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RN-131G & RN-131C 802.11 b/g Wireless LAN Module
Features
• Qualified 2.4-GHz IEEE 802.11b/g transceiver
• Ultra-low power: 4 uA sleep, 40 mA Rx, 210 mA Tx
• High throughput, 1 Mbps sustained data rate with
TCP/IP and WPA2
• Small, compact surface-mount module
• On-board ceramic chip antenna and U.FL
connector for external antenna
• 8-Mbit flash memory and 128-KB RAM
• UART hardware interface
• 10 general-purpose digital I/O pins
• 8 analog sensor interfaces
• Real-time clock for wakeup and time stamping
• Accepts 3.3-V regulated or 2 to 3 V battery
• Supports ad hoc and infrastructure networking
modes
• On board ECOS -OS, TCP/IP stacks
• Wi-Fi Alliance certified for WPA2-PSK
• FCC/CE/ICS certified and RoHS compliant.
• Industrial (RN-131G) and commercial (RN-131C)
grade temperature options
Applications
• Remote equipment monitoring
• Telemetry
• Industrial sensors and home automation controls
• Medical device monitoring
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Description
The RN-131 module is a standalone, embedded
wireless 802.11 b/g networking module. With its small
form factor and extremely low power consumption, the
RN-131 is perfect for mobile wireless applications such
as asset monitoring, GPS tracking, and battery sensors.
The WiFly module incorporates a 2.4-GHz radio,
processor, TCP/IP stack, real-time clock, crypto
accelerator, power management, and analog sensor
interfaces as shown in Figure 1. The module is
preloaded with software to simplify integration and
minimize application development. In the simplest
configuration, the hardware requires only four
connections (PWR, TX, RX, and GND) to create a
wireless data connection. Additionally, the sensor
interface provides temperature, audio, motion,
acceleration, and other analog data without requiring
additional hardware. The module is programmed and
controlled with a simple ASCII command language.
Once the module is set up, it can scan to find an access
point, associate, authenticate, and connect over any
Wi-Fi network.
Figure 1. RN-131 Block Diagram
128-KB
RAM
2.4-GHz
Radio
2.4-GHz
PA
Crypto
accelerator
32-Bit
CPU
802.11 b/g
MAC/PHY
ADC
2-MB ROM
Timers
SPI
GPIO
SDIO
Sensor Interface
2-KB NVM
Pwr
Mgmt
Flash
Memory
SPI
GPIO
UART
VDD IN
VDD BATT
U.FL Connector
for Optional External
Antenna
2.4 GHz
TX/RX
EPC/RFID
3.3-V Boost
Regulator Boost
Enable
On-Board Chip
Antenna
RN-131
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OVERVIEW
• Host data rate up to 1 Mbps for the UART
• Intelligent, built-in power management with programmable wakeup
• Real-time clock for time stamping, auto-sleep, and auto-wakeup
• Configuration over UART using simple ASCII commands
• Remote configuration over WiFi using Telnet
• Supports over the air firmware upgrade (FTP)
• Supports WPS pushbutton mode for easy association with access points
• Secure WiFi authentication using WEP-128, WPA-PSK (TKIP), or WPA2-PSK (AES)
• Built-in networking applications—DHCP, UDP, DNS, ARP, ICMP, TCP, HTTP client, and FTP client
• 802.11 power saving and roaming functions
The modules size and weight are:
• Size—1.49” x 0.78” x 0.15” (37mm x 20 mm x 3.5 mm)
• Weight—0.140 oz
Tables 1 through 4 provide detailed specifications for the module.
Table 1. Environmental Conditions
Parameter
RN-131G
RN-131C
Temperature Range (Operating)
-30 oC to +85 oC
0 oC to +70 oC
Temperature Range (Storage)
-40oC to +85 oC
-40oC o +85 oC
Relative Humidity (Operating)
≤ 90%
≤ 90%
Relative Humidity (Storage)
≤ 90%
≤ 90%
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Table 2. Electrical Characteristics
Supply Voltage
Min
Max.
