Nordic Semiconductor's nRF24L01+ single chip 2.4GHz transceiver delivers better performance and a lower peak power than competitors. The chip's new 250 kbps data rate mode triples operating range, and it has drop-in compatibility with Nordic's existing industry-leading nRF24L01 2.4GHz ULP transceiver.
The nRF24L01+ provides radio performance for true ULP 2.4-GHz radio solutions. Enhancements in wideband blocking and intermodulation performance provide a future-proofed solution for environments prone to intensive Wi-Fi interference. A fast front-end automatic gain control (AGC) improves dynamic range and operational robustness with close proximity interferers.
The nRF24L01+ continues Nordic's legacy as offering true ULP wireless solutions. With a peak current of only 13.5mA, it can run applications on standard coin cell batteries for multiple years.
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.
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.
The 250kbps mode is fully air compatible with the 250 kbps mode in Nordic's previous generation nRF2401A transceiver, providing a direct migration path to a better cost, power, and performance solution in existing designs.
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.
"With the nRF24L01+ Nordic Semiconductor is setting a new industry benchmark in terms of radio performance for a true ULP 2.4GHz radio," said Bonnerud. "Smart protocol stacks, like Nordic's existing Wireless Desktop Protocol, are critical to ensure good co-existence performance in noisy environments; so with the improved performance of the nRF24L01+ we have made our total solution even better."
Production samples and evaluation kits of nRF24L01+ are available now. High volume quantities will be available from the end of June 2008. Pricing of the nRF24L01+ will be identical to its predecessor, the nRF24L01.
More information is available at www.nordicsemi.com.
