Microchip Technology RN41-3 Class 1 Bluetooth Module User Manual RN41 RN41N Class 1 Bluetooth Module Data Sheet

Microchip Technology Inc. Class 1 Bluetooth Module RN41 RN41N Class 1 Bluetooth Module Data Sheet

Users Manual

www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.43 5/21/13 page 1
RN41-DS
RN-41/RN-41N Class 1 Bluetooth Module
Features:
• Fully qualified Bluetooth® version 2.1 module,
supports version 2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate
(EDR)
• Backwards-compatible with Bluetooth version 2.0,
1.2, and 1.1
• Postage stamp sized form factor, 13.4 mm x
25.8 mm x 2 mm
• Low power (30 mA connected, < 10 mA sniff
mode)
• UART (SPP or HCI) and USB (HCI only) data
connection interfaces
• Sustained SPP data rates: 240 Kbps (slave), 300
Kbps (master)
• HCI data rates: 1.5 Mbps sustained, 3.0 Mbps
burst in HCI mode
• Embedded Bluetooth stack profiles included
(requires no host stack): GAP, SDP, RFCOMM,
and L2CAP protocols, with SPP and DUN profile
support
• Bluetooth SIG qualified, end product listing
• Castellated SMT pads for easy and reliable PCB
mounting
• Class 1 high power amplifier with on board
ceramic RF chip antenna (RN-41) or without
antenna (RN-41N)
• Certifications: FCC, IC, ICS, CE
Applications:
• Cable replacement
• Barcode scanners
• Measurement and monitoring systems
• Industrial sensors and controls
• Medical devices
• Asset tracking
RN-41 Block Diagram:
RF
Switch
PA
BALUN
CSR BlueCore-04
External
Crystal
Flash Memory
VCC
GND
GPIO
GPIO
GPIO
USB
UART
PCM
RN-41
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RN41-DS
1.0 DEVICE OVERVIEW
The RN-41/RN-41N module is a small form factor, low
power, class 1 Bluetooth radio that is ideal for design-
ers who want to add wireless capability to their prod-
ucts without spending significant time and money
developing Bluetooth-specific hardware and software.
The RN-41/RN-41N supports multiple interface proto-
cols, is simple to design in, and is fully certified, making
it a complete embedded Bluetooth solution. With its
high-performance, on-chip antenna (RN-41) or exter-
nal antenna (RN-41N), and support for Bluetooth EDR,
the RN-41/RN-41N delivers up to a 3-Mbps data rate
for distances up to 100 meters.
The module provides FHSS/GFSK modulation and 79
channels at 1-MHz intervals. 128-bit encryption
ensures secure communication.
The module can be configured locally via the UART or
over-the-air. To support instant cable replacement,
auto-discovery/pairing does not require software con-
figuration. Additionally, the module supports auto-con-
nect master, I/O pin (DTR), and character-based trigger
modes
Table 1-1 , Ta b l e 1 - 2 , Table 1-3, Table 1-4, and
Table 1- 5 provide the module’s environmental condi-
tions, electrical characteristics, weight and dimensions,
radio characteristics, and digital I/O characteristics.
TABLE 1-1: ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Parameter Value
Temperature Range (Operating) -40o C ~ 85o C
Temperature Range (Storage) -40o C ~ 85o C
Relative Humidity (Operating) ≤ 90%
Relative Humidity (Storage) ≤ 90%
Moisture Sensitivity Level 1
TABLE 1-2: ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Parameter Min. Typ. Max. Units
Supply Voltage (DC) 3.0 3.3 3.6 V
RX Supply Current 35 60 mA
TX Supply Current 65 100 mA
Average Power Consumption
Standby/Idle (Default Settings) 25 mA
Connected (Normal Mode) 30 mA
Connected (Low-Power Sniff) 8 mA
Standby/Idle (Deep Sleep Enabled) 250 2.5 mA
TABLE 1-3: MODULE WEIGHT & DIMENSIONS
Parameter RN-41 RN-41N Units
Size 13.4 x 25.8 x 2 13.4 x 19 x 2 mm
Weight 0.055 0.020 Oz.
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RN41-DS
Figure 1-1 and Figure 1-2 show the modules’ dimen-
sions.