Unit
Supply voltage VDD
3.0
3.7
VDC
Supply voltage (VBATT option)
2.0
3.3
VDC
Pin 21 switched 3.3 V output
150
mA
Digital input
Input logic high VIH
2.3 V
VDC
Input logic low VIL
1.0 V
VDC
Digital output drive
GPIO 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
mA
GPIO 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
mA
Power consumption
Sleep
uA
Standby (doze)
-
-
mA
Connected (idle, RX)
mA
Connected (TX)
212
mA
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Table 3. Analog Sensor Inputs
Parameter
Value
Sense 0,1,2,3 wakeup detect threshold
500 mV
AD sense 0 - 7 measurement range
0 - 400 mV
Precision
14 bits = 12 uV
Accuracy
5% un-calibrated, 0.01% calibrated
Minimum conversion time
35uS (5kHz over Wi-Fi)
Sensor Power (pin 33) output resistance 3.3 V
10 ohms, max current = 50 mA
Table 4. Radio Characteristics
Parameter
Specifications
Frequency
2,402 to 2,480 MHz
Modulation
802.11b compatibility: DSSS (CCK-11, CCK-5.5, DQPSK-2, DBPSK-1)
802.11g: OFDM (default)
Channel intervals
5 MHz
Channels
1 - 14
Transmission rate (over the air)
1 – 11 Mbps for 802.11b / 6 – 54 Mbps for 802.11g
Receive sensitivity
-85 dBm typ.
Output level (class 1)
+18 dBm
Maximum RF input to U.FL connector
10 dBm
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TYPICAL APPLICATION SCHEMATIC
Figure 2 shows a typical application schematic.
Figure 2. Application Schematic
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P3_3V
LED_GREEN
LED_RED
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Figure 3 shows the pin pads and Table 5 describes the pins.
Figure 3. Pin Pads
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Table 5. Pin Description
Pin
Name
Description
Default
1
SENSOR 6
Sensor interface, analog input to module, 1.2 V.
No connect
2
SENSOR 4
Sensor interface, Analog input to module, 1.2 V.
No connect
3
SENSOR 5
Sensor interface, Analog input to module, 1.2 V.
No connect
4
SENSOR 7
Analog input to module, 1.2 V.
No connect
5
RESET
Module reset, active low, reference to VDD-BATT, 160 usec pulse.
Pull up
6
EPC-ANT-A
EPC port, RFID antenna A.
No connect
7
EPC-ANT-B
EPC port, RFID antenna B.
No connect
8
SUPERCAP
Balance center pin voltage on stacked super capacitors, analog 3.3 V.
No connect
9
FORCE_AWAKE
Force the module to wakeup, input to module, 250 us min. pulse.3.3 V.
–
10
GPIO-13
UART RTS flow control, 8-mA drive, 3.3-V tolerant.
–
11
GPIO-12
UART CTS flow control, 8-mA drive, 3.3-V tolerant.
–
12
UART-RX
INPUT: RX in to the module, 3.3-V tolerant.
–
13
UART-TX
OUTPUT: TX out from the module, 8-mA drive, 3.3-V tolerant.
–
14
Not used
Not applicable
No connect
15
Not used
Not applicable
No connect
16
Not used
Not applicable
No connect
17
3.3V-REG-OUT
Boost regulator control output, connect to 3.3V-REG-IN to enable.
No connect
18
3.3V-REG-IN
Boost regulator control input, connect to 3.3V-REG-OUT to enable.
GND to disable
19
GND
Ground.
–
20
VDD-BATT
Battery input. 2.0 to 3.3 V with boost regulator in use, otherwise use 3.0
to 3.7 V.
–
21
VDD-IN
3.3 to 3.7 voltage. Do not connect when boost regulator is in use.
–
44 43 42 41 39 38 37 3640
14 15 16 17 19 20 21 2218
35
34
33
32
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Top View
(Pads Not Visible from Top)
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Pin
Name
Description
Default
22
DMA-TX
Debug port (apply a 100 kΩ pull down if ultra-low sleep power is
required)
High Z
23
DMA-RX
Debug port
No connect
24
GPIO-9
Restore factory resets/enter ad hoc mode, 8-mA drive, 3.3-V tolerant.
