Microchip-Tech-RN42-I-RM

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Microchip-Tech-RN42-I-RM
RN42/RN42N  
Class 2 Bluetooth

®

Module with EDR Support  
Features  
®
• Fully
 
qualified Bluetooth
 
version 2.1 module, sup-  
ports version 2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate (EDR)  
• ASCII
 
command interface over UART  
• Postage-stamp-sized
 
form factor:  
– RN42:
 
13.4 x 25.8 x 2.4 mm  
– RN42N:
 
13.4 x 20.5 x 2.4 mm  
• Low-power
 
(26
A sleep, 3 mA connected, 30 mA  
transmit)  
• UART
 
(SPP or HCI) and USB (HCI only) data con-  
nection interfaces  
• Sustained
 
SPP data rates: 240 Kbps (Peripheral  
mode), 300 Kbps (Central mode)  
• HCI
 
data rates: 1.5 Mbps sustained, 3.0 Mbps burst  
in HCI mode  
• Embedded
 
Bluetooth stack profiles include: GA
P
,  
SD
P
,
R
FCOMM, L2CAP protocols, with SP
P
,
H
ID  
and DUN profile support (does not require any host  
stack).  
• Bluetooth
 
SIG qualified, end product listing  
• Castellated
 
SMT pads for easy and reliable PCB  
mounting  
• Class
 
2 power amplifier with on-board PCB trace  
antenna (RN42) or external antenna (RN42N)  
• Compliance
 
(RN42)  
– Modular
 
Certified for the United States (FCC)  
and Canada (ISED)  
Memory Amplifier and PCB Antenna  
• Easy
 
Integration into Final Product – Minimize Prod-  
uct Development, Quicker Time to Market  
• Compatible
 
with Microchip Microcontroller Families  
(PIC16
F
,
P
IC18
F
,
P
IC24F/H, dsPIC33 and PIC32)  
• Up
 
to 10 meter range  
Applications  
• Cable
 
replacement  
– European
 
RED Assessed Radio Module  
– Australia/New
 
Zealand/Japan/Korea/
T
a
iwan  
– Bluetooth
 
SIG QDID  
• Integrated
 
Crystal, Internal Voltage Regulator,  
Matching Circuitry, Power Amplifier, Low Noise,  
• Barcode
 
scanners  
• Measurement
 
and monitoring systems  
• Industrial
 
sensors and controls  
• Medical
 
devices  
(1)  
RN42/RN42N Module Variants  
Firmware  
4.77, 6.15  
Model  
RN42  
Antenna  
Integral  
Description  
Class 2, 2.1+EDR, SPP profile  
RN42HCI  
RN42HID  
RN42U  
Integral  
Integral  
Integral  
Integral  
External  
N/A  
Class 2, 2.0+EDR, HCI over UART  
Class 2, 2.1+EDR, HID and SPP profiles  
Class 2, 2.0+EDR, HCI over USB  
Class 2, 2.1+EDR, SPP & MFi profiles  
Class 2, 2.1+EDR, SPP profile  
6.11  
N/A  
RN42APL  
RN42N  
5.36, 5.43, 5.45  
4.77, 6.15  
N/A  
RN42NHCI External  
RN42NHID External  
Class 2, 2.0+EDR, HCI over UART  
Class 2, 2.1+EDR, HID and SPP profiles  
Class 2, 2.0+EDR, HCI over USB  
Class 2, 2.1+EDR, SPP & MFi profiles  
6.11  
RN42NU  
External  
N/A  
RN42NAPL External  
5.36, 5.43, 5.45  
Note 1:
 
For customer part numbers, see
Section 4.0 “Ordering Information”
. Information on firmware versions can be found  
on the RN42/RN42N product web page and the “
Bluetooth Data Module Command Reference and Advanced Information  
User’s Guide
”.  
2015-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.  
DS50002328C-page 1  

RN42/RN42N  
Table of Contents  
1.0 Device Overvie
w
.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3  
2.0 Application Information………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
 
7  
3.0 Regulatory Approval………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
 
12  
4.0 Ordering Informatio
n
.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 18  
Product Identification System ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 19  
Appendix A: Revision History…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 21  
The Microchip Web Sit
e
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 23  
Customer Change Notification Servic
e
.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 23  
Customer Support………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 23  
TO OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS  
It is our intention to provide our valued customers with the best documentation possible to ensure successful use of your Microchip  
products.
T
o
t
his end, we will continue to improve our publications to better suit your needs. Our publications will be refined and  
enhanced as new volumes and updates are introduced.  
If you have any questions or comments regarding this publication, please contact the Marketing Communications Department via  
E-mail at

. We welcome your feedback.  
Most Current Data Sheet  
To
o
btain the most up-to-date version of this data sheet, please register at our Worldwide Web site at:  
You can determine the version of a data sheet by examining its literature number found on the bottom outside corner of any page.  
The last character of the literature number is the version number, (e.g., DS30000000A is version A of document DS30000000).  
Errata  
An errata sheet, describing minor operational differences from the data sheet and recommended workarounds, may exist for current  
devices. As device/documentation issues become known to us, we will publish an errata sheet. The errata will specify the revision  
of silicon and revision of document to which it applies.  
To
d
etermine if an errata sheet exists for a particular device, please check with one of the following:  
•
•
Microchip’s Worldwide Web site;

Your local Microchip sales office (see last page)  
When contacting a sales office, please specify which device, revision of silicon and data sheet (include literature number) you are  
using.  
Customer Notification System  
Register on our web site at

to receive the most current information on all of our products.  
DS50002328C-page 2  
2015-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.  