TABLE 1-4: RADIO CHARACTERISTICS
Parameter Frequency
(GHz) Min. Typ. Max. Bluetooth
Specification Units
Sensitivity at 0.1% BER 2.402 - -80 -86 ≤ -70 dBm
2.441 - -80 -86 dBm
2.480 - -80 -86 dBm
RF Transmit Power 2.402 15.0 16.0 ≤ 20 dBm
2.441 15.0 16.0 dBm
2.480 15.0 16.0 dBm
Initial Carrier Frequency Tolerance 2.402 - 5 75 75 kHz
2.441 - 5 75 kHz
2.480 - 5 75 kHz
20-dB Bandwidth for Modulated Carrier - 900 1000 ≤ 1000 kHz
Drift (Five Slots Packet) - 15 - 40 kHz
Drift Rate - 13 - 20 kHz
∆f1avg Maximum Modulation 2.402 140 165 175 > 140 kHz
2.441 140 165 175 kHz
2.480 140 165 175 kHz
∆f2avg Minimum Modulation 2.402 140 190 - 115 kHz
2.441 140 190 - kHz
2.480 140 190 - kHz
TABLE 1-5: DIGITAL I/O CHARACTERISTICS
3.0 V ≤ VDD ≤ 3.3 V Min. Typ. Max. Units
Input Logic Level Low -0.4 - +0.8 V
Input Logic Level High 0.7 VDD - VDD +
0.4
V
Output Logic Level Low - - 0.2 V
Output Logic Level High VDD - 0.2 - - V
All I/O pins (Except reset) Default to Weak Pull Down +0.2 +1.0 +5.0 μA
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RN41-DS
FIGURE 1-1: RN-41 MODULE
DIMENSIONS
FIGURE 1-2: RN-41N MODULE
DIMENSIONS
Figure 1-3 and Figure 1-4 show the pinout and
Table 1- 6 describes the module’s pins.
FIGURE 1-3: RN-41 PIN DIAGRAM
FIGURE 1-4: RN-41N PIN DIAGRAM
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GND
SPI_MOSI
GPIO6
GPIO7
RESET
SPI_CLOCK
PCM_CLK
PCM_SYNC
PCM_IN
PCM_OUT
VDD
GND
SPI_MISO
SPI_CSB
GPIO4
GPIO5
GPIO3
GPIO2
USB_D-
USB_D+
UART_CTS
UART_RTS
UART_TX
UART_RX
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
AIO1
GND
GPIO11
GPIO10
GPIO9
GPIO8
GND
AIO0
35 29 34 33 32 31 28 30
RN-41
Top View
GND
SPI_MOSI
GPIO6
GPIO7
RESET
SPI_CLOCK
PCM_CLK
PCM_SYNC
PCM_IN
PCM_OUT
VDD
GND
SPI_MISO
SPI_CSB
GPIO4
GPIO5
GPIO3
GPIO2
USB_D-
USB_D+
UART_CTS
UART_RTS
UART_TX
UART_RX
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
AIO1
GND
GPIO11
GPIO10
GPIO9
GPIO8
GND
AIO0
35 29 34 33 32 31 28 30
RN-41N
Top View
GND
RF ANT
GND
27
26
25
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RN41-DS
TABLE 1-6: PIN DESCRIPTION
Pin Name Description Default
1 GND Ground –
2 SPI_MOSI Programming only No connect
3 GPIO6 Set Bluetooth master (high = auto-master
mode)
Input to RN-41 module with weak pulldown
4 GPIO7 Set baud rate (high = force 9,600, low =
115 K or firmware setting)
Input to RN-41 module with weak pulldown
5 RESET Active-low reset Input to RN-41 module with 1K pullup
6 SPI_CLK Programming only No Connect
7 PCM_CLK PCM interface No Connect
8 PCM_SYNC PCM interface No Connect
9 PCM_IN PCM interface No Connect
10 PCM_OUT PCM interface No Connect
11 VDD 3.3-V regulated power input –
12 GND Ground –
13 UART_RX UART receive input Input to RN-41 module
14 UART_TX UART transmit output High level output from RN-41 module
15 UART_RTS UART RTS, goes high to disable host trans-
mitter
Low level output from RN-41 module
16 UART_CTS UART CTS, if set high, it disables transmitter Low level input to RN-41 module
17 USB_D+ USB port 1.5 K pullup activated when USB port is
ready (~500 ms after reset)
18 USB_D- USB port –
19 GPIO2 Status, high when connected, low otherwise Output from RN-41 module
20 GPIO3 Auto discovery = high Input to RN-41 module with weak pulldown
21 GPIO5 Status, toggles based on state, low on con-
nect
Output from RN-41 module
22 GPIO4 Set factory defaults Input to RN-41 with weak pulldown
23 SPI_CSB Programming only No connect
24 SPI_MISO Programming only No connect
25 GND Ground (RN-41N only) –
26 RF ANT Antenna, 50-Ohm impedance (RN-41N only) –
27 GND Ground (RN-41N only) –
28 GND Ground –
29 GND Ground –
30 AIO0 Optional analog input Not used
31 GPIO8 Status (RF data RX/TX) Output from RN-41 module
32 GPIO9 I/O Input to RN-41 module with weak pulldown
33 GPIO10 I/O (remote DTR signal) Input to RN-41 module with weak pulldown
34 GPIO11 I/O (remote RTS signal) Input to RN-41 module with weak pulldown
35 AIO1 Optional analog input Not Used
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RN41-DS
2.0 APPLICATION INFORMATION
The following sections provide information on design-
ing with the RN-41/RN-41N module, including radio
interference, factory reset, solder reflow profile, con-
nection status, etc.
