Xbee pinouts: Introduction, Uses, and Applications of The RF Module

An XBee S2C module is a radio frequency module. Using one of these modules is often useless unless you connect a ZigBee mesh network. A ZigBee mesh network is straightforward to set up.

Importantly, this RF module is compatible with other devices that require the ZigBee technology to operate. The X-CTU software is also a necessary requirement when utilizing an XBee device. In this article, you will learn about the features and electrical configurations. Also, this article is important because it will help you understand how to use Xbee in your projects.

XBee S2C pin Configuration

The XBEE S2C module has 20 pins. Below is a table that shows each pin, its name, and its description.

(sound waveforms.)

Xbee Pinouts: What is the XBEE Module?

The X2C device is an RF module. The design of this device was made with a wireless connection and data exchange in mind. Additionally, it works best with ZigBee mesh communication protocols that are built on IEEE 802.15.4 physical layer.

Moreover, this module has features that give wireless connectivity to all end-point devices in a mesh network. Importantly, this module uses the ZigBee protocol to establish a wireless connection.

(a radio antenna mast sign)

Xbee Pinouts: Features and Electrical Configurations

• Firstly, this module has 16 direct sequence channels.
• Secondly, the XBee S2C module operates under 33mA when in normal mode. However, the operational current is 4.5mA when the module is in boost mode.
• Thirdly, the module operates an idle current of 9mA when in an idle state.
• Moreover, the XBee S2C has a feature that can adjust the CTU software transmitting power.
• Also, the XBee S2C requires 3000v ESD protection.
• Next, the module can operate at temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C.
• In addition, the supply voltage for the XBee S2C module must be between +2.1v and +3.6v.
• Again, the module transmits a power output of 8dBm/6.3mW in boost mode. However, during normal mode, the module transmits a power of 3dBm or 2mW.
• Similarly, in boost mode, the module has a receiver sensitivity of 102dBm. And, a -100dBm in normal mode.
• In addition to all this, the XBee S2C module has a 250000bps RF data rate.
• Also, the X-CTU software operates at a frequency of 2.4GHz to 2.5GHz.
• Moreover, the serial connection also has a 200-foot indoor range. On the other hand, the outside RF line-of-sight range is 400 feet.
• Lastly, this device has a UART feature which has a maximum of 250Kb/s. Also, it contains an SPI interface that has a maximum of 5Mb/s. 

 (an energy frequency wave.) 

Xbee Pinouts: How to use the XBee S2C Module?

You have three options for configuring this gadget to work for you. Most importantly, the Coordinator, the End device, and the Router are examples of these options.

Understanding how the module components work and requirements.

First, you require only a single coordinator for a ZigBee mesh network to operate. In addition, the coordinator is responsible for getting the system up and running. Also, this distributor chooses the channel and PAN ID. Then, the host sensors on this device distributes addresses. Also, you can join the routers and end devices with the non-cable system using these addresses. 

The coordinator controls the system security and ensures that the system is always in good working order. Most importantly, make sure that power is always flowing to the coordinator. Remember, this process is done to always keep the coordinator awake.

(a router.)

Secondly, you have the module configured as a  router. The router works as a node in the mesh. Unlike a coordinator, a network can have multiple routers. Therefore, a router acts as a messenger for communications between two devices that are far apart from each other. Moreover, it attains this by effectively connecting to available networks. Similar to the coordinator, the router can never sleep so it must receive a power supply constantly.

Lastly, you have the end device. This device works just like a router by joining existing networks. However, the end device cannot work as a messenger for communications. Therefore, you require either the coordinator or router for the end device to function. Importantly, the coordinator and router serve as the parent tool in this connection. Moreover, the parent device makes it easier to join this network. Nevertheless, the parent device also assists in storing messages for the end device when it sleeps.

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Xbee pinouts：The module set up, configuration, and connection.

We can initiate a wireless system with only one coordinator and several end devices. Furthermore, it's also worth noting that an end device is always sleeping till it's woken up.

Always remember that before you set up the mesh network, you must set up each XBee module properly. Therefore, if you want to keep the gadget from failing, you'll need to do this.

Importantly, you can configure one device as a router and the other as a coordinator to set up wireless communication. After the configuration, connect the wireless modules to your microcontroller or the Arduino Uno with a simple UART interface. When all this is done, you need to program the applications at each end. As a result, programming the applications makes it possible to exchange data from the respective XBee S2C modules.

(connections done on a router.)

Xbee Pinouts: Applications

• Firstly, you can use this device in wireless medium-range communication.
• Secondly, you can use the XBee S2C module in industrial application control.
• Thirdly, you can use this gadget for home as well as commercial building automation.
• Lastly, you use the device in smart energy.

Summary

We hope this article answers any of your questions on the XBee module. If you like it, please check out more articles from us. Also, do not hesitate to contact us for additional information. Our team is always ready to help.