RN42/RN42N  
FIGURE 1-1:  
RN42/RN42N TO MCU  
INTERFACE  
1.0  
DEVICE OVERVIEW  
The RN42/RN42N module is a small form factor, low-  
power, class 2 Bluetooth radio that is ideal for  
designers who want to add wireless capability to their  
products without spending significant time and money  
developing Bluetooth-specific hardware and software.  
The RN42/RN42N supports multiple interface  
protocols, is simple to design in and is fully certified,  
making it a complete embedded Bluetooth solution.  
With its high-performance, PCB trace antenna (RN42)  
or external antenna (RN42N) and support for Bluetooth  
EDR, the RN42/RN42N delivers up to a 3-Mbps data  
rate for distances up to 10 meters.  
1.1  
MCU Interface  
The RN42/RN42N module is managed through ASCII  
commands via the UART and/or PIO signals. A micro-  
controller unit (MCU) or host processor sends com-  
mands to configure module features, read status and  
manage Bluetooth data connections.  
T
a
ble 1-1
,
T
a
ble 1-2
,
T
a
ble 1-3
,
T
a
ble 1-4
and
T
a
ble 1-  
5
provide the module’s environmental conditions, elec-  
trical characteristics, dimensions, radio characteristics  
and digital I/O characteristics.  
As shown in
Figure 1-1
, the UART TX and RX are  
required to communicate with module and transfer data  
across Bluetooth SPP connection.  
1.2  
ASCII Command and Data  
Interface  
Connecting the hardware flow control lines CTS and  
RTS is highly recommended for applications that  
transmits a continuous stream of data.  
The “
Bluetooth Data Module Advanced User’s Guide
”  
provides a complete description of the ASCII command  
and data interface for the RN42/RN42N module.  
The module can be configured locally via the UART or  
over-the-air.
T
o
s
upport instant cable replacement,  
auto-discovery/pairing does not require software con-  
figuration. Additionally, the module supports auto-con-  
nect Central, I/O pin (DTR) and character-based trigger  
modes.  
TABLE 1-1:  
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS  
Parameter  
Value  
o
o
T
e
mperature Range (Operating)  
T
e
mperature Range (Storage)  
Relative Humidity (Operating)  
Relative Humidity (Storage)  
Moisture Sensitivity Level  
-40 C
 
~ 85
 
C  
o
o
-40 C
 
~ 85
 
C  

90%  

90%  
3
TABLE 1-2:  
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS  
Parameter  
Min.  
Typ.  
Max.  
Units  
Supply Voltage (DC)  
3.0  
3.3  
3.6  
V
Average Power Consumption  
(1)  
Radio On (Discovery or Inquiry Window Time)  
Connected Idle (No Sniff)  
—
—
—
40  
—
40  
25  
12  
45  
26  
—
—
—
50  
—
mA  
mA  
mA  
mA  
A  
Connected Idle (Sniff 100 ms)  
Connected with Data Transfer  
Deep Sleep Idle Mode  
Note 1:
 
This characteristic applies if, in Peripheral mode, there are bursts of radio on time that vary with the windows. The window setting  
determines the average current.  
2015-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.  
DS50002328C-page 3  

RN42/RN42N  
TABLE 1-3:  
MODULE DIMENSIONS  
RN42  
Parameter  
RN42N  
Units  
13.4 x 25.8 x 2.4  
13.4 x 20.5 x 2.4  
0.040  
Size  
mm  
oz.  
0.045  
Weight  
TABLE 1-4:  
RADIO CHARACTERISTICS  
Frequency  
Bluetooth  
Specification  
Parameter  
Min.  
Typ.  
Max.  
Units  
(GHz)  
Sensitivity at 0.1% BER  
2.402  
2.441  
2.480  
2.402  
2.441  
2.480  
2.402  
2.441  
2.480  
2.402  
2.441  
2.480  
—
—
—
-80  
-80  
-80  
4
-86  
-86  
-86  
—
≤
-70  
dBm  
dBm  
dBm  
dBm  
dBm  
dBm  
dBm  
dBm  
dBm  
kHz  
kHz  
kHz  
kHz  
kHz  
kHz  
kHz  
kHz  
kHz  
kHz  
kHz  
kHz  
—
RF Transmit Power

(1)  

RN42  
—
—
4
—
—
4
—
RF Transmit Power

(1)  

RN42N  
—
4
—
—
4
—
—
4
—
Initial Carrier Frequency
T
o
lerance  
—
5
75  
75  
—
5
75  
—
5
75  
20-dB Bandwidth for Modulated Carrier  
Drift (Five Slots Packet)  
Drift Rate  
—
900  
15  
13  
165  
165  
165  
190  
190  
190  
1000  
—
≤
1000  
40  
—
—
—
—
—
20  
∆
f1

avg

Maximum Modulation  
2.402  
2.441  
2.480  
2.402  
2.441  
2.480  
140  
140  
140  
140  
140  
140  
175  
175  
175  
—
> 140  
∆
f2

avg

Minimum Modulation  
Note 1:
 
Normal mode  
115  
—
—
TABLE 1-5:  
DIGITAL I/O CHARACTERISTICS  
3.0 V
≤
VDD
≤
3.3 V  
Min.  
Typ.  
Max.  
Units  
Input Logic Level Low  
-0.4  
0.7 VDD  
—
—
—
+0.8  
VDD + 0.4  
0.2  
V
V
Input Logic Level High  
Output Logic Level Low  
—
V
Output Logic Level High  
VDD – 0.2  
+0.2  
—
—
V
All I/O pins (Except reset) Default to Weak Pull Down  
+1.0  
+5.0  
A  
DS50002328C-page 4  
2015-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.  

RN42/RN42N  
The following figures show the modules’ dimensions.  
The following figures show the pinout and  
the following table describes the module’s pins.  
FIGURE 1-2:  
RN42 MODULE  
DIMENSIONS  
FIGURE 1-4:  
RN42 PIN DIAGRAM  
Top View  
Side View  
25.8  
25.8  
20.5  
19.7  
GND  
SPI_MOSI  
GPIO6  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
24  
23  
22  
21  
20  
19  
18  
17  
16  
15  
14  
13  
SPI_MISO  
SPI_CSB  
GPIO4  
GPIO5  
GPIO3  
RN42  
Top View  
16.0  
14.8  
13.6  
12.4  
11.2  
10.0  
8.8  
0.80mm  
GPIO7  
RESET  
SPI_CLOCK  
PCM_CLK  
PCM_SYNC  
PCM_IN  
PCM_OUT  
VDD  
GPIO2  
USB_D-  
USB_D+  
UART_CTS  
UART_RTS  
UART_TX  
UART_RX  
7.6  
6.4  
5.2  
9
4.0  
10  
11  
12  
2.8  
0.7  
0.0  
0.0  
GND  
35 29 34 33 32 31 28 30  
Dimensions are in millimeters  
Tolerances:  
PCB Outline: +/- 0.13 mm  
PCB Thickness: +/- 0.1 mm  
FIGURE 1-3:  
RN42N MODULE  
DIMENSIONS  
FIGURE 1-5:  
RN42N PIN DIAGRAM  
Top View  
Side View  
27 26 25  
20.5  
19.7  
20.5  
GND  
SPI_MOSI  
GPIO6  
GPIO7  
RESET  
SPI_CLOCK  
PCM_CLK  
PCM_SYNC  
PCM_IN  
PCM_OUT  
VDD  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
24  
23  
22  
21  
20  
19  
18  
17  
16  
15  
14  
13  
SPI_MISO  
SPI_CSB  
GPIO4  
GPIO5  
GPIO3  
RN42N  
16.0  
14.8  
13.6  
12.4  
11.2  
10.0  
8.8  
Top View  
0.80mm  
GPIO2  
USB_D-  
7.6  
6.4  
5.2  
USB_D+  
UART_CTS  
UART_RTS  
UART_TX  
UART_RX  
4.0  
9
2.8  
0.7  
0.0  
10  
11  
12  
0.0  
GND  
35 29 34 33 32 31 28 30  
Dimensions are in millimeters  
Tolerances:  
PCB Outline: +/- 0.13 mm  
PCB Thickness: +/- 0.1 mm  
2015-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.  
DS50002328C-page 5  