2.1 Reset Circuit
The RN-41/RN-41N contains a 1k pullup to VCC, and
the reset polarity is active low. The module’s reset pin
has an optional power-on-reset circuit with a delay,
which should only be required if the input power supply
has a very slow ramp or tends to bounce or have insta-
bility on power up. Often a microcontroller or embed-
ded CPU I/O is available to generate the reset once
power is stable. If not, designers can use one of the
many low-cost power supervisor chips currntly avail-
able, such as the MCP809 or MCP102/121.
2.2 Factory Reset Using GPIO4
It is recommended to connect the GPIO4 pin to a
switch, jumper, or resistor so it can be accessed. This
pin can be used to reset the module to its factory
default settings, which is critical in situations where the
module has been misconfigured. To reset the module
to the factory defaults, GPIO4 should be high on
power-up and then toggle low, high, low, high with a 1
second wait between the transitions.
2.3 Connection Status
GPIO5 is available to drive an LED, and it blinks at var-
ious speeds to indicate status (see Ta b l e 2 - 1 ). GPIO2
is an output that directly reflects the connection state as
shown in Table 2-2.
2.4 Using the SPI Bus to Upgrade the
Flash Memory
While not required, this bus is very useful for configur-
ing the Bluetooth modules’ advanced parameters. The
bus is required when upgrading the module’s firmware.
The typical application schematic shown in Figure 2-6
shows a 6-pin header that can be implemented to gain
access to this bus. A minimum-mode version might
simply use the SPI signals (4 pins) and obtain ground
and VCC from elsewhere in the design.
2.5 Module Mounting Details
Figure 2-1 and Figure 2-2 show the recommended
PCB footprint for the RN-41 and RN-41N, respectively.
When laying out the carrier board for the RN-41 mod-
ule, the areas under the antenna and shielding connec-
tions should not have surface traces, ground planes, or
exposed vias.
Figure 2-3 and Figure 2-4 show the recommended
mounting details for the RN-41 and RN-41N, respec-
tively. For optimal radio performance, the RN-41 mod-
ule’s antenna end should protrude at least 31 mm
beyond any metal enclosure.
FIGURE 2-1: RN-41 RECOMMENDED
PCB FOOTPRINT
TABLE 2-1: GPIO5 STATUS
GPIO5 Status Description
Toggle at 1 Hz The module is discoverable and
waiting for a connection.
Toggle at 10 Hz The module is in command mode.
Low The module is connected to
another device over Bluetooth.
TABLE 2-2: GPIO2 STATUS
GPIO2
Status Description
High The module is connected to another device
over Bluetooth.
Low The module is not connected over Blue-
tooth.
Host PCB
Ground Plane
Edge
Shield Pads X4
0.8 mm x 1.3 mm
Do not locate vias
or signal traces
under Shield Pads
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www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.43 5/21/13 page 7
RN41-DS
FIGURE 2-2: RN-41N RECOMMENDED
PCB FOOTPRINT
FIGURE 2-3: RN-41 MODULE
MOUNTING DETAILS
FIGURE 2-4: RN-41N MODULE
MOUNTING DETAILS
Figure 2-5 shows examples of good, bad, and accept-
able positioning of the RN-41/RN-41N on the host
PCB.
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RN41-DS
FIGURE 2-5: RN-41 HOST PCB EXAMPLE LAYOUT
2.6 External Antenna Types (RN-41N)
The RN-41N module’s antenna pin (pin 25) provides a
50-ohm impedance to external antennas. Pin 25 can
connect directly to a coaxial cable antenna or to an
antenna connector such as a U.FL or reverse polarity
SMA.
The PCB trace from pin 25 to the coaxial cable or con-
nector should be less than 0.2 inches (5 mm) for mini-
mum loss and the best impedance match. If the PCB
trace is longer, it should be a 50-ohm impedance
microstrip trace. Connect adjacent ground pins 24 and
26 to a low-impedance ground on the host PCB and the
antenna connection. Figure 2-4 gives example host
PCB layout to a U.FL connector.
