NRF24L01 pinout – A Comprehensive Review of the NRF24L01 Module

What is the NRF24L01 pinout?

Fig 1: A Transceiver walkie-talkie

As earlier highlighted, it is a transceiver. Hence, it can operate both as a receiver and a transmitter. Also, it has a relatively low power consumption, given that it requires only 9.0mA at -6dBm output power. While in RX mode, the module involves 12.3mA, which is less than what an LED needs to function. 

Also, the module has an extensive maximum range of up to 100m when operating in an open space with an external antenna. 

NRF24L01 Pin Configuration

The table below explores the module pinout of the RF transceiver. 

Features of NRF24L01

Fig 2: A transceiver chip

1. It works at a power supply range of 1.9 to 3.6 V and requires a 2-layer PCB and cheap chip inductors. 
2. Also, the NRF24L01 transceiver module comes in a 20-pin package and requires an inexpensive +/- 60 ppm crystal. 
3. Thirdly, the module has tolerant signal input pads of 5V and is RF-compatible with other nRF24XX modules. 
4. The transceiver module is also capable of frequency hopping thanks to its relatively short switching time. 
5. In addition, the module has an RF channel operation of 125 and a Digital interface SPI speed of between zero to 8 Mbps. 
6. Further, it allows Cyclic Redundancy Check and Address computation. 
7. Lastly, it features an Enhanced ShockBurst™ communication protocol and Auto acknowledgment & retransmits capability. 

Specifications

Fig 3: A NRF24L01 wireless transceiver module

1. The module’s frequency range is in the 2.4 GHz band and features a 2 Mb per second maximum air data rate.  
2. Secondly, it operates on the GFSK modulation format and a 0 dBm maximum output power. 
3. Its power operation specifications include a 13.5mA maximum operating current, and while in standby mode, it requires a minimum current of 26µA. 
4. Lastly, It has an 800+ m full-size line-of-sight communication range. 

How to use the NRF24L01 Communication Module

You can interface the module with all the intelligent boards and microcontrollers. 

Interfacing with Arduino

The circuit diagram below represents how to connect the module to Arduino UNO.

Remember that the module can work either as a receiver or transmitter. 

Bi-directional Wireless Communication with two NRF24L01 and Arduino

It would be best if you run the receiver and transmitter codes on the Arduino Uno in this mode.  

Also, for bidirectional communication, creating two channels/pipes is imperative. Besides, it is also necessary to define each of the lines. Note that the writing address of the primary Arduino is the secondary Arduino’s reading address and vice versa. 

Now, use the radio. Stop listening() function, set the primary Arduino as a transmitter by running the code below. 

Next, use the radio. Start listening() function sets the secondary Arduino as a receiver via the code below. 

Sending multiple variables in a single package

For this example, the transmitter and receiver codes are as follows: 

Transmitter code

Notably, this data structure can have a maximum of 32 bytes. 

Receiver Code

NRF24L01 and Arduino-based Sensor Monitoring

This circuit is handy in instances where monitoring and control are necessary. Thus, using the codes below, you can control the function of LEDs connected to two Arduino Uno boards. 

Transmitter Code

Receiver Code

Note that the program below can control both the receiver and transmitter functions. 

As a Transmitter Example

The module transmits data from one frequency channel/ transmitter address to another when operating as a transmitter. Hence, to use it as a transmitter, upload the code below. 

Transmitter code details

The following libraries are responsible for Arduino communication with the module as a transmitter. 

As a Receiver Example

Using the module as a receiver follows a similar process to its use as a transmitter. But, three main modifications are as follows:  

1. The receiver requires an address channel/ address range. It was unnecessary in the former transmitter example. 
2. Also, the module needs an initialization as a receiver to operate in this mode. 
3. Thirdly, it also requires a data receipt and checking technique. 

Next, you need to upload the receiver code to the Arduino IDE, which is as follows. 

Application

1. Useful in RF Remote Controllers and mesh networks. 
2. Also, it’s essential in wireless transceiver module applications and advanced communications applications. 
3. Thirdly, it is helpful in VoIP headsets, Wireless PC Peripherals, and game controllers.
4. Finally, it is handy in Asset tracing systems, Ultra power sensor networks, and active RFIDs.

Conclusion

We’ve comprehensively covered the features, pinout, and applications of NRF24L01 by Nordic Semiconductor’s all for today, but for additional queries, talk to us we’ll give you a response promptly.