Wireless Connectivity Made Easy
When it comes to wireless product design, easy is not the first word that comes to mind. Navigating the technical considerations—protocols, RF performance and certifications—makes wireless product designing seem impossible or at least like it will take forever. Though wireless connectivity is complex, it need not be slow or difficult.
For years, we have been leading the way in making wireless accessible to everyone. We were one of the first companies to offer an integrated solution that combined a wireless chip with an on-board antenna in a single device called a module, which reduced risk and time to market.
Our plug-and-play wireless module portfolio takes ease of use further. Features of these plug-and-play devices include:
- Easy to control, using simple text commands
- An antenna for optimized performance
- Global regulatory certified
- Easy to connect to the microcontroller (MCU) in your design
If you’re ready to simplify wireless design, you’re in the right place.
Plug-and-Play Product Portfolio
Our plug-and-play modules show our commitment to making wireless product design easier. These modules remove the barriers typically associated with creating wireless products and reduce your development time and cost. Whether you are looking to add Bluetooth® Classic or Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) connectivity to your product, we have a plug-and-play wireless module for you.
RNBD451
Bluetooth LE 5.2 Module
- Long range with coded PHY and up to +12 dBm Tx output power
- Higher throughput with 2M PHY
- Up to six concurrent Bluetooth connections
RN4870/71
Bluetooth LE 5.0 Modules
- +2 dBm Tx output power
- Ceramic chip antenna or external antenna connection
RN4678
Dual-Mode Bluetooth 5.0 Module
- Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth LE connectivity
- +2 dBm Tx output power
- −90 dBm (Classic) and −92 dBm (LE) Rx sensitivity
Is a Plug-and-Play Wireless Module Right for Your Project?
Benefits of Plug-and-Play
A plug-and-play wireless module is exactly what it sounds like—a wireless device that requires little to no wireless expertise or user setup. Plug-and-play modules simplify wireless design in three ways:
- Eliminate the need for complex code
- Eliminate the need for RF design or antenna optimization
- Shorten the certification process
Based on the benefits, you may be wondering if there is any difference between modules and plug-and-play modules. The answer is yes, and it is all about programming.
Plug-and-Play = No Coding
Plug-and-play modules essentially come pre-programmed and are controlled using simple ASCII text commands. This functionality sets plug-and-play apart from standard modules that require additional coding to work.
Don’t be fooled by their simplified interface. Plug-and-play modules don’t skimp on security or cloud connectivity—they have all the functionality you need to create a successful design.
Speed Up Development
Programming isn’t the only challenge in wireless design. RF design and optimization are complicated and not easy to learn. Global regulatory certification is complicated and expensive and can take many months.
Whether you choose a plug-and-play module or a standard module, they are both good choices for reducing development time and cost. Our modules come with optimized antennas that have been pre-certified in many countries, which eliminates the need for RF expertise and reduces certification requirements.
Making Wireless Easier
In short, plug-and-play modules expand on the benefits of wireless modules. They offer the same RF and certification features with the addition of a simplified control interface. These modules are a great choice for IoT designers who want to get a product to market quickly using minimal technical resources.
Getting Started
We Have All the Tools Needed to Jumpstart Your Project
Our comprehensive selection of tools and accessible support makes wireless product development easy. Our resources include:
- Modules, SoCs and other devices
- Development boards
- Detailed documentation
- Demo applications
- Design check service
- Technical support
- Development Tools
- Demos and Additional Resources
RNBD451 Add-on Board
Our out-of-the-box demo application will have you prototyping with the RNBD451PE module in minutes. This board is mikroBUS™ socket and PC compatible.
RN4871 PICtail™/PICtail Plus Daughter Board
This board makes it easy to evaluate the performance of the RN4871 module, either standalone or connected to an Explorer 8/16 Development Board.
RN4870 Sensor Board
This sensor board allows you to evaluate the performance of the RN4870 module, either standalone or connected to an Explorer 8/16 Development Board.
RN4678 PICtail/PICtail Plus Daughter Board
This board provides rapid prototyping and development of Bluetooth data applications for Classic Serial Port Profile (SPP) or Bluetooth LE.
RNBD451 Application Examples
In these IoT Made Easy demos, we show you how to connect our RNBD451 plug-and-play, Bluetooth LE module to an AVR® or PIC® MCU over UART.
Free Design Review
Our online design review service is available at no charge to customers who have selected our wireless devices for their applications.
Build Your First Bluetooth App
If you’re adding Bluetooth to your application, you will also need a mobile app to control it. Don’t let a lack of app knowledge slow down your prototyping process—learn how to create apps the easy way.
In this Microchip University course, you will learn the steps required to develop an Android® app that interacts with a development board.
