BLE Wireless Solutions with Easy-to-Use Design Interface
Microchip Technology Inc. has announced two next-generation Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) solutions with an easy-to-use ASCII-style command interface that makes the devices easy to configure and eliminates any complicated code compiling. The RN4870 and RN4871 support the latest Bluetooth 4.2 specification and have a Bluetooth stack on board with a scripting engine to enable standalone operation and eliminate MCU use for simple applications.
The RN4870 and RN4871 devices deliver up to 2.5 times the data throughput improvement over previous generation products based on the Bluetooth 4.0 standard. In addition, the new Bluetooth solutions offer Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) based connection security coupled with advanced features. The devices can seamlessly transfer serial data over BLE devices and can support different beacon formats like iBeaconâ„¢ or Eddystoneâ„¢ via a single command. Both devices with a shield option are fully certified to meet worldwide regulatory standards and are available with compact package options as small as 6 x 8 mm.
"This latest offering from Microchip will ultimately enable Internet of Things (IoT) developers to build better end applications with lower power consumption," said Steve Caldwell, vice president of Microchip's Wireless Solution Group. "With our products, developers can reduce design complexity and shorten time to market significantly. These new RN-style modules are the easiest way for customers to get started with Bluetooth Low Energy solutions in their products."
Each module has an on-board software stack and pairs well with any of Microchip's large range of low-power microcontrollers or any microcontroller with a UART interface. The RN4870 and RN4871 are designed to complement Microchip's diverse low-energy solutions designed for IoT applications.
"Microchip was the first to offer Bluetooth 4.2 compliant silicon, modules and software" continued Caldwell. "We are proud to be a leader in Bluetooth technology."
The RN4870-V/RM118, which is shielded with an onboard antenna, is available now for sampling and volume production in a 12 x 22 mm module starting at $5.40 each in 1,000-unit quantities. The RN4870U-V/RM118, which is unshielded with an external antenna, is available now for sampling and volume production in a 12 x 15 mm module starting at $4.47 each in 1,000-unit quantities.
The RN4871-V/RM118, which is shielded with an onboard antenna, is available now for sampling in a 9 x 11.5 mm module starting at $5.40 each in 1,000-unit quantities. The RN4871U-V/RM118, which is unshielded with an external antenna, is available now for sampling in a 6 x 8 mm module starting at $4.47 each in 1,000-unit quantities.
Also available from Microchip is the RN4870 Bluetooth 4.2 Low-Energy PICtailâ„¢/PICtail Plus Daughterboard with a sensor board (part # RN-4870-SNSR). The board is available today. In addition, several existing interfaces will be supported by the RN4870 and RN4871 including the PIC18 Explorer Board (DM183032) priced at $99.99, the Explorer 16 Board (DM240001/2) priced at $129.99, and the PIC32 Expansion Board (DM320002) priced at $72.00.