Input
25
GPIO-8
GPIO, 24-mA drive, 3.3-V tolerant.
GP output
26
GPIO-7
GPIO, 24-mA drive, 3.3-V tolerant.
GP output
27
GPIO-6
Association STATUS, 24-mA drive, 3.3-V tolerant.
LED_RED output
28
GPIO-5
Data transfer STATUS, 24-mA drive, 3.3-V tolerant.
LED_YELLOW output
29
GPIO-4
Connection STATUS, 24-mA drive, 3.3-V tolerant.
LED_GREEN output
30
SENSOR-1
Sensor interface, analog input to module, 1.2 V.
–
31
SENSOR-2
Sensor interface, analog input to module, 1.2 V.
–
32
SENSOR-3
Sensor interface, analog input to module, 1.2 V.
–
33
SENSE-PWR
Voltage output from module to power external sensors, 3.3 V.
–
34
SENSOR-0
Wakeup from external condition.
–
35
NO CONNECT
–
No connect
36-
44
GND
Must be connected for proper antenna performance.
–
Figure 4 shows the module’s physical dimensions. Figure 5 shows the pad dimensions.
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Figure 4. Module Physical Dimensions
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Figure 5. Pad Dimensions
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RN-131
Ceramic Chip
Antenna
U.FL Connector
RF Shield
20 mm
2.5 mm
2.5 mm
37 mm
Ceramic Chip
Antenna
RF Shield
3.5 mm
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DESIGN CONCERNS!
The following sections provide information on designing with the RN-131 module, including radio interference, grounding,
solder reflow, connection status, etc.
Minimizing Radio Interference
When integrating the WiFly module with the on-board chip antenna, ensure that the area around the chip antenna end of
the module protrudes at least 6 mm from the motherboard and any metal enclosure. If this placement is not possible, use
the on-board U.FL connector to route to an external antenna.
The 8.5-mm area under the module’s antenna end should be kept clear of metallic components, connectors, vias, traces,
and other materials that can interfere with the radio signal. See Figure 6.
Figure 6. Antenna Clearance
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RN-131
Keep Metallic Components,
Connectors, Vias, & Traces
Away from Antenna Area
20 mm
8.5 mm
Top View
6 mm
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Grounding Recommendations
For the module antenna to function, pins 36 through 44 must be connected to ground. Roving Networks suggests you
place the module such that 0.5 mm of theses pads is exposed. This placement provides access for soldering pins 36
through 44 from below, and provides ample clearance of the antenna from the PCB. See Figure 7.
Figure 7. Module Placement for Grounding
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Solder Reflow
The solder reflow temperature must not exceed 220° C. To reflow solder the module onto a PCB, Roving Networks
recommends an RoHS-compliant solder paste equivalent to NIHON ALMIT paste or OMNIX OM-310 solder paste from
Alpha metals. See Table 6.
NOTE: Use no-clean flux and DO NOT water wash.
Table 6. Paste Solder Recommendations
Manufacturer
Alpha Metals
http://www.alphametals.com
NIHON ALMIT Co. LTD
http://almit.co.jp
Part Number
OMNIX OM-310
LFM-70W INP
Metal Composition
SAC305 (96.5% Sn, 3% Ag, 0.5% Cu)
88% Sn, 3.5% Ag, 0.5% Bi, 8% In
Liquidus Temperature
~220°C
~215°C
Figures 8 and 9 show the solder reflow temperature profiles.
RN-131
For Proper Antenna
Performance, Pins 36
Through 44 Must be
Grounded
8.5 mm
Bottom View
Motherboard
for RN-131
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Figure 8. Solder Reflow Temperature Profile
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Figure 9. Solder Reflow Curve
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U.FL Connector
Roving Networks recommends that you use the Hirose U.FL connector (part number U.FL-R-SMT) for connecting external
antennas. If you prefer to use the SMA connector, use the Roving Networks U.FL-to-SMA cable (part number
RN-UFLSMA6). Figure 10 shows the U.FL connector dimensions.
