An Overview of the nRF24L01 RF Module
The board of the module contains three pins for SPI communication and therefore they need to be connected to the SPI pins of the microcontroller. There are two more pins, CSN and CE, we use them for setting up the module in standby or active mode, and also for switching between transmitting or command mode. Both pins need to be connected to any digital pin of the microcontroller. The last pin is an interrupt pin that is used. The board also has an SMA connector to which we can attach a duck antenna for better transmission range.
There is a special RFX2401C chip that incorporates the PA, LNA, and transmit-receive switching circuitry. This chip along with a duck antenna allows the module to achieve a significantly greater transmission range of about 1000 meters.
Features and Specifications nRF24L01
Features
- It uses a 2.4G global open ISM band, and with license-free.
- Transmit power is greater than +20 dBm. Support six-channel data reception. 2Mbit/s speed makes high-quality VoIP possible Low
- operating voltage: 2.7 to 3.6V
- Multi-frequency points: 125 frequency points meet the needs of multi-point communications and frequency hopping.
- Low cost: integrated with high-speed signal processing parts associated with RF protocol, such as: automatically re-send lost packets and generating acknowledge signals; SPI interface facilitates the communication with MCU I/O port.
- Facilitate the development for customers, without the development RF part.
- Software programming is fully compatible with NRF24L01 modules. Size: 37.4mm * 16.6mm
- Applications: remote control, telemetry, wireless meter reading, access control systems, residential paging, industrial data acquisition systems, wireless tags, identification, contactless RF smart card, small wireless data terminal, fire
- safety systems, wireless remote control systems, bio-signal acquisition, wireless 232, wireless 422/485 data communications.
Specifications
- Operating Frequency: 2400MHz ~ 2524MHz
- Modulation: GMSK
- Transmit power: more than +20 dBm, 50Ω
- Receiver sensitivity:-95dbm
- Operating voltage: 2.7V ~ 3.6V
- Max Emission current: 115mA
- Max Receive current: 45mA
- Operating temperature: -45 degrees to +85 degrees
- Storage temperature: -45 degrees to +125 degrees
- Gain Of PA: 20 dB
- Gain Of LNA: 10 dB
Pinout nRF24L01
| No. | Pin Name | Description |
| 1. | GND | We used this to common ground |
| 2. | VCC | Supply pin (1.9 to 3.9V) |
| 3. | CE | This pin is a chip enable, it is used to activate RX or TX mode. |
| 4. | CSN | We use this pin for SPI protocol interfacing |
| 5. | SCK | We use this pin for serial clock providers. |
| 6 | MOSI | This is used to get data from a master microcontroller device and to send data to a slave device. |
| 7 | MISO | This pin is used to get data from a slave device and to send data to the master device. |
| 8 | IRQ | To interrupt data |
| 9 | GND | For ground |
| 10 | GND | For Ground |
Applications
Wireless Devices
Since the sensor can connect wirelessly, therefore, can be used in wireless devices like wireless keyboards, and mice, to operate within the defined range of the sensor
Security Systems
The sensor has wide applications in security alarms. For example in wireless intruder alarms, etc
Home Automation
To turn ON/OFF home appliances wirelessly, this sensor can be a great choice. One can connect the sensor to the home and other automation systems.
Other Applications
- Keyless entry
- Wireless data communication
- Surveillance
- Automotive
- Sports equipment
- Industrial sensors