Modular certification of the RN171 module was per-
formed with the external antenna types listed in
Table 2- 3 . Refer to Section 3.0, Regulatory Approval
for specific regulatory requirements by country.
2.7 HCI Mode
Roving Networks offers the Host Controller Interface
(HCI) mode in addition to the standard operational
mode of its Bluetooth modules (standard mode refers
to the on-board stack running on the module).
In HCI mode, the on-board stack is bypassed and the
module is put in a state that runs the Bluetooth base-
band. The HCI provides a command reference inter-
face to the baseband controller and the link manager,
and provides access to the hardware status and control
registers. This interface provides a uniform method for
accessing the Bluetooth baseband capabilities.
In this mode, the Bluetooth stack is no longer on-board
the module. It is offloaded to the interfacing host pro-
cessor. The Bluetooth module is used as a radio, per-
forming the lower level MAC functionalities, while the
application stack runs on the host processor.
Using the module in HCI mode allows designers to
implement profiles that are not natively supported on
the Bluetooth module.
No Copper
In these Areas
RN-41
Okay
RN-41
Best RN-41
Okay
RN-41
Okay
TABLE 2-3: TESTED EXTERNAL
ANTENNA TYPES
Type Gain (dBi)
Monopole 0.56
Dipole 8
Yagi 15
Note: HCI mode requires a separate firmware
build that must be loaded into the mod-
ule’s flash at the factory. Is not upgrade-
able in the field.
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RN41-DS
Roving Networks offers HCI mode in two hardware
interfaces:
• HCI over UART (RN-41HCI-I/RM)
• HCI over USB (RN-41U-I/RM)
2.7.1 HCI OVER UART
In this mode, the hardware interface between the host
processor and the Bluetooth module is the UART. You
must interface the flow control signals between the host
processor and the Bluetooth module for the HCI inter-
face to work. Failure to do so can cause the host pro-
cessor and the Bluetooth module to become out of
sync and break the Bluetooth link.
2.7.2 HCI OVER USB
In this mode, the hardware interface between the host
processor and the Bluetooth module is the USB. In this
architecture, the Bluetooth module is the USB slave
and the host processor is the USB host.
Using the USB interface offers the advantage of a
faster data link between the Bluetooth module and the
host processor. With this architecture, it is possible to
achieve Bluetooth’s theoretical maximum throughput of
3 Mpbs.
2.8 Solder Reflow Profile
The lead-free solder reflow temperature and times are:
•Temperature—230° C, 30 - 40 seconds, peak
250° C maximum
•Preheat temperature—165° ± 15° C, 90 to 120
seconds
•Time—Single pass, one time
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RN41-DS
2.9 Application Schematic
Figure 2-6 shows a example application circuit. This
schematic is for the RN-41-EK development tool.
FIGURE 2-6: TYPICAL APPLICATION CIRCUIT
TX D
RX D
GND
1
SPI _MOSI
2
PI O6
3
PI O7
4
RESET
5
SPI _SCK
6
PCM_CL K
7
PCM_SYNC
8
PCM_I N
9
PCM_OUT
10
VDD
11
GND
12 UART_RX 13
UART_TX 14
UART_RTS 15
UART_CTS 16
USB_D+ 17
USB_D- 18
PI O2 19
PI O3 20
PI O5 21
PI O4 22
SPI _CS# 23
SPI _MI SO 24
GND
28
GND
29
AIO0
30
PIO8
31
PIO9
32
PIO10
33
PIO11
34
AIO1
35
SHIELD
0
M1 RN-41 Module
SPI _MI SO
SPI _MOSI
SPI _SCK
SPI _SS
RT S
CT S
RESET _N
PI O6
PI O7
PI O4
PI O5
PI O3
PI O2
AIO1
AIO0
PIO11
PIO10
PIO9
PIO8
1
2
3
4
5
6
J3
SPI MASTER
SPI _MI SO
SPI _MOSI
SPI _SCK
SPI _SS
3.3V
3.3V
PCM_CL K
PCM_SYNC
PCM_OUT
PCM_I N
100k
R17
300k
R18
100k
R16
300k
R15
VB1
VB2
AIO0
AIO1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
J1
HEADER 1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
J2
HEADER 2
PI O6
PI O7
RESET _N
RX D
TX D
RT S
CT S
PI O4
PI O3
PI O2
PIO11
PIO10
PI O9
PI O8
3.3V VB1
VB2
SHDN
D_N
D_P
TXD
RXD
RTS
CTS
VBUS
RESET 18
3V 3OU T 16
USBDP 14
USBDM 15
GND
17
CBUS2
10 CBUS1
21
VCCIO1
CBUS3
11
CBUS4
9
CBUS0
22
GND
20
RI
3DCD
7DSR
6DTR
31 CTS
8RTS
32 RXD
2TXD
30
VCC 19
OSCI 27
OSCO 28
AGND
24
TEST
26
GND
4
THPAD
33
FT232RQ
U3
100nF
C6
100nF
C5
100nF
C4
GND
5
D+
3D-
2VBUS
1
MTAB 6
USB Mini B
J4
3k3R12
3k3
R13
3k3
R11
3k3
R14
VBUS
3.3V VBUS
VI N 1
GND
2
SHDN 3
BYP
4
VOUT
5
U1 TC1185
1uF
C2
1uF
C1
SHDN
3k3
R1
1
2
3
4
S1
3k3R10
3k3
R9
3k3
R8
3k3
R7
3.3V
PI O4
PI O3
PI O6
