While we work with electronics and look for many tools and modules to work with, we always look for some wireless module that can perform few operations on its own and doesn't need any extra microcontroller for that. Have you ever had the same thought? While looking for the latest RF technologies, we heard about the NRF24LE1 modules. After working on it at EG Labs, we found it to be a very interesting module and every electronics hobbyist should try it once in their electronics projects.
Introduction to the module
NRF24LE1 is a 14-pin module, manufactured by Nordic Semiconductors Ltd. The main thing that impressed us is that the module has a built-in 8051-based microcontroller. This means we can code this module as per our need. Along with the 8051 controller, the module provides 2.4GHz RF transceiver and uses GFSK modulation that gives it the power to communicate wirelessly up to 100 meters without noise.
Fig. 1: Typical image of the NRF24LE1 wireless module
PIN
The NRF24LE1 comes in three packages: 24-pin, 32-pin, and 48-pin. We will be using a 32-pin package in our current series. This package contains 15 I/0 (input/output) pins. These 15 pins are also used for communications like UART, I2C or features like PWM and ADC. The module is self-biased and the remaining 17 pins are used for antenna, crystal oscillator, polarization, etc.
Figure 2: NRF24LE1 Wireless Module PCB Layout
Characteristics
The module comes with many features that set it apart from other controllers. The module operates on just 3.3V and has ultra-low power. Current requirements are also just 2.5 milliamps in active mode. This makes it used in quadcopter remote control, other remote access tools, home appliances, wireless toys, mouse, keyboard, etc.
The module supports several communication protocols that make it easy to connect sensors, actuators and other modules to it. Various supported communication protocols are like
1. Serial protocol
2. IPS
3.I2C
The module has all the basic features that we need in a system to carry out any project using it. Supports:
1. Timers
2. Interruptions
3. Analog to Digital Conversions
4. Pulse Width Modulation
5. Watch the dogs' timers
6. Power failure detection.
With such amazing features, even a wireless robot can be made!!
Let's look at the table that lists some differences in the RF434 and Xigbee module. This is just to give you a basic idea about which module to use in our project.
| NRF24LE1 | RF434 | XBEE | |
| Data Rate | 2Mbps | 3Kbps | 250 Kbps |
| Voltage range | 1.9 – 3.6 | 2 – 12 | 2.8 – 3.4 |
| Noise | No | Yes | No |
| Price | Cheap | Cheap | Fair |
A video explanation with the module can be seen:
We at Engineersgarage have experimented on this module and will share our experiences in the upcoming articles. Let us know your valuable feedbacks through comments.