RN42/RN42N  
TABLE 1-6:  
PIN DESCRIPTION  
Type  
Power Ground
 
reference  
Pin Symbol  
Description  
1
GND  
2
SPI_MOSI  
DI  
(
Optional
) Factory diagnostic, programming and test. See
Section 2.8 “SPI  
Interface”
.  
3
GPIO6  
DI  
Set Bluetooth Central.  
If GPIO6 = high, module connects to the stored address.  
If GPIO3 = high, module enters new Discovery/Pairing mode.  
4
GPIO7  
DIO  
DI  
Set baud rate (high = force 9,600, low = 115K or firmware setting)  
Active-low Reset  
5
RESET  
6
SPI_CLK  
PCM_CLK  
PCM_SYNC  
PCM_IN  
PCM_OUT  
VDD  
DI  
(
Optional
) Factory diagnostic and test. See
Section 2.8 “SPI Interface”
.  
(Do not connect) PCM interface

(1)  

(Do not connect) PCM interface

(1)  

(Do not connect) PCM interface

(1)  

(Do not connect) PCM interface

(1)  

Positive Supply  
7
DIO  
DIO  
DI  
8
9
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
DO  
Power  
Power  
DI  
GND  
Ground reference  
UART_RX  
UART_TX  
UART_RTS  
UART_CTS  
USB_D+  
USB_D-  
GPIO2  
UART receive input  
DO  
DO  
DI  
UART transmit output  
UART RTS, goes high to disable host transmitter  
UART CTS, if set high, it disables transmitter  
USB port. 1.5K pull-up activated when USB port is ready (~500 ms after reset).  
USB port  
DIO  
DIO  
DIO  
Status, high when connected, low otherwise. See
Section 2.3 “Connection  
Status”
.  
20  
GPIO3  
DI  
Auto-discovery mode = high.  
If GPIO6 = high, module performs device enquiry scan searching for a device  
with matching class of 0x55AA. If a device is found, the address of the device is  
stored in the remote address field and auto-connects.  
If GPIO6 = low, module enters Peripheral mode with special matching class of  
0x55AA and waits for a Central to discover it.  
21  
GPIO5  
DIO  
Status, toggles based on state, low on connect. See
Section 2.3 “Connection  
Status”
.  
22  
23  
24  
25  
26  
27  
28  
29  
30  
31  
32  
33  
34  
35  
GPIO4  
SPI_CSB  
SPI_MISO  
GND  
DIO  
Set factory defaults. See
Section 2.2 “Factory Reset Using GPIO4”
.  
(
Optional
) Factory diagnostic and test. See
Section 2.8 “SPI Interface”
.  
(
Optional
) Factory diagnostic and test. See
Section 2.8 “SPI Interface”
.  
Ground reference (RN42N only)  
DI  
DO  
Power  
AIO  
RF ANT  
GND  
Antenna, 50-Ohm impedance (RN42N only)  
Ground reference (RN42N only)  
Power  
Power  
Power  
AIO  
GND  
Ground reference  
GND  
Ground reference  
AIO0  
(
Not used
) Optional analog input  
GPIO8  
GPIO9  
GPIO10  
GPIO11  
AIO1  
DO  
UART TX/RX data activity  
DIO  
I/O  
DIO  
I/O (remote DTR signal)  
DIO  
I/O (remote
 
RTS signal)  
AIO  
(
Not used
) Optional analog input  
Pin type abbreviation:
A
= Analog,
D
= Digital,
I
= Input,
O
= Output.  
Note 1:
 
Pin numbers 7 through 10 are reserved for future use.  
DS50002328C-page 6  
2015-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.  

RN42/RN42N  
2.4  
Module Mounting Details  
2.0  
APPLICATION INFORMATION  
Figure 2-1
 
and
Figure 2-2
 
show the recommended  
PCB footprint for the RN42 and RN42N, respectively.  
When laying out the carrier board for the RN42 module,  
the areas under the antenna and shielding connections  
should not have surface traces, ground planes, or  
exposed vias.  
The following sections provide information on design-  
ing with the RN42/RN42N module, including radio  
interference, factory reset, solder reflow profile, con-  
nection status and so on.  
2.1  
Reset Circuit  
Figure 2-3
 
and
Figure 2-4
 
show the recommended  
mounting details for the RN42 and RN42N, respec-  
tively. For optimal radio performance, the RN42 mod-  
ule’s antenna end should protrude at least 31 mm  
beyond any metal enclosure.  
The RN42/RN42N contains a weak internal pull-up 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  
instability on power-up. Often a microcontroller or  
embedded 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 available,  
such as the MCP809 or MCP102/121.  
Figure 2-5
shows examples of good, bad and accept-  
able positioning of the RN42/RN42N on the host PCB.  
FIGURE 2-1:  
RN42 RECOMMENDED  
PCB FOOTPRINT  
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 misconfigure d.
T
o
r
eset the module  
to the factory defaults, GPIO4 should be high on  
power-up and then toggle between low and high twice  
with a 1 second wait between the low-high transitions.  
T
o
p View  
25.8  
Integral PCB  
Antenna  
20.5  
19.7  
0.70 mm  
2.00 mm  
16.0  
14.8  
13.6  
12.4  
11.2  
10.0  
8.8  
0.80 mm  
2.3  
Connection Status  
GPIO5 is available to drive an LED, and it blinks at var-  
ious speeds to indicate status; see
T
a
ble 2-1
. GPIO2 is  
an output that directly reflects the connection state as  
shown in
T
a
ble 2-2
.  
7.6  
6.4  
5.2  
4.0  
2.8  
Shield Pads  
TABLE 2-1:  
GPIO5 Status  
T
o
ggle at 1 Hz  
GPIO5 STATUS  
Description  
4 Corners  
0.7  
1.0 x 1.8 mm  
0.0  
Do not locate  
vias or surface  
traces under  
Shield Pads  
The module is discoverable and  
waiting for a connection.  
T
o
ggle at 10 Hz
 
