nRF21540 – RF Front-End Module for Bluetooth LE, Mesh, Thread, Zigbee, and 2.4 GHz Proprietary Protocols

Overview

The nRF21540 is a Radio Frequency Front-End Module (FEM) designed to enhance the transmission range and connection robustness of short-range wireless products. As a plug-and-play range extender, it pairs seamlessly with nRF52 and nRF53 series multi-protocol SoCs, requiring minimal external components. With +13 dB RX gain, a 2.5 dB noise figure, and up to +21 dBm TX power, it improves link budget, extending range by 6.3–10 times. For example, paired with the nRF52840 at 1 Mbps BLE, it boosts RX sensitivity from -95 dBm to -100 dBm and increases link budget by 18 dBm, achieving up to 8x range extension. It operates from -40°C to +105°C, ideal for industrial applications like professional lighting.

Supported by nRF Connect SDK and nRF5 SDK for Thread and Zigbee, it ensures ease of integration.

Key Features

• TX Power: Adjustable up to +21 dBm in small increments.

• RX Gain: +13 dB, 2.5 dB noise figure.

• Supported Protocols: Bluetooth LE, Bluetooth Mesh, Thread, Zigbee (802.15.4), 2.4 GHz proprietary.

• Antenna Ports: Two for antenna diversity.

• Control: TX gain via I/O, SPI, or both.

• Operating Range: -40°C to +105°C, 1.7–3.6 V supply.

• Package: 4x4 mm QFN16.

• Performance with nRF52/nRF53:

• 6.3–10x range extension.

• -100 dBm RX sensitivity (BLE, 1 Mbps).

• Power Consumption:

• TX (+20 dBm): 110 mA.

• TX (+10 dBm): 38 mA.

• RX: 2.9 mA.

• Sleep: 45 nA.

Applications

• Asset tracking and RTLS

• Professional lighting

• Smart home

• Industrial

• Toys

• Audio

Development Tools

• nRF21540 DK

• nRF21540 EK

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