Figure 10. U.FL Connector Dimensions
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Connection Status
GPIO4, GPIO5, and GPIO6 drive status the LEDs.
• GPIO4 indicates the TCP/IP connection status. This signal is on high for an active connection, toggles fast to
indicate no IP address, and toggles slowly to indicate that the IP address is OK but not connected.
• GPIO6 indicates the association status. High means the module is not associated with a network, off indicates
that it is associated and Internet access is OK.
• GPIO5 toggles when data is transferred.
Keep-Out Areas
When designing your PCB avoid exposed traces and vias beneath the module. Figure 11 shows areas on the module that
should be kept clear.
Figure 11. Keep Out Areas
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Powering the Module
The module can be powered from either 3.0-V DC batteries or 3.3-V DC regulated power.
For 3.0-V DC battery power:
• Apply power to pin 20 (VDD-BATT).
• Short pin 17 (3.3 V REG-OUT) to pin 18 (3.3 V REG-IN) (battery boost mode).
• 150 mA of current at 3.3 V is available for external devices on pin 21 when the module is in battery boost mode.
For 3.3-V DC power:
• Apply power to pin 20 (VDD-BATT) and pin 21 (VDD-IN).
• Connect pin 18 (3.3 V REG-IN) to ground and leave pin 17 (3.3 V REG-OUT) unconnected.
3 mm
8.0 mm
6 mm 5 mm
Keep Out Areas. There are two 1-mm round
test pads on the bottom of the module. Avoid
placing exposed traces or vias in these areas.
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Reset (Pin 5)
The RESET signal is used to reset the module and is active low. This pin has a built-in 100-kΩ pull up resistor. You do not
need to connect this; it can be left unconnected. To reset the module, apply a 3.3-V pulse for a minimum of 160 us.
Force Awake (Pin 9)
This signal forces the module to wake up from sleep. FORCE_AWAKE is an active-high signal. To wake the module, apply a
3.3-V pulse for a minimum of 250 us.
Achieving Lowest Power in Sleep Mode
To achieve the lowest power consumption (4 uA) in sleep mode, connect a weak pull-down (100 KΩ resistor to GND) on
pin 22 (DMA-TX).
If GPIO8 through GPIO4 are being used to drive an output, connect a 100-kΩ pull-down resistor. Any unused (no connect)
GPIO pins can be left floating.
• Pin 25: GPIO8
• Pin 26: GPIO7
• Pin 27: GPIO6
• Pin 28: GPIO5
• Pin 29: GPIO4
For other GPIO lines, you do not need to use a pull down. The module already has an on-chip internal pull down (80 kΩ);
The power consumption in sleep mode without these signals connected to a pull down is 655 uA.
Sensor Interfaces
Inputs must not exceed 1.2 V. The sensitivity saturates at 400 mV.
Ad Hoc Mode & Restoring Factory Settings
Ad hoc mode is controlled with GPIO9 (pin 24). Roving Networks recommends that you connect pin 24 to a switch or
jumper connected to a pull up. When GPIO9 is driven high at power up, the module enters ad hoc mode. If GPIO9 is then
toggled low 5 times, the module will be restored to it’s initial factory default configuration. This feature is useful for cases
where the module is misconfigured and is no long responding.
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COMPLIANCE INFORMATION
The following sections describe the module’s FCC and NCC compliance information.
FCC Compliance
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to the radio communications. However, there are no
guarantees that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
Troubleshooting
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following instructions
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet or a circuit difference from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician.
Conditions
Operation is subject to the following conditions
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Markings
To satisfy the FCC exterior labeling requirements the following text must be placed on the exterior of the end product.
Contains Module FCC ID: U30-G2M5477
This marking applies to the G2M5477 and the RN-131 module, which are the same. Any similar working that expresses
the same meaning may be used.
FCC Warning
Modifications
Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment under
FCC rules. See Table 7.
