 433.92MHz dominate output.

Besides ICs, the main components used in the production of RF modules are crystal oscillators, resistors, capacitors, antennas and PCBs. Except the first, these come from local providers.

The supply and cost of inputs have been stable, helping companies keep prices at current levels despite climbing labor expenditure and the appreciating yuan value.

Related report:
RF connectors: Miniaturization, high frequency remain key trends

Product gallery

Giant Alarm System Co. Ltd
(Mainland China)

Model: JJ-JS-084
Description: Universal receiver type; one or two channels; 433.92 or 315MHz; 60 to 150m operating range, open area; 12 to 24VDC operating voltage, 50 to 200mA current, 5mA±2 static; 54g; for security systems, automatic doors, windows, lifting, industrial control equipment, household products; CE, RoHS

Joinsmart IOT Technology Corp.
(Mainland China)

Model: RFM433-1
MOQ: 500 units
Delivery: 10 days
Description: Receiver type; 433.92MHz; up to 10Kbps, OOK, ASK; Micrel MICRF211 chip; 37.5x12x1.2mm, 20g; custom orders accepted

Qinuo Electronics Co. Ltd
(Mainland China)

Model: QN-DTDC001
MOQ: 100 units
Delivery: 30 days
Description: Receiver type; programmable tilting door open/close, manual or automatic; soft start/stop; pet/pedestrian, vacation mode; photoelectric sensor; 24VDC motor; 24V rechargeable battery optional

Rifo Technology Co. Ltd
(Taiwan)

Model: TC2541-ELEF
Description: Bluetooth 4.0; 2.4GHz; 1Mbps, GFSK; 128 or 256KB programmable flash memory; I2C, IO, SPI, UART; 18.1x12.1mm; for remote controls, consumer electronics, sports and leisure equipment