The module is in command mode.  
Dimensions are in millimeters  
High  
The module is connected to  
another device over Bluetooth.  
TABLE 2-2:  
GPIO2 Status  
High  
GPIO2 STATUS  
Description  
The module is connected to  
another device over Bluetooth.  
Low  
The module is not connected over  
Bluetooth.  
2015-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.  
DS50002328C-page 7  

RN42/RN42N  
FIGURE 2-2:  
RN42N RECOMMENDED  
FIGURE 2-4:  
RN42N MODULE  
PCB FOOTPRINT  
MOUNTING DETAILS  
Top View  
Top View  
20.0  
19.7  
0.70mm  
2.00mm  
16.0  
14.8  
13.6  
12.4  
11.2  
10.0  
8.8  
0.80mm  
7.6  
6.4  
5.2  
4.0  
Shield Pads  
2.8  
4 Corners  
0.7  
0.0  
1.0 x 1.8mm  
Do not locate vias  
or surface traces  
under Shield Pads  
Dimensions are in millimeters  
Note:  
Example U.FL connector layout  
FIGURE 2-3:  
RN42 MODULE  
MOUNTING DETAILS  
Top View  
Keep area around antenna  
(approximately 31 mm) clear  
of metallic structures for  
best performance  
31mm  
31cm  
Edge of  
Ground  
Plane  
5.3mm  
DS50002328C-page 8  
2015-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.  

RN42/RN42N  
FIGURE 2-5:  
RN42 HOST PCB EXAMPLE L
A
Y
OUT  
RN42  
No Copper  
in these  
areas  
RN42  
Best  
RN42  
RN42  
Okay  
Okay  
Okay  
Using the module in HCI mode enables designers to  
implement profiles that are not natively supported on  
the Bluetooth module.  
2.5  
External Antenna Types (RN42N)  
The RN42N module’s antenna pin (pin 26) provides a  
50-ohm impedance to external antennas. Pin 25 can  
connect directly to a coaxial cable or to an antenna  
connector such as a U.FL or reverse polarity SMA.  
Note:  
HCI mode is only available by ordering  
part RN42HCI and RN42HCI for UART  
interface; or RN42U and RN42U for USB  
interface.  
The PCB trace from pin 26 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 25 and  
27 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.  
Microchip offers HCI mode in two hardware interfaces:  
• HCI
 
over UART (RN42HCI-I/RM)  
• HCI
 
over USB (RN42U-I/RM)  
2.6.1  
HCI OVER UART  
In this mode, the hardware interface between the host  
processor and the Bluetooth module is the UART con-  
figured at 115.2Kbps. The UART hardware flow control  
signals are required between the host processor and  
the Bluetooth module for the HCI interface to work.  
Failure to do so can cause the host processor and the  
Bluetooth module to become out of sync and break the  
Bluetooth link.  
2.6  
HCI Mode  
Microchip 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.  
2.6.2  
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 client  
and the host processor is the USB host.  
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 USB interface offers the advantage of a  
faster data link between the Bluetooth module and the  
host processor. With this interface, it is possible to  
achieve Bluetooth’s theoretical maximum throughput of  
3 Mpbs.  
2015-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.  
DS50002328C-page 9  

RN42/RN42N  
QDID: B014867  
2.7  
Soldering Recommendations  
The RN42/RN42N wireless module was assembled  
using standard lead-free reflow profile IPC/JEDEC J-  
STD-020.  
The module can be soldered to the host PCB using  
standard leaded and lead-free solder reflow profiles.  
To
a
void damaging the module, the following recom-  
mendations are given:  
• Microchip
 
T
e
chnology Application Note,”
AN233  
Solder Reflow Recommendation
” (DS00233) pro-  
vides solder reflow recommendations  
• Do
 
not exceed peak temperature (T

p

) of 250 C°  
• Refer
 
to the Solder Paste data sheet for specific  
reflow profile recommendations  
• Use
 
no-clean flux solder paste  
• Do
 
not wash as moisture can be trapped under  
the shield  
• Use
 
only one flow. If the PCB requires multiple  
flows, apply the module on the final flow.  
2.8  
SPI Interface  
The SPI Interface is primarily used for factory program-  
ming, test and diagnostics. Although not required, the  
SPI interface is useful for restoring a corrupted flash  
image or enabling test modes required for certification  
testing.  
When module is installed in a final product that requires  
European type approval, see
Section 3.3 “Europe”
, it  
is recommended that the SPI interface should be  
accessible via 6-pin header as shown in the following  
figure.  
FIGURE 2-6:  
OPTIONAL SPI  
INTERFACE  
2.9  
Bluetooth SIG QDID  
The RN42 has a QDID registered with the Bluetooth  
SIG. The manufacturer using the RN42 module in their  
end product can reference this QDID when filing an  
EPL (end product listing) to use Bluetooth

®

brand and  
logo. For more information, please visit the Bluetooth  
DS50002328C-page 10  
2015-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.  

RN42/RN42N  
2.10 Application
 
Schematic  
The following figure shows an example application circuit. This schematic is for the RN-42-EK development tool. For  
details on how to connect RN42/RN42N to a microcontroller, see
Section 1.1 “MCU Interface”
.  
FIGURE 2-7:  
EXAMPLE APPLICATION CIRCUIT  
M1  
RN
4
2
M
o
du
l
e  
3.3V  
D1 Gr
e
en
 
L
E
D  
R2  
1
24  
23  
22  
21  
20  
19  
18  
17  
16  
15  
14  
13  
SP
I
_
M
I
S
O  
SP
I
_
S
S  
PIO4  
PIO5  
PIO8  
GND  
SP
I
_
M
I
S
O  
SP
I
_
C
S#  
PIO4  
470  
SP
I
_
M
OSI  
PIO6  
2
3
SP
I
_
M
OSI  
PIO6  
C
o
nnection
S
t
atus  
PIO7  
4
PIO5  
PIO7  
PIO5  
RESET _
 
N  
SP
I
_
S
CK  
PCM_CL K  
PCM_S
Y
N
C  
PCM_I N  
PCM_OUT  
5
PIO3  
RESET  
PIO3  
D2  
Re d
 
LED  
R3  
6
PIO2  
SP
I
_
S
CK  
PCM_CL K  
PCM_S
Y
N
C  
PCM_I N  
PCM_OUT  
V
D
D  
PIO2  
470  
7
USB_D-  
USB_D+  
UART
_
CTS  
UART
_
R
TS  
UART
_
T
X  
UART
_
R
X  
8
A
c
t ivit y  
9
CT S  
RT S  
T
X
D  
RX D  
U1  
TC
1
185  
VI N  
10  
11  
12  
3.3V  
VBUS  
5
4
1
3
V
O
UT  
3.3V  
R1  
C2  
1uF  
C1  
1uF  
GND  
SHDN  
BYP  
SHDN  
3k3  
C6  
100nF  
C5  
VBUS  
C4  
100nF  
100nF  
HEADER 1  
HEADER 2  
PIO6  
PIO7  
PIO4  
PIO3  
PIO2  
CT S  
RT S  
TX D  
RX D  
PIO11  
PIO10  
PIO9  
PIO8  
VB1  
1
2
1
U3  
FT
2
32
R
Q  
2
RESET _ N  
RXD  
TXD  
CTS  
RTS  
R
1
2  
R
1
3  
R
1
1  
R
1
4  
3k3  
3k3  
3k3  
3k3  
30  
2
3
3
TXD  
4
4
RXD  
RTS  
CTS  
DTR  
DSR  
DCD  
RI  
32  
8
VBUS  
J4  
5
5
15  
14  
18  
27  
28  
1
2
3
6
6
USBDM  
VBUS  
D-  
D+  
31  
6
7
3
D_N  
D_P  
7
7
VB2  
SHDN  
6
8
8
MTAB  
9
9
USBDP  
RESET  
OSCI  
5
10  
11  
12  
10  
11  
12  
GND  
3.3V  
USB Mi
n
i B  
22  
21  
10  
11  
9
CBUS0  
CBUS1  
CBUS2  
CBUS3  
CBUS4  
J1  
J2  
3.3V  
R
1
0  
R9  
3k3  
3k3  
3k3  
3k3  
PIO4  
PIO3  
PIO6  
PIO7  
1
2
3
4
OSCO  
R8  
R7  
S1  
R
1
8  
300k  
R
1
5  
300k  
J3  
SP
I
_
M
I
S
O  
SP
I
_
M
OSI  
SP
I
_
S
CK  
SP
I
_
S
S  
1
2
3
4
5
6
R
1
7  
100k  
R
1
6  
100k  
3.3V  
SPI Host  
2015-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.  
DS50002328C-page 11  

RN42/RN42N  
3.1.1  
LABELING AND USER  
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS  
3.0  
REGULATORY APPROVAL  
This section outlines the regulatory information for the  
RN42 module for the following countries:  
The RN42 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 out-  
side 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 wording  
as follows:  
• United
 
States  
• Canada  
• Europe  
• Australia  
• New
 
Zealand  
• Japan  
Contains Transmitter Module FCC ID: T9J-RN42  
• Korea  
or  
•
T
a
iwan  
Contains FCC ID: T9J-RN42  
3.1  
United States  
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.  
The RN42 module has received Federal Communica-  
tions Commission (FCC) CFR47
T
e
lecommunications,  
Part 15 Subpart C “Intentional Radiators” modular  
approval in accordance with Part 15.212 Modular  
Transmitter approval. Modular approval allows the end  
user to integrate the RN42 module into a finished prod-  
uct without obtaining subsequent and separate FCC  
approvals for intentional radiation, provided no  
changes or modifications are made to the module cir-  
cuitry. 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 operating  
conditions necessary for compliance.  
A user’s manual for the product should include the fol-  
lowing statement:  
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:  
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.  
• 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.  
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
T
e
chnology (OET) Laboratory Division  
Knowledge Database (KDB)

kdb/index.cfm
.  
DS50002328C-page 12  
2015-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.  

RN42/RN42N  
the module, preceded by the words “Contains transmit-  
ter module”, or the word “Contains”, or similar wording  
expressing the same meaning, as follows:  
3.1.2  
RF EXPOSURE  
All transmitters regulated by FCC must comply with RF  
exposure requirements. KDB 447498 General RF  
Exposure Guidance provides guidance 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).  
RN42:  
Contains transmitter module IC: 6514A-RN42  
User Manual Notice for License-Exempt Radio Appara-  
tus (from Section 8.4 RSS-Gen, Issue 5, March 2019):  
User manuals for license-exempt radio apparatus shall  
contain the following or equivalent notice in a conspic-  
uous location in the user manual or alternatively on the  
device or both:  
From the FCC Grant: Power Output listed is conducted.  
This module must be installed by the OEM or OEM inte-  
grator. Instructions on installation of this module may  
not be provided to the end user. The antenna used for  
this transmitter must not be co-located with any other  
transmitters except in accordance with FCC multi-  
transmitter product. procedures. Installers must be pro-  
vided with antenna installation instructions for satisfy-  
ing RF exposure compliance. Installers and end users  
must be provided with transmitter operating conditions  
for satisfying RF exposure compliance.  
This device contains license-exempt transmitter(s)/  
receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and  
Economic Development Canada’s license-exempt  
RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two con-  
ditions:  
1. This device may not cause interference;  
3.1.3  
APPROVED ANTENNAS  
2. This device must accept any interference, includ-  
ing interference that may cause undesired operation  
of the device.  
To
m
aintain modular approval in the United States, only  
the antenna types that have been tested shall be used.  
It is permissible to use different antenna, provided the  
same antenna type, antenna gain (equal to or less  
than), with similar in-band and out-of band characteris-  
tics (refer to specification sheet for cutoff frequencies).  
L’émetteur/récepteur exempt de licence contenu  
dans le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR  
d’Innovation,Sciences et Développement  
économique Canada applicables aux appareils radio  
exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux  
deux conditions suivantes:  
3.1.4  
HELPFUL WEBSITES  
Federal Communications Commission (FCC):
http://  
1. L’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage;  
FCC Office of Engineering and
T
e
chnology (OET) Lab-  
oratory Division Knowledge Database (KDB):
http://  
apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/index.cfm  
2. L’appareil
 
doit accepter tout brouillage  
radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est sus-  
ceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.  
3.2  
Canada  
Transmitter Antenna (From Section 6.8 RSS-GEN,  
Issue 5, March 2019): User manuals, for transmitters  
shall display the following notice in a conspicious  
location:  
The RN42 module has been certified for use in Canada  
under Innovation, Science and Economic Development  
Canada (ISED, formerly Industry Canada) 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 RSP-  
100, Issue 12, Section 5): The host device shall be  
properly labeled to identify the module within the host  
device.  
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  
2015-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.  
DS50002328C-page 13  

RN42/RN42N  
ering Article 3.1b and Article 3.2 of the Directive 2014/  
53/EU RED to multi-radio and combined radio and non-  
radio equipment
” document available at
http://  
01.01.01_60/eg_203367v010101p.pdf
.
 
This radio transmitter [IC: 6514A-RN42] has been  
approved by Innovation, Science and Economic  
Development Canada to operate with the antenna  
types listed below, with the maximum permissible  
gain indicated. Antenna types not included in this list  
that have a gain greater than the maximum gain indi-  
cated for any type listed are strictly prohibited for use  
with this device.  
Note:  
To
m
aintain conformance to the standards  
listed in the preceding European Compli-  
ance table, the module shall be installed in  
accordance with the installation instruc-  
tions in this data sheet and shall not be  
modified. When integrating a radio mod-  
ule into a completed product, the integra-  
tor becomes the manufacturer of the final  
product and is therefore responsible for  
demonstrating compliance of the final  
product with the essential requirements  
against the RED.  
Le présent émetteur radio [IC: 6514A-RN42] a été  
approuvé par Innovation, Sciences et Développe-  
ment économique Canada pour fonctionner avec les  
types d’antenne énumérés cidessous et ayant un  
gain admissible maximal Les types d’antenne non  
inclus dans cette liste, et dont le gain est supérieur  
au gain maximal indiqué pour tout type figurant sur la  
liste, sont strictement interdits pour l’exploitation de  
l’émetteur.  
3.3.1  
LABELING AND USER  
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS  
Immediately following the above notice, the manufac-  
turer shall provide a list of all antenna types approved  
for use with the transmitter, indicating the maximum  
permissible antenna gain (in dBi) and required imped-  
ance for each.  
The label on the final product which contains the RN42  
module must follow CE marking requirements.  
3.3.2  
CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT  
From ETSI Guidance Note EG 203367, section 6.1  
Non-radio products are combined with a radio product:  
3.2.2  
RF EXPOSURE  
All transmitters regulated by Innovation, Science and  
Economic Development Canada (ISED) must comply  
with RF exposure requirements listed in RSS-102 –  
Radio Frequency (RF) Exposure Compliance of Radio-  
communication Apparatus (All Frequency Bands).  
If the manufacturer of the combined equipment installs  
the radio product in a host non-radio product in equiva-  
lent assessment conditions (i.e. host equivalent to the  
one used for the assessment of the radio product) and  
according to the installation instructions for the radio  
product, then no additional assessment of the com-  
bined equipment against article 3.2 of the RED is  
required.  
3.2.3  
HELPFUL WEB SITES  
Industry Canada:

3.3.2.1  
SIMPLIFIED EU DECLARATION OF  
CONFORMITY  
3.3  
Europe  
The RN42 module is Radio Equipment Directive (RED)  
assessed, CE marked, and have been manufactured  
and tested with the intention of being integrated into a  
final product.  
Hereby, Microchip
T
e
chnology Inc. declares that the  
radio equipment type RN42 is in compliance with Direc-  
tive 2014/53/EU.  
The full text of the EU declaration of conformity for this  
product is available at  
The RN42 module has been tested to RED 2014/53/EU  
Essential Requirements mentioned in the following  
European Compliance table.  
(available under
Documents > Certifications
).  
TABLE 3-1:  
Certification  
EUROPEAN COMPLIANCE  
Standards Article  
EN 62368  
3.3.3  
APPROVED ANTENNAS  
For RN42, the approval is received using the antenna  
shown in
Figure 2-1
.  
Safety  
Health  
3.1a  
3.1b  
EN 62311  
3.3.4  
HELPFUL WEB SITES  
Electro Magnetic  
Compatibility  
(EMC)  
EN 301 489-1  
EN 301 489-17  
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  
Radio  
EN300 328  
3.2  
The ETSI provides guidance on modular devices in  
“
Guide to the application of harmonised standards cov-  
DS50002328C-page 14  
2015-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.  

RN42/RN42N  
can be downloaded from the European Radio Commu-  
nications Committee (ECC) at:

cdb.dk/
.  
3.5  
New Zealand  
The New Zealand radio regulations do not provide a  
modular approval policy similar to the United States  
(FCC) and Canada (ISED). However, RN42 module RF  
transmitter test reports can be used in part to demon-  
strate 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 RN42 module test reports can be used  
as part of the product certification and compliance  
folder. All test reports are available on the RN42 prod-  
uct web page at

. For more  
information on the RF transmitter test reports, contact  
Microchip
T
e
chnology sales office.  
Additional helpful web sites are:  
• Radio
 
Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU):
https://  
ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market/european-  
standards/harmonised-standards/red_en  
• European
 
Conference of Postal and
T
e
lecommu-  
nications Administrations (CEPT):  
• European
 
T
e
lecommunications Standards Insti-  
• The
 
Radio Equipment Directive Compliance  
Association (REDCA):

Information on the New Zealand short range devices  
license can be found in the following web links:  
3.4  
Australia  
The Australia radio regulations do not provide a modu-  
lar approval policy similar to the United States (FCC)  
and Canada (ISED). However, RN42 module RF trans-  
mitter test reports can be used in part to demonstrate  
compliance in accordance with ACMA Radio communi-  
cations “Short Range Devices” Standard 2004 (The  
Short Range Devices standard calls up the AS/NZS  
4268:2008 industry standard). The RN42/RN42N mod-  
ule test reports can be used as part of the product cer-  
tification and compliance folder. For more information  
on the RF transmitter test reports, contact Microchip  
T
e
chnology Australia sales office.  
cence/general-user-licences/short-range-devices  
spectrum-policy-overview/legislation/gazette-  
notices/product-compliance/radiocommunica-  
tions-radiostandards-notice-2010
.  
To
m
eet overall New Zealand final product compliance,  
the developer must construct a compliance folder con-  
taining all relevant compliance test reports e.g. R
F
,  
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:/  
To
m
eet overall Australian final product compliance, the  
developer must construct a compliance folder contain-  
ing all relevant compliance test reports e.g. R
F
,
E
MC,  
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 RN42 product  
web page at

. For more infor-  
mation on Australia compliance, refer to the Australian  
Communications and Media Authority web site
http://  
3.5.1  
HELPFUL WEB SITES  
Radio Spectrum Ministry of Economic Development:  
3.6  
Japan  
The RN42 module has received type certification and is  
labeled with its own technical conformity mark and cer-  
tification number as required to conform to the techni-  
cal standards regulated by the Ministry of Internal  
Affairs and Communications (MIC) of Japan pursuant  
to the Radio Act of Japan.  
3.4.1  
HELPFUL WEB SITES  
The Australian Communications and Media Authority:  
Integration of this module into a final product does not  
require additional radio certification provided installa-  
tion instructions are followed and no modifications of  
the module are allowed.
 
Additional testing may be  
required:  
• If
 
the host product is subject to electrical appli-  
ance safety (for example, powered from an AC  
mains), the host product may require Product  
Safety Electrical Appliance and Material (PSE)  
testing. The integrator should contact their confor-  
mance laboratory to determine if this testing is  
required.  
2015-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.  
DS50002328C-page 15  

RN42/RN42N  
• There
 
is an voluntary Electromagnetic Compatibil-  
ity (EMC) test for the host product administered  
3.7.2  
HELPFUL WEB SITES  
Korea Communications Commission (KCC):  
3.6.1  
LABELING AND USER  
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS  
National Radio Research Agency (RRA):  
The label on the final product which contains the RN42  
module must follow Japan marking requirements. The  
integrator of the module should refer to the labeling  
requirements for Japan available at the Ministry of  
Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) website.  
3.8  
Taiwan  
The RN42 module has received compliance approval  
in accordance with the
T
e
lecommunications Act. Cus-  
tomers seeking to use the compliance approval in their  
product should contact Microchip
T
e
chnology sales or  
distribution partners to obtain a Letter of Authority.  
The RN42 module is labeled with its own technical con-  
formity mark and certification number. The final product  
in which this module is being used must have a label  
referring to the type certified module inside:  
Integration of this module into a final product does not  
require additional radio certification provided installa-  
tion instructions are followed and no modifications of  
the module are allowed.  
3.8.1  
LABELING AND USER  
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS  
The RN42 module is labeled with its own NCC mark  
and certificate number as below:  
3.6.2  
HELPFUL WEB SITES  
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC):  
Association of Radio Industries and Businesses  
3.7  
Korea  
The user’s manual should contain below warning (for  
RF device) in traditional Chinese:  
The RN42 module has received certification of confor-  
mity in accordance with the Radio Waves Act. Integra-  
tion of this module into a final product does not require  
additional radio certification provided installation  
instructions are followed and no modifications of the  
module are allowed.  
3.7.1  
LABELING AND USER  
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS  
The label on the final product which contains the RN42  
module must follow KC marking requirements. The  
integrator of the module should refer to the labeling  
requirements for Korea available on the Korea Com-  
munications Commission (KCC) website.  
The RN42 module is labeled with its own KC mark. The  
final product requires the KC mark and certificate num-  
ber of the module:  
3.8.2  
HELPFUL WEB SITES  
National Communications Commission (NCC):  
DS50002328C-page 16  
2015-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.  

RN42/RN42N  
3.9.4  
HELPFUL WEB SITES  
3.9  
UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed)  
For more information on the UKCA regulatory approv-  
manufactured-goods-on-the-market-in-great-britain
.  
The RN42 module is a UK conformity assessed radio  
module that meets all the essential requirements  
according to CE RED requirements.  
3.9.1  
LABELING REQUIREMENTS FOR  
MODULE AND USER’S  
REQUIREMENTS  
The label on the final product that contains the RN42  
module must follow the UKCA marking requirements.  
The UKCA mark above is printed on the module itself  
or on the packing label.  
Additional details for the label requirement are avail-  
able at:  
ing#check-whether-you-need-to-use-the-new-ukca-  
marking
.  
3.9.2  
UKCA DECLARATION OF  
CONFORMITY  
Hereby, Microchip
T
e
chnology Inc. declares that the  
radio equipment type RN42 is in compliance with the  
Radio Equipment Regulations 2017.  
The full text of the UKCA declaration of conformity for  
this product is available (under
Documents > Certifica-  
tions
) at:  
3.9.3  
APPROVED ANTENNAS  
The testing of the RN42 module was performed with  
the antennas listed in
Figure 2-1
.  
2015-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.  
DS50002328C-page 17  

RN42/RN42N  
4.0  
ORDERING INFORMATION  
The following table provides ordering information for the RN42 module.  
(1)  
TABLE 4-1:  
ORDERING INFORMATION  
Firmware

(2)  

Part Number

(1)  

Description  
Class 2, 2.1+EDR, SPP profile  
RN42-I/RM  
6.15  
6.15  
4.77  
N/A  
RN42-I/RM615  
RN42-I/RM477  
RN42HCI-I/RM  
RN42HID-I/RM  
RN42U-I/RM  
Class 2, 2.1+EDR, SPP profile  
Class 2, 2.1+EDR, SPP profile  
Class 2, 2.0+EDR, HCI over UART  
Class 2, 2.1+EDR, HID and SPP profiles  
Class 2, 2.0+EDR, HCI over USB  
Class 2, 2.1+EDR, SPP and MFi profiles  
Class 2, 2.1+EDR, SPP and MFi profiles  
Class 2, 2.1+EDR, SPP and MFi profiles  
Class 2, 2.1+EDR, SPP profile  
6.11  
N/A  
RN42APL-I/RM  
RN42APL-I/RM545  
RN42APL-I/RM543  
RN42N-I/RM  
5.45  
5.45  
5.43  
6.15  
N/A  
RN42NHCI-I/RM  
RN42NHID-I/RM  
RN42NU-I/RM  
RN42NAPL-I/RM  
Class 2, 2.0+EDR, HCI over UART  
Class 2, 2.1+EDR, HID and SPP profiles  
Class 2, 2.0+EDR, HCI over USB  
Class 2, 2.1+EDR, SPP and MFi profiles  
6.11  
N/A  
5.45  
Note 1:
 
For other configurations, contact Microchip drectly.  
2:
It is highly recommended that customers order part numbers by specific firmware version when available to  
ensure consistent receipt of their designed-in firmware version. Information on firmware versions can be  
found on the RN42/RN42N product web page and the “
Bluetooth Data Module Command Reference and  
Advanced Information User’s Guide”
.  
Go to

for current pricing and a list of distributors carrying Microchip products.  
DS50002328C-page 18  
2015-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.  

RN42/RN42N  
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM  
To
o
rder or obtain information, e.g., on pricing or delivery, refer to the factory or the listed sales office
.  
Examples:  
I
PART NO.  
Device  
RM  
XXX  
a)  
b)  
c)  
RN42-I/RM:  
Integral Antenna,  
Firmware version 6.15  
Temperature  
Range  
Package  
Firmware  
Revision  
Number  
RN42-I/RM615: Integral
 
Antenna,  
Firmware version 6.15  
RN42APL-I/RM: Integral
 
Antenna,  
Firmware version 5.45,  
Device:  
RN42  
:
UAR
T
,
I
ntegral Antenna  
UAR
T
,
E
xternal Antenna  
RN42N :  
SPP and MFi firmware  
RN42HCI: UAR
T
,
 
H
CI firmware, Integral Antenna  
RN42U :
 
USB, Integral Antenna  
RN42APL: UAR
T
,
 
M
Fi firmware  
d)  
RN42N-I/RM:  
External Antenna,  
Firmware version 6.15  
Temperature Range:  
I
=
=
-40°C to +85°C  
Radio Module  
Package:
*  
RM  
*All package offerings are Pb (Lead) Free  
2015-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.  
DS50002328C-page 19  

RN42/RN42N  
NOTES:  
DS50002328C-page 20  
2015-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.  

RN42/RN42N  
APPENDIX A:
 
REVISION HISTORY  
Revision C (June 2022)  
This revision includes the following changes:  
TABLE C-1:  
MAJOR SECTION UPDATES  
Section  
Update Description  
Added UKCA regulatory approval information.  
3.9 “UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed)”
l  
Revision B (March 2021)  
• Updated
 
Figure 1-4
and
Figure 1-5  
• Added
 
Section 3.1.3 “Approved Antennas”  
• Updated
 
Section 3.2.1 “Labeling and User  
Information Requirements”
and
Section 3.3  
“Europe”  
• Updated
 
with the new terminologies; for more  
details, see the below note  
Note:  
Microchip is aware that some terminologies used in the technical documents and existing software codes  
of this product are outdated and unsuitable. This document may use these new terminologies, which may  
or may not reflect on the source codes, software GUIs, and the documents referenced within this document.  
The following table shows the relevant terminology changes made in this document.  
TABLE 4-1:  
TERMINOLOGY RELATED CHANGES  
Old Terminology  
New Terminology  
Description  
Master  
Central  
Updated the following with new terminology:  
•
Section “Features”  
•
Section 1.1 “MCU Interface”  
•
T
a
ble 1-6  
Master  
Slave  
Host  
Updated SPI Master to SPI Host in the
Figure 2-7  
Updated the following with new terminology:  
•
Section “Features”  
Peripheral  
•
T
a
ble 1-6  
Slave  
Client  
Updated USB Slave to USB Client in
Section 2.6.2 “HCI over USB”  
Revision A (January 2015)  
This is the initial released version of the document in  
the Microchip format. This replaces Roving Networks  
RN42/RN42N Data Sheet.  
2015-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.  
DS50002328C-page 21  

RN42/RN42N  
NOTES:  
DS50002328C-page 22  
2015-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.  

RN42/RN42N  
THE MICROCHIP WEB SITE  
CUSTOMER SUPPORT  
Microchip provides online support via our WWW site at  

www.microchip.com

. This web site is used as a means  
to make files and information easily available to  
customers. Accessible by using your favorite Internet  
browser, the web site contains the following  
information:  
Users of Microchip products can receive assistance  
through several channels:  
• Distributor
 
or Representative  
• Local
 
Sales Office  
• Field
 
Application Engineer (FAE)  
•
T
e
chnical
 
Support  
•
Product Support
– Data sheets and errata,  
application notes and sample programs, design  
resources, user’s guides and hardware support  
documents, latest software releases and archived  
software  
Customers  
should  
contact  
their  
distributor,  
representative or Field Application Engineer (FAE) for  
support. Local sales offices are also available to help  
customers. A listing of sales offices and locations is  
included in the back of this document.  
•
General Technical Support
– Frequently Asked  
Questions (FAQ), technical support requests,  
online discussion groups, Microchip consultant  
program member listing  
Technical support is available through the web site  
•
Business of Microchip
– Product selector and  
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Microchip sales offices, distributors and factory  
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CUSTOMER CHANGE NOTIFICATION  
SERVICE  
Microchip’s customer notification service helps keep  
customers current on Microchip products. Subscribers  
will receive e-mail notification whenever there are  
changes, updates, revisions or errata related to a  
specified product family or development tool of interest.  
To
r
egister, access the Microchip web site at  

www.microchip.com

. Under “Support”, click on  
“Customer Change Notification” and follow the  
registration instructions.  
2015-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.  
DS50002328C-page 23  

RN42/RN42N  
NOTES:  
DS50002328C-page 24  
2015-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.  

Note the following details of the code protection feature on Microchip products:  
•
Microchip products meet the specifications contained in their particular Microchip Data Sheet.  
•
Microchip believes that its family of products is secure when used in the intended manner, within operating specifications, and  
under normal conditions.  
•
•
Microchip values and aggressively protects its intellectual property rights. Attempts to breach the code protection features of  
Microchip product is strictly prohibited and may violate the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.  
Neither Microchip nor any other semiconductor manufacturer can guarantee the security of its code. Code protection does not  
mean that we are guaranteeing the product is “unbreakable” Code protection is constantly evolving. Microchip is committed to  
continuously improving the code protection features of our products.  
This publication and the information herein may be used only  
with Microchip products, including to design, test, and integrate  
Microchip products with your application. Use of this informa-  
tion in any other manner violates these terms. Information  
regarding device applications is provided only for your conve-  
nience and may be superseded by updates. It is your responsi-  
bility to ensure that your application meets with your  
specifications. Contact your local Microchip sales office for  
additional support or, obtain additional support at
https://  
services
.  
Trademarks  
The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo, Adaptec, AVR,  
AVR logo, AVR Freaks, BesTime, BitCloud, CryptoMemory,  
CryptoR
F
,
d
sPIC, flexPWR, HELDO, IGLOO, JukeBlox, KeeLoq,  
Kleer, LANCheck, LinkMD, maXStylus, maX
T
o
uch, MediaLB,  
megaAVR, Microsemi, Microsemi logo, MOS
T
,
M
OST logo,  
MPLAB, OptoLyzer, PIC, picoPower, PICSTAR
T
,
P
IC32 logo,  
PolarFire, Prochip Designer, Q
T
o
uch, SAM-BA, SenGenuity,  
SpyNIC, SS
T
,
S
ST Logo, SuperFlash, Symmetricom, SyncServer,  
T
a
chyon, TimeSource, tinyAVR, UNI/O, Vectron, and XMEGA are  
registered trademarks of Microchip
T
e
chnology Incorporated in the  
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AgileSwitch, AP
T
,
C
lockWorks, The Embedded Control Solutions  
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Load, Libero, motorBench, m
T
o
uch, Powermite 3, Precision Edge,  
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T
e
mux, TimeCesium, TimeHub,  
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T
e
chnology Incorporated in the U.S.A.  
THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED BY MICROCHIP “AS IS”.  
MICROCHIP MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WAR-  
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RELATED TO THE INFORMATION INCLUDING BUT NOT  
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INFRINGEMEN
T
,
M
ERCHANTABILIT