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Table 7. Radio Frequency Exposure
Property (Units Measured)
Value
Units
Antenna Gain
2.0
dBi
Numeric Gain
1.58
Numeric
Max Allowable Peak Power
+23.76
dBm
Max Allowable Peak Power
237.7
mW
Calculated Safe Distance at 1
5.5
mW/cm2
Minimum Separation Distance
20
cm3
This equipment has been evaluated in accordance with the FCC bulletin 56 “Hazards of radio frequency and
electromagnetic fields” and Bulletin 65 “Human exposure to radio frequency and electromagnetic fields.”
A distance greater or equal to 20 cm from the device should be maintained for safe operation in an uncontrolled
environment.
NCC (Taiwan Statement)
Contains Transmitter Module NCC ID: CCAF11LP0240T6
802.11b/802.11g/BT 警語：
第十二條→經型式認證合格之低功率射頻電機，非經許可，公司，商號或使用者均不得擅自變更頻率、加
大功率或變更原設計之特性及功能。
第十四條→低功射頻電機之使用得影響飛航安全及干擾合法通信；經發現有干擾現象時，應即停用
，並改善至無干擾時方得繼續使用。
前項合法通信，指依電信法規定作業之無線電通信。 低功射頻電機須忍受合法通信或工業、科學及醫
用電波射性電機設備之干擾。
Unofficial Translation
Article 12
Without permission granted by the NCC, any company, enterprise, or user is not allowed to change frequency, enhance
transmitting power or alter original characteristic as well as performance to an approved low power radio-frequency
devices.
Article 14
The low power radio-frequency devices shall not influence aircraft security and interfere legal communications. If found,
the user shall cease operating immediately until no interference is achieved.
The said legal communications means radio communications is operated in compliance with the Telecommunications Act.
The low power radio-frequency devices must be susceptible with the interference from legal communications or ISM radio
wave radiated devices.
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Table 8. Compliance Information
Specification
Compliance
FCC
ID U3O-G2M5477 Part 15.247
IC
(Canada) RSS-210
CE
EU ID # 0681
REG
U9M20901-1000-C
RADIO
EN 300328 V1.7.1 (10/2006)
EMC
EN 301489-1 V1.8.1 (04/2008), EN 301489-17 V1.3.2 (04/2008)
SAFETY
EN 60950-1:2001+A11:2004
RoHs
Compliant
ORDERING INFORMATION
Table 9 provides ordering information.
Table 9. Ordering Information
Part Number
Description
RN-131G
Industrial Temperature (-30 to + 85 C ) With chip antenna and U.FL connector
RN-131C
Commercial Temperature (0 to + 70 C ) With chip antenna and U.FL connector
RN-131G-EVAL
Development Kit for the RN-131G (Includes the RN-131G module)
RN-134
RN-131 Evaluation board, includes RS-232, LEDs, and power regulator. Sensor connections.
RN-SMA4-RP
4” external antenna with reverse polarity SMA connector. Used with RN-UFL-SMA6
RN-UFL-SMA6
6 inch cable with U.FL connector on one end and SMA on the other
For other configurations, contact Roving Networks directly.
Go to http://www.rovingnetworks.com for current pricing and a list of distributors carrying Roving Networks products.
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NOTES
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Roving Networks, Inc.
102 Cooper Court
Los Gatos, CA 95032
+1 (408) 395-5300
www.rovingnetworks.com
Copyright © 2012 Roving Networks. All rights reserved. Roving Networks is a
registered trademark of Roving Networks. Apple Inc., iPhone, iPad, iTunes, Made
for iPhone are registered trademarks of Apple Computer.
Roving Networks reserves the right to make corrections, modifications, and other
changes to its products, documentation and services at any time. Customers
should obtain the latest relevant information before placing orders and should verify
that such information is current and complete.
Roving Networks assumes no liability for applications assistance or customer’s
product design. Customers are responsible for their products and applications
which use Roving Networks components. To minimize customer product risks,
customers should provide adequate design and operating safeguards.
Roving Networks products are not authorized for use in safety-critical applications
(such as life support) where a failure of the Roving Networks product would
reasonably be expected to cause severe personal injury or death, unless officers of
the parties have executed an agreement specifically governing such use.