SparkFun Thing Plus - XBee3 Micro (U.FL)

by Sparkfun

The XBee3 Thing Plus is an ultra capable and easy way for getting into wireless device development.

The combination of XBee and Qwiic in a space conscious design represents a much needed update to our XBee offering. With 20 I/O pins and Lithium Polymer Ion battery management, the XBee3 Thing Plus has all the basics for quickly prototyping or developing a connected device such as a remote sensor. The Qwiic connector and JST connector for the battery make for a solder-less option when working with the board which shortens setup time.

The new XBee3 Micro Module provides the classic all-but plug and play 802.15.4 2.4GHz wireless connection (Zigbee 3.0 Protocol) that makes it so desirable, but with a new addition of being programmable with MicroPython (32KB of memory available for it). RF data rates up to 250 Kbps and 200ft indoor ranges and up to 4000ft line-of-sight outdoor range. Communicating with/Configuring the module happens via an AT Command set or the Digi API, X-CTU, both locally or over-the-air. There's even a mobile version of X-CTU now; Digi XBee® Mobile.

This variation features a U.FL antenna connector for longer range communications. Check out the related products for compatible antennas.

 Get started with the SparkFun XBee3 Thing Plus Guide

Features

  • XBee3 Micro Module
    • Silicon Labs EFR32MG SoC
    • 250Kbps RF, 1Mbps Serial data rates
    • Indoor/Urban range up to 200 ft (60 m)
    • Outdoor/RF Line of Sight range up to 4000 ft (1200 m)
    • +8 dBm transmit power
    • -103 dBm receiver sensitivity
    • UART, I2C, SPI Interfaces (SPI currently not available at this time, but broken out on the board)
    • ISM 2.4GHz Frequency Band (802.15.4)
    • 1MB of memory, 128KB RAM (32KB available for MicroPython)
  • 20 GPIO Pins
  • Configurable via X-CTU or AT Command set via both USB and Wirelessly (second XBee 3 device required for wireless configuration unless you're using the mobile app)
  • Qwiic Compatible
  • On-board charging circuit and connector for 3.3v Lithium Polymer Ion Batteries (see related products for compatible batteries)
  • 2.6VDC - 3.6VDC supply voltage
  • U.FL Antenna Connector

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