PI O7
Red LEDD2
Activity
PI O5
3.3V
PI O8
Green LED
D1
Connection Status
470
R2
470
R3
www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.43 5/21/13 page 11
RN41-DS
3.0 REGULATORY APPROVAL
This section outlines the regulatory information for the
RN-41/RN-41N module for the following countries:
• United States
• Canada
• Europe
•Australia
• New Zealand
3.1 United States
The RN-41/RN-41N module has received Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) CFR47 Telecom-
munications, Part 15 Subpart C “Intentional Radiators”
modular approval in accordance with Part 15.212 Mod-
ular Transmitter approval. Modular approval allows the
end user to integrate the RN-41/RN-41N module into a
finished product without obtaining subsequent and sep-
arate FCC approvals for intentional radiation, provided
no changes or modifications are made to the module
circuitry. Changes or modifications could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment. The end
user must comply with all of the instructions provided
by the Grantee, which indicate installation and/or oper-
ating conditions necessary for compliance.
The finished product is required to comply with all appli-
cable FCC equipment authorizations regulations,
requirements and equipment functions not associated
with the transmitter module portion. For example, com-
pliance must be demonstrated to regulations for other
transmitter components within the host product; to
requirements for unintentional radiators (Part 15 Sub-
part B “Unintentional Radiators”), such as digital
devices, computer peripherals, radio receivers, etc.;
and to additional authorization requirements for the
non-transmitter functions on the transmitter module
(i.e., Verification, or Declaration of Conformity) (e.g.,
transmitter modules may also contain digital logic func-
tions) as appropriate.
3.1.1 LABELING AND USER
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
The RN-41/RN-41N module has been labeled with its
own FCC ID number, and if the FCC ID is not visible
when the module is installed inside another device,
then the outside of the finished product into which the
module is installed must also display a label referring to
the enclosed module. This exterior label can use word-
ing as follows:
RN-41:
Contains Transmitter Module FCC ID: T9JRN41-3
or
Contains FCC ID: T9JRN41-3
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation
RN-41N:
Contains Transmitter Module FCC ID: OA3-RN41N
or
Contains FCC ID: OA3-RN41N
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation
www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.43 5/21/13 page 12
RN41-DS
A user’s manual for the product should include the fol-
lowing statement:
Additional information on labeling and user information
requirements for Part 15 devices can be found in KDB
Publication 784748 available at the FCC Office of Engi-
neering and Technology (OET) Laboratory Division
Knowledge Database (KDB) http://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/
kdb/index.cfm.
3.1.2 RF EXPOSURE
All transmitters regulated by FCC must comply with RF
exposure requirements. OET Bulletin 65, Evaluating
Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure
to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, provides
assistance in determining whether proposed or existing
transmitting facilities, operations or devices comply
with limits for human exposure to Radio Frequency
(RF) fields adopted by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC). The bulletin offers guidelines and
suggestions for evaluating compliance.
If appropriate, compliance with exposure guidelines for
mobile and unlicensed devices can be accomplished
by the use of warning labels and by providing users
with information concerning minimum separation dis-
tances from transmitting structures and proper installa-
tion of antennas.
The following statement must be included as a CAU-
TION statement in manuals and OEM products to alert
users of FCC RF exposure compliance:
If the RN-41/RN-41N module is used in a portable
application (i.e., the antenna is less than 20 cm from
persons during operation), the integrator is responsible
for performing Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) testing
in accordance with FCC rules 2.1091.
3.1.3 APPROVED EXTERNAL ANTENNA
TYPES
To maintain modular approval in the United States, only
the antenna types that have been tested shall be used.
It is permissible to use different antenna manufacturer
provided the same antenna type and antenna gain
(equal to or less than) is used.
Testing of the RN-41N module was performed with the
antenna types listed in Ta b l e 2 - 3 .
3.1.4 HELPFUL WEB SITES
Federal Communications Commission (FCC):
http://www.fcc.gov
FCC Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) Lab-
oratory Division Knowledge Database (KDB):
http://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/index.cfm
3.2 Canada
The RN-41/RN-41N module has been certified for use
in Canada under Industry Canada (IC) Radio Stan-
dards Specification (RSS) RSS-210 and RSSGen.
Modular approval permits the installation of a module in
a host device without the need to recertify the device.
3.2.1 LABELING AND USER
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
Labeling Requirements for the Host Device (from Sec-
tion 3.2.1, RSS-Gen, Issue 3, December 2010): The
host device shall be properly labeled to identify the
module within the host device.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B 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 equip-
ment generates, uses and can radiate radio fre-
quency energy, and if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. 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 follow-
ing measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is con-
nected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
To satisfy FCC RF Exposure requirements for mobile
and base station transmission devices, a separation
distance of 20 cm or more should be maintained
between the antenna of this device and persons dur-
ing operation. To ensure compliance, operation at
closer than this distance is not recommended.
The antenna(s) used for this transmitter must not be
co-located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter.
www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.43 5/21/13 page 13
RN41-DS
The Industry Canada certification label of a module
shall be clearly visible at all times when installed in the
host device, otherwise the host device must be labeled
to display the Industry Canada certification number of
the module, preceded by the words “Contains transmit-
ter module”, or the word “Contains”, or similar wording
expressing the same meaning, as follows:
User Manual Notice for License-Exempt Radio Appara-
tus (from Section 7.1.3 RSS-Gen, Issue 3, December
2010): User manuals for license-exempt radio appara-
tus shall contain the following or equivalent notice in a
conspicuous location in the user manual or alterna-
tively on the device or both:
Transmitter Antenna (from Section 7.1.2 RSS-Gen,
Issue 3, December 2010): User manuals for transmit-
ters shall display the following notice in a conspicuous
location:
The above notice may be affixed to the device instead
of displayed in the user manual.
3.2.2 APPROVED EXTERNAL ANTENNA
TYPES
Transmitter Antenna (from Section 7.1.2 RSS-Gen,
Issue 3, December 2010):
The RN-41N module can only be sold or operated with
antennas with which it was approved. Transmitter may
be approved with multiple antenna types. An antenna
type comprises antennas having similar in-band and
out-of-band radiation patterns. Testing shall be per-
formed using the highest gain antenna of each combi-
nation of transmitter and antenna type for which
approval is being sought, with the transmitter output
power set at the maximum level. Any antenna of the
same type having equal or lesser gain as an antenna
that had been successfully tested with the transmitter,
will also be considered approved with the transmitter,
and may be used and marketed with the transmitter.
When a measurement at the antenna connector is
used to determine RF output power, the effective gain
of the device's antenna shall be stated, based on mea-
surement or on data from the antenna manufacturer.
For transmitters of output power greater than 10 milli-
watts, the total antenna gain shall be added to the mea-
sured RF output power to demonstrate compliance to
the specified radiated power limits.
Approved external antenna types for the RN-41N mod-
ule are listed in Table 2-3.
RN-41:
Contains transmitter module IC: 6514A-RN413
RN-41N:
Contains transmitter module IC: 7693A-RN41N
This device complies with Industry Canada license-
exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not
cause interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Indust-
rie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts
de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux con-
ditions suivantes: (1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire
de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit
accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même
si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le
fonctionnement.
Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio trans-
mitter may only operate using an antenna of a type
and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the trans-
mitter by Industry Canada. To reduce potential radio
interference to other users, the antenna type and its
gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropi-
cally radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that
necessary for successful communication.
Conformément à la réglementation d'Industrie Can-
ada, le présent émetteur radio peut fonctionner avec
une antenne d'un type et d'un gain maximal (ou
inférieur) approuvé pour l'émetteur par Industrie Can-
ada. Dans le but de réduire les risques de brouillage
radioélectrique à l'intention des autres utilisateurs, il
faut choisir le type d'antenne et son gain de sorte
que la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente
(p.i.r.e.) ne dépasse pas l'intensité nécessaire à
l'établissement d'une communication satisfaisante.
www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.43 5/21/13 page 14
RN41-DS
3.2.3 HELPFUL WEB SITES
Industry Canada: http://www.ic.gc.ca/
3.3 Europe
The RN-41/RN-41N module is an R&TTE Directive
assessed radio module that is CE marked and has
been manufactured and tested with the intention of
being integrated into a final product.
