The nRF21540 is a ‘plug and play’ range extender offering enhanced link robustness with an integrated power amplifier (PA)/low noise amplifier (LNA) for use in Nordic Semiconductor’s low-power, short-range wireless solutions. It is a complementary device optimised to boost the link budget of the nRF52 and nRF53 series advanced multiprotocol wireless SoCs. When combined with an nRF52 series SoC, the nRF21540 RF FEM’s +21 dBm Tx output power and 13 dB Rx gain ensure an enhanced link budget for up to 16x range extension.
The nRF21540’s Tx power is dynamically adjustable and output power can be set up to +21 dBm in small increments. This ensures that designs can run with output power within 1 dBm of the allowable range across all regions and operating conditions. The LNA has a low noise figure of 2,5 dB that ensures improved Rx sensitivity.
The nRF21540 complementary device connects to an SoC’s antenna output. It includes two additional antenna ports for antenna diversity support. The Tx output power, Tx gain control and antenna switching can be controlled via SPI, GPIO pins or a combination of both.
The nRF21540 offers competitive numbers of 115 mA at +20 dBm Tx output power, 4,1 mA in Rx and 30 nA in power-down mode. The operating temperature range is qualified from -40°C to 105°C, making it an ideal choice for professional lighting along with an nRF52833 or nRF5340 SoC.
Some of the main applications tailored to the nRF21540 include smart home, asset tracking, audio, as well as industrial applications.
The chip is supplied in a 4x4 QFN16 package and complementing the release of the nRF21540 IC, Nordic offers development boards that enable evaluation of the RF FEM performance using lab equipment, as well as real application performance combined with an nRF52 SoC.
The nRF21540 development kit (DK) contains the nRF21540 RF FEM and has two antennas with SWF ports for direct RF measurements. The dual antennas can be used in an antenna diversity scenario with, for instance, Thread or Zigbee (802.15.4) protocols to reduce multipath fading effects. The RF FEM is connected to and controlled by the nRF52840 advanced multiprotocol SoC that supports all Bluetooth 5 features relating to Bluetooth LE, mesh networking protocols such as Bluetooth mesh, Thread and Zigbee, as well as 2,4 GHz proprietary protocols.
Sharing many similarities with the nRF52840 DK, the nRF21540 DK contains an onboard Segger J-LINK debugger accessible through USB, user-programmable LEDs and buttons, an NFC antenna connector and current measurement pins. It is the perfect tool to enable real application performance testing with the extended range offered by the nRF21540.
Strategic agreement for eSIM solutions Avnet Silica
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
This agreement between Avent Silica and Thales covers the latter’s eSIM solutions that are compliant with GSMA SGP.22 and SGP.32 standards.
Read more...High precision multi-GNSS antenna RS South Africa
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The Amphenol PCTEL GNSS-L125-DH-NF multi-GNSS antenna is a high-performance antenna designed for reliable global navigation satellite system reception in demanding environments.
Read more...Designing IoT devices for deterministic LPWAN environments
Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Built on Ultra Narrow Band communication technology, the Sigfox network focuses on low power, wide area M2M connectivity rather than maximising data throughput.
Read more...Robust LoRaWAN for distributed IoT CST Electronics
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
InHand Networks has unveiled its latest LoRaWAN gateway, the EC312, marking an evolution in industrial-grade connectivity solutions for distributed IoT environments.
Read more...Miniaturised tuneable harmonic filter bank RFiber Solutions
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Modern RF and microwave communication systems require compact, high power filtering solutions to suppress unwanted harmonic signals generated by power amplifiers, and to address this challenge, Tri-TeQ has developed a miniaturised broadband tuneable harmonic switched filter bank.
Read more...Nordic accelerates cellular IoT leadership RF Design
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The company unveiled its next-generation portfolio featuring Cat 1 bis, satellite NTN, and advanced LTE-M/NB-IoT with edge AI, delivering secure and resilient connectivity across billions of IoT devices.
Read more...Powering the future of industrial automation IOT Electronics
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
5G, the 5th generation of wireless broadband technology, enables users to establish reliable connectivity, which in turn enables flexible, autonomous, and efficient processes from production to logistics.
Read more...Wi-Fi 7 tri-band connectivity module iCorp Technologies
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Quectel has introduced the FCE870Q, a compact short range wireless connectivity module designed for next generation IoT devices that require high throughput, low latency, and reliable operation in dense wireless environments.
Read more...Compact cellular IoT SiP with GNSS RF Design
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Combining low-power connectivity, edge processing, and positioning capabilities in a compact module, Nordic’s nRF9151 targets applications such as asset tracking, smart metering, industrial monitoring, and smart city infrastructure.
Read more...Enabling the next generation of high-performance wireless designs iCorp Technologies
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Espressif Systems has expanded its wireless connectivity portfolio with the introduction of the ESP32-E22, a high-performance connectivity co-processor designed for next generation embedded and IoT systems.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version