Nisshinbo New Release of the NT1741, an Ultra-Low-Current Rx Booster
Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc. is set to launch the NT1741, an ultra-low-current Rx booster designed for 2.4 GHz wireless communications, including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Thread, and Zigbee. This component is engineered to enhance communication stability and extend the range of compact wireless devices.
Bluetooth Low Energy, a short-range wireless communication technology, is widely adopted in IoT and consumer devices like smartphones and wearables due to its significantly reduced power consumption compared to conventional Bluetooth. While basic BLE communication can be achieved with a System on Chip (SoC) and an antenna, there is a growing demand for RF boosters to improve communication performance and reliability.
Devices such as hearing aids, which are increasingly integrating smartphone connectivity for sound quality adjustment and utilizing Bluetooth LE Audio Auracast™ for broadcast audio, require exceptionally high receiver sensitivity and robust communication. This is crucial for directly receiving public announcements in various environments and ensuring the highly reliable wireless performance expected of medical devices. Rx boosters are therefore essential to optimize receiver performance in these applications.
The NT1741 addresses these critical requirements by achieving industry-leading low current consumption of 1.5 mA in LNA mode and 1 µA in bypass mode, all while maintaining high RF performance. Furthermore, its space-saving design integrates input/output matching circuits within a small package, significantly reducing the need for external components and minimizing mounting area. These features collectively contribute to improved communication quality, extended battery life, and the miniaturization of compact wearable devices.
Specifications
| Product | Function | Frequency Range | Supply Voltage | Current Consumption (LNA) | Current Consumption (Bypass) | Gain | Noise Figure | Package Size | External Components |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NT1741 | Ultra-Low-Current Rx Booster | 2400 MHz to 2500 MHz | 1.6 V to 3.7 V (1.8 V typ.) | 1.5 mA typ. | 1 µA typ. | 13 dB typ. | 2.3 dB typ. | 1.0 × 1.0 mm typ. (EPFFP-6-FB) | None required (except VDD bypass capacitor) |
Key Features
- Achieves industry-leading low current consumption of 1.5 mA in LNA mode.
- Features ultra-low current consumption of 1 µA in bypass mode.
- Maintains high RF performance, including gain, noise figure (2.3 dB typ.), and linearity.
- Housed in a small EPFFP-6-FB package measuring 1.0 mm × 1.0 mm.
- Integrates all RF matching circuits on-chip, except for the power-supply bypass capacitor.
- Reduces the number of external components required for implementation.
- Minimizes mounting area requirements, enabling higher-density designs.
- Contributes to improved communication quality and extended battery life.
- Enables greater design flexibility for compact electronic devices.
- Supports 2.4 GHz wireless communication applications such as Bluetooth Low Energy, Thread, and Zigbee.
Applications
- Hearing Aids
- AI Glasses
- Earphones / Headphones
- 2.4 GHz Wireless Communication Applications (BLE, Thread, Zigbee)
Availability
The Nisshinbo Micro Devices NT1741 is a newly released ultra-low-current Rx booster designed for 2.4 GHz wireless applications, including BLE, Thread, Zigbee, hearing aids, AI glasses, and other compact wearable devices. According to Nisshinbo Micro Devices, the sample order is scheduled to start in December 2026, with a monthly production capability of 1 million pieces. The NT1741 is offered in the compact EPFFP-6-FB 1.0 × 1.0 mm package, with a reference unit price of JPY 270 per piece for 1,000-piece orders (tax included, based on the September 2026 tax rate).