The RN-41/RN-41N module has been tested to R&TTE
Directive 1999/5/EC Essential Requirements for Health
and Safety (Article (3.1(a)), Electromagnetic Compati-
bility (EMC) (Article 3.1(b)), and Radio (Article 3.2) and
are summarized in Table 3-1: European Compliance
Testing. A Notified Body Opinion has also been issued.
All test reports are available on the RN-41/RN-41N
product web page at http://www.microchip.com.
The R&TTE Compliance Association provides guid-
ance on modular devices in document Technical
Guidance Note 01 available at
http://www.rtteca.com/html/download_area.htm.
3.3.1 LABELING AND USER
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
The label on the final product which contains the RN-
41/RN-41N module must follow CE marking require-
ments. The R&TTE Compliance Association Technical
Guidance Note 01 provides guidance on final product
CE marking.
3.3.2 ANTENNA REQUIREMENTS
From R&TTE Compliance Association document Tech-
nical Guidance Note 01:
Provided the integrator installing an assessed
radio module with an integral or specific antenna
and installed in conformance with the radio mod-
ule manufacturer’s installation instructions
requires no further evaluation under Article 3.2
of the R&TTE Directive and does not require fur-
ther involvement of an R&TTE Directive Notified
Body for the final product. [Section 2.2.4]
The European Compliance Testing listed in Tab l e 3 - 2
was performed using the antenna types listed in
Table 2- 3 .
3.3.3 HELPFUL WEB SITES
A document that can be used as a starting point in
understanding the use of Short Range Devices (SRD)
in Europe is the European Radio Communications
Committee (ERC) Recommendation 70-03 E, which
can be downloaded from the European Radio Commu-
nications Office (ERO) at: http://www.ero.dk/.
Additional helpful web sites are:
• Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equip-
ment (R&TTE):
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/rtte/index_en.htm
• European Conference of Postal and Telecommu-
nications Administrations (CEPT):
http://www.cept.org
• European Telecommunications Standards Insti-
tute (ETSI):
http://www.etsi.org
• European Radio Communications Office (ERO):
http://www.ero.dk
• The Radio and Telecommunications Terminal
Equipment Compliance Association (R&TTE CA):
http://www.rtteca.com/
Note: To maintain conformance to the testing
listed in Ta b l e 3 - 1 , the module shall be
installed in accordance with the installa-
tion instructions in this data sheet and
shall not be modified.
When integrating a radio module into a
completed product the integrator
becomes the manufacturer of the final
product and is therefore responsible for
demonstrating compliance of the final
product with the essential requirements of
the R&TTE Directive.
www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.43 5/21/13 page 15
RN41-DS
3.4 Australia
The Australia radio regulations do not provide a modu-
lar approval policy similar to the United States (FCC)
and Canada (IC). However, RN-41/RN-41N module RF
transmitter test reports can be used in part to demon-
strate compliance in accordance with ACMA Radio
communications “Short Range Devices” Standard
2004 (The Short Range Devices standard calls up the
AS/NZS 4268:2008 industry standard). The RN-
41/RN-41N module test reports can be used as part of
the product certification and compliance folder. For
more information on the RF transmitter test reports,
contact Microchip Technology Australia sales office.
To meet overall Australian final product compliance, the
developer must construct a compliance folder contain-
ing all relevant compliance test reports e.g. RF, EMC,
electrical safety and DoC (Declaration of Conformity)
etc. It is the responsibility of the integrator to know what
is required in the compliance folder for ACMA compli-
ance. All test reports are available on the RN-41/RN-
41N product web page at http://www.microchip.com.
For more information on Australia compliance, refer to
the Australian Communications and Media Authority
web site http://www.acma.gov.au/.
3.4.1 EXTERNAL ANTENNA
REQUIREMENTS
The compliance testing listed in Ta b l e 3 - 2 was per-
formed using the antenna types listed in Table 2-3.
3.4.2 HELPFUL WEB SITES
The Australian Communications and Media Authority:
www.acma.gov.au/.
3.5 New Zealand
The New Zealand radio regulations do not provide a
modular approval policy similar to the United States
(FCC) and Canada (IC). However, RN-41/RN-41N
module RF transmitter test reports can be used in part
to demonstrate compliance against the New Zealand
“General User Radio License for Short Range
Devices”. New Zealand Radio communications (Radio
Standards) Notice 2010 calls up the AS / NZS
4268:2008 industry standard. The RN-41/RN-41N
module test reports can be used as part of the product
certification and compliance folder. All test reports are
available on the RN-41/RN-41N product web page at
http://www.microchip.com. For more information on the
RF transmitter test reports, contact Microchip Technol-
ogy sales office.
TABLE 3-1: RN-41 EUROPEAN COMPLIANCE TESTING
Certification Standards Article Laboratory Report Number Date
Safety EN 60950-1:2006+A11:2009+A1:2010 (3.1(a))
Health EN 50371:2002-03
EMC EN 301 489-1 V1.8.1 (2008-04) (3.1(b))
EN 301 489-17 V2.1.1 (2009-05)
Radio EN 300 328 V1.7.1 (2006-10) (3.2)
Notified Body
Opinion
DoC
TABLE 3-2: RN-41N EUROPEAN COMPLIANCE TESTING
Certification Standards Article Laboratory Report Number Date
Safety EN 60950-1:2006+A11:2009+A1:2010 (3.1(a))
Health EN 50371:2002-03
EMC EN 301 489-1 V1.8.1 (2008-04) (3.1(b))
EN 301 489-17 V2.1.1 (2009-05)
Radio EN 300 328 V1.7.1 (2006-10) (3.2)
Notified Body
Opinion
DoC
www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.43 5/21/13 page 16
RN41-DS
Information on the New Zealand short range devices
license can be found in the following web links:
http://www.rsm.govt.nz/cms/licensees/types-ofli-
cence/general-user-licences/short-range-devices
and
http://www.rsm.govt.nz/cms/policy-and-planning/spec-
trum-policy-overview/legislation/gazette-notices/prod-
uct-compliance/radiocommunications-radiostandards-
notice-2010.
To meet overall New Zealand final product compliance,
the developer must construct a compliance folder con-
taining all relevant compliance test reports e.g. RF,
EMC, electrical safety and DoC (Declaration of Confor-
mity) etc. It is the responsibility of the developer to
know what is required in the compliance folder for New
Zealand Radio communications. For more information
on New Zealand compliance, refer to the web site
http://www.rsm.govt.nz/.
3.5.1 EXTERNAL ANTENNA
REQUIREMENTS
The compliance testing listed in Ta b l e 3 - 2 was per-
formed using the antenna types listed in Ta b l e 2 - 3 .
3.5.2 HELPFUL WEB SITES
Radio Spectrum Ministry of Economic Development:
http://www.rsm.govt.nz/.
www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.43 5/21/13 page 17
RN41-DS
4.0 ORDERING INFORMATION
Ta b l e 4 - 1 provides ordering information for the RN-41
module.
Go to http://www.rovingnetworks.com for current pric-
ing and a list of distributors carrying Roving Networks
products.
TABLE 4-1: ORDERING INFORMATION
Part Number Description
RN41-I/RM Standard Application firmware (SPP/DUN Master and Slave).
RN41HCI-I/RM HCI firmware (HCI over H4 UART).
RN41U-I/RM USB firmware (HCI over USB port, slave device at 12-Mbps rate).
RN41HID-I/RM HID firmware supporting HID device and SPP profiles.
RN41N-I/RM Standard application firmware (SPP and DUN) without antenna.
RN41NHCI-I/RM HCI firmware (HCI over H4 UART) without antenna.
RN41NU-I/RM USB firmware (HCI over USB port) without antenna.
RN41NHID-I/RM HID firmware supporting HID device and SPP profiles without antenna.
For other configurations, contact Roving Networks directly.
www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.43 5/21/13 page 18
Roving Networks, Inc.
102 Cooper Court
Los Gatos, CA 95032
+1 (408) 395-5300
www.rovingnetworks.com
Copyright © 2013 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 plac-
ing orders and should verify that such information is current and com-
plete.
Roving Networks assumes no liability for applications assistance or cus-
tomer’s product design. Customers are responsible for their products and
applications that use Roving Networks components. To minimize cus-
tomer product risks, customers should provide adequate design and oper-
ating 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 specifi-
cally governing such use.
RN41-DS
5.0 DOCUMENT REVISION
HISTORY
5.1 Version 3.43 5/21/2013
• Updated the regulatory information.
• Updated schematics.
• Changed the document formatting.
• Minor text changes throughout.
5.2 Version 3.42r 4/11/2013
Updated the module part numbers.
5.3 Version 3.41r 10/15/2012
Updated the GPIO5 status table to correctly show that
when GPIO5 is low, it indicates that the module is con-
nected to another device over Bluetooth.

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