The RN4871 is a small form factor, Bluetooth Low Energy module measuring just 9 x 11.5 x 2.1 mm. This fully-integrated module is designed for easy implementation into a broad range of applications. It delivers up to 2.5x throughput improvement and more secure connections vs. Bluetooth 4.1 based products. Developers can easily interface to the device via a standard UART interface, available on most Microcontrollers and Processors. The RN4871 has a completely integrated Bluetooth software stack, and offers a shielded regulatory certified version with built-in antenna. Developers are freed from the complexities of Bluetooth Software and RF development and can simply utilize the RN4871 as a wireline replacement. Perfect for IoT (Internet of Things) applications, when interfaced to a BLE enabled smartphone or Bluetooth Internet Gateway, applications can be monitored, controlled and updated from anywhere in the world.
The Microchip Bluetooth Data (MBD) mobile app is available to speed up development for both Android and iOS.
Microchip's complimentary and confidential Wireless Check online design review service is available for customers who have selected our products for their application design-in*. *The online design review service is subject to Microchip's Program Terms and Conditions and requires a myMicrochip account.
Firmware Release Summary, see Software Release Notes for details:
Firmware 1.41.0 (web release only) Adds additional UART configuration flexibility and addresses three known issues. Details are available in the release notes.
RN4871-I(V)/RM140 - (FW 1.40.0) Fixes bug with random private addressing which created IoP issue with select Android devices. Added feature to turn off advertising at power-on in order to easily configure module with the host MCU before advertising. Available in industrial temperature range (I) and varying (V) for easier transition from RN4871-V/RM118.
RN4871-I/RM130 - (FW 1.30.0) Fixes bug with invalid Bluetooth address. Refer to Errata document for more information.
RN4871-I/RM128 - (FW 1.28.2) Introduces LE Secure Connections and Data Length Extension features among other bug fixes. Also improved the operating range to 85C.
RN4871-V/RM118 - (FW 1.18.3) Initial Release.
The RN4871 BLE module is now available on MPLAB® Code Configurator (MCC) - a free, graphical programming environment that generates seamless, easy-to-understand C code to be inserted into your project. Visit the MCC page for more information: https://www.microchi
p.com/mplab/mplab-co
de-configurator
Additional Features
Bluetooth 5 Certified
Easy to use ASCII command interface for communication with the host microcontroller
Module certified for use in USA, Canada, Brazil, Europe, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China
Mobile Application supported in Microchip Bluetooth Data (MBD)
Latest Firmware Revision: 1.40
Supports LE Secure Connections levels 1-3
Supports up to 151 byte payloads with Data Length Extensions
Scripting features to allow for operation without a host microcontroller
White list for determining connections
MLDP compatibility with RN4020
Remote configuration capability
Antenna: Ceramic chip Antenna or external antenna connection
The RN4871 is a small form factor, Bluetooth Low Energy module measuring just 9 x 11.5 x 2.1 mm. This fully-integrated module is designed for easy implementation into a broad range of applications. It delivers up to 2.5x throughput improvement and more secure connections vs. Bluetooth 4.1 based products. Developers can easily interface to the device via a standard UART interface, available on most Microcontrollers and Processors.
The RN4871 has a completely integrated Bluetooth software stack, and offers a shielded regulatory certified version with built-in antenna. Developers are freed from the complexities of Bluetooth Software and RF development and can simply utilize the RN4871 as a wireline replacement. Perfect for IoT (Internet of Things) applications, when interfaced to a BLE enabled smartphone or Bluetooth Internet Gateway, applications can be monitored, controlled and updated from anywhere in the world.
The Microchip Bluetooth Data (MBD) mobile app is available to speed up development for both Android and iOS.
Microchip's complimentary and confidential Wireless Check online design review service is available for customers who have selected our products for their application design-in*.
*The online design review service is subject to Microchip's Program Terms and Conditions and requires a myMicrochip account.
Firmware Release Summary, see Software Release Notes for details:
Firmware 1.41.0 (web release only) Adds additional UART configuration flexibility and addresses three known issues. Details are available in the release notes.
RN4871-I(V)/RM140 - (FW 1.40.0) Fixes bug with random private addressing which created IoP issue with select Android devices. Added feature to turn off advertising at power-on in order to easily configure module with the host MCU before advertising. Available in industrial temperature range (I) and varying (V) for easier transition from RN4871-V/RM118.
RN4871-I/RM130 - (FW 1.30.0) Fixes bug with invalid Bluetooth address. Refer to Errata document for more information.
RN4871-I/RM128 - (FW 1.28.2) Introduces LE Secure Connections and Data Length Extension features among other bug fixes. Also improved the operating range to 85C.
RN4871-V/RM118 - (FW 1.18.3) Initial Release.
The RN4871 BLE module is now available on MPLAB® Code Configurator (MCC) - a free, graphical programming environment that generates seamless, easy-to-understand C code to be inserted into your project. Visit the MCC page for more information: https://www.microchip.com/mplab/mplab-code-configurator
Additional Features
- Bluetooth 5 Certified
- Easy to use ASCII command interface for communication with the host microcontroller
- Module certified for use in USA, Canada, Brazil, Europe, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China
- Mobile Application supported in Microchip Bluetooth Data (MBD)
- Latest Firmware Revision: 1.40
- Supports LE Secure Connections levels 1-3
- Supports up to 151 byte payloads with Data Length Extensions
- Scripting features to allow for operation without a host microcontroller
- White list for determining connections
- MLDP compatibility with RN4020
- Remote configuration capability
- Antenna: Ceramic chip Antenna or external antenna connection
