NRF24L01+PA+LNA 2.4GHz RF Module

NRF24L01+PA+LNA RF Transceiver Module

1000 meters 2.4GHz Wireless Communication Transceiver

     NRF24L01+PA+LNA is a 2.4GHz wireless communication module with an SMA antenna, in which a power amplifier (PA) and a low noise receive amplifier (LNA) are added in front of the Nordic nRF24L01+ transceiver chip. It sends and receives data on one of 126 channels between 2.400GHz and 2.525GHz at 250kbps, 1Mbps or 2Mbps. The output power is up to +20dBm; it reaches a much longer distance than small nRF24L01 modules with a PCB antenna. According to seller values it can communicate up to 1000m in open area at 250kbps.

     The board measures 41mm x 15mm; it has a 90 degree SMA female antenna socket on one end and a 2x4 pin header with 2.54mm pitch on the other. A detachable 2.4GHz SMA antenna of about 108mm length is included. The module is powered with 3V - 3.6V, communicates over SPI and its logic inputs are 5V tolerant; so it can be connected to the SPI pins of 3.3V and 5V microcontrollers without a level shifter. When used with a 5V logic board, the module supply must not exceed 3.3V (nRF24L01+ datasheet: 2.7V - 3.3V supply with 5V input signals).

     Since one receiver module can listen on 6 different data pipes and receive data from 6 separate transmitters, sensor networks with 6 transmitters and remote control systems can be built. As it draws up to 115mA while transmitting, the module must be powered from a separate, clean 3.3V source; range and stability depend largely on the quality of the supply.

Key features:

     Long range with PA + LNA: The power amplifier raises the output to +20dBm and the LNA amplifies weak incoming signals; communication up to 1000m in open area at 250kbps (seller value, depends on environment).

     Detachable SMA antenna: An approximately 108mm 2.4GHz antenna plugs into the 90 degree SMA female socket on the board; if needed the antenna can be moved outside the enclosure with an extension cable.

     126 channels, 3 data rates: 126 channels with 1MHz spacing between 2.400GHz and 2.525GHz (leave at least 2MHz between channels at 2Mbps); 250kbps (longest range), 1Mbps and 2Mbps data rates.

     Receiving from 6 transmitters: One receiver receives data from 6 data pipes; with auto acknowledge (ACK) and retransmission, lost packets are sent again.

     Simple SPI connection: 8 pin 2x4 header (GND, VCC, CE, CSN, SCK, MOSI, MISO, IRQ); 5V tolerant logic inputs.

Features:

• Product type: 2.4GHz RF transceiver module with PA and LNA amplifiers and SMA antenna
• Main chip: Nordic nRF24L01+
• Amplifier: Power amplifier (PA) and low noise receive amplifier (LNA)
• Frequency range: 2.400GHz - 2.525GHz (tuning range of the chip; licence free 2.4GHz ISM band 2.400GHz - 2.4835GHz)
• Number of channels: 126 channels, 1MHz spacing
• Data rate: 250kbps, 1Mbps, 2Mbps
• Output power: up to +20dBm
• Receiver sensitivity: -95dBm (1Mbps)
• Range: up to 1000m in open area at 250kbps (seller value; decreases with obstacles, interference and supply quality)
• Operating voltage: 3V - 3.6V (3.3V recommended)
• Current: up to 115mA when transmitting, about 45mA when receiving
• Interface: SPI (CE, CSN, SCK, MOSI, MISO), interrupt output IRQ
• Logic inputs: 5V tolerant (supply at most 3.3V with 5V logic)
• Multi receive: 6 data pipes, auto acknowledge (ACK) and retransmission
• Compatible boards: Microcontrollers with SPI (Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, STM32, PIC, AVR, Raspberry Pi)
• Connection: 8 pin, 2x4 male pin header, 2.54mm pitch
• Antenna socket: 90 degree SMA female on the board
• Antenna: 2.4GHz SMA male rod antenna, detachable, hinged (adjustable angle), about 108mm when straight
• Color: Black board, black antenna
• Dimensions: 41mm x 15mm (board, without antenna)

Usage information:

• The pin order on the 2x4 header is GND, VCC, CE, CSN, SCK, MOSI, MISO, IRQ; the board may not be labeled, check the pin layout in the product picture before connecting. Connect SCK, MOSI and MISO to the SPI pins of the microcontroller; connect CE and CSN to two digital outputs.
• Power the module with 3.3V. Since it draws up to 115mA while transmitting, the 3.3V pin of Arduino boards is not enough; use a separate 3.3V regulator or a regulated nRF24L01 adapter board with 5V input. Adding a capacitor between VCC and GND close to the module reduces supply ripple and makes the link stable.
• The channel, data rate and address must be set the same on both modules that communicate. For the longest range select the 250kbps data rate and keep the antennas vertical and parallel to each other.

Application areas:

•  Remote control and RC car control
•  Drone and model airplane telemetry link
•  Model boat remote control
•  Wireless sensor network (one receiver, 6 transmitters)
•  Home automation: wireless switch, relay and sensor communication
•  Long distance data collection from greenhouse and field sensors
•  Transferring weather station measurements into the building
•  Robot vehicle control and wireless data transfer between two boards
•  Wireless communication between floors and rooms inside a building

Precautions:

•  Do not apply 5V to the VCC pin; the operating voltage is 3V - 3.6V, 5V permanently damages the module. Only the logic inputs are 5V tolerant.
•  Do not operate the module without the antenna; transmitting without an antenna can damage the power amplifier.
•  The socket on the board is SMA female; an SMA male antenna with a center pin fits. RP-SMA (reverse polarity) antennas common on routers do not fit this socket.
•  The 1000m value is a seller value given for open area, without obstacles and at 250kbps. Indoors and in places with walls, trees and 2.4GHz Wifi interference the range is much shorter.
•  The module works in the same band as 2.4GHz Wifi. If the link drops, choose a channel that nearby Wifi networks do not use heavily. Channels above 2.4835GHz (84-125) are outside the licence free ISM band.

Package contents:

•  1 Piece NRF24L01 PA LNA Module
•  1 Piece 2.4GHz SMA antenna
•  Note: Adapter board and connection cables are not included in the package.