Nordic Semiconductor redefines industry benchmark for ultra-low power 2.4GHz transceivers with launch of nRF24L01+
(Technology News, 10 Apr 2008 )
Nordic Semiconductor ASA has released the nRF24L01+ single chip 2.4GHz transceiver that offers best-in-class radio performance, ultra-low power (ULP) operation, a 250 kbps data rate option mode that triples operating range, and drop-in compatibility with Nordic’s existing industry-leading nRF24L01 2.4GHz ULP transceiver.
Key features of the nRF24L01+ include:
1) Best-in class radio performance The nRF24L01+ provides best-in-class radio performance for true ULP 2.4GHz radio solutions. This includes substantial enhancements in wideband blocking and intermodulation performance that make the radio a sound future-proofed solution for environments prone to intensive Wi-Fi interference. In addition, the inclusion of a fast front-end automatic gain control (AGC) further improves dynamic range and operational robustness with close proximity interferers. The net result is less retransmits, lower average latency and lower average current consumption in noisy RF environments.
2) True ultra-low power solution The nRF24L01+ continues the legacy of the nRF24L01 in terms of being a true ULP wireless solution. With a peak current of only 13.5mA, it provides enough power budget to run applications on standard coin cell batteries for multiples years (the practical peak current limitation of a typical coin cell is 20mA). Prime coin cell battery-powered application candidates for the nRF24L01+ include wristwatches and wireless sensors (e.g. heart rate monitors and foot pods used in sports products). Prime AA or AAA battery-powered application examples include wireless mice, keyboards and RF remote controls that would benefit from battery lifetimes of up to one year.
3) Longer range operation The nRF24L01+ extends the feature set of the nRF24L01 with a 250 kbps data rate option that by providing -94dBm sensitivity, can extend operating range by around 3x compared to operation in 1 Mbps mode. This makes the nRF24L01+ the finest ULP 2.4GHz transceiver on the market for battery-powered RF applications that require maximum operating range without sacrificing battery life.
The 250kbps mode is also fully air compatible with the 250 kbps mode in Nordic’s previous generation nRF2401A transceiver family (namely the nRF2401, nRF2401A, nRF2402, nRF24E1, nRF24E2), providing a direct migration path to a superior cost, power, and performance solution in existing designs.
4) Smooth transition from nRF24L01 The nRF24L01+ is fully drop-in compatible with the nRF24L01, mechanically, functionally and electrically. This enables designs that use the nRF24L01 to make a smooth transition path to the nRF24L01+. Accessing new features like the triple range of the 250 kbps mode requires firmware changes in the microcontroller controlling the radio.
