BLE modules offer embedded scripting capability

22nd June 2016

Nat Bowers

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Datasheet

Microchip announces two next-gen 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.

These next-gen Bluetooth devices enable fast time-to-market and improve the total manufacturing cost.

The RN4870 and RN4871 devices deliver up to 2.5 times data throughput improvement over previous generation products based on the Bluetooth 4.0 standard. In addition, the solutions offer connection security based on Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) coupled with advanced features. The devices can seamlessly transfer serial data over BLE devices and can support different beacon formats such as iBeacon or Eddystone 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 6x8mm. This, combined with Microchip’s user-friendly interface, helps speed customers’ time-to-market.

Each module has an on-board software stack and pairs well with any of Microchip’s large range of low-power MCUs, 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.

The RN4870-V/RM118, which is shielded with an onboard antenna, is available now for sampling and volume production in a 12x22mm module.

The RN4870U-V/RM118, which is unshielded with an external antenna, is available now for sampling and volume production in a 12x15mm module.

The RN4871-V/RM118, which is shielded with an on-board antenna, is available now for sampling in a 9x11.5mm module.

The RN4871U-V/RM118, which is unshielded with an external antenna, is available now for sampling in a 6x8mm module.

Also available from Microchip is the RN4870 Bluetooth 4.2 Low-Energy PICtail/PICtail Plus Daughterboard with a sensor board (RN-4870-SNSR). The board is available now. In addition, several existing interfaces will be supported by the RN4870 and RN4871 including: the PIC18 Explorer Board (DM183032); the Explorer 16 Board (DM240001/2); and the PIC32 Expansion Board (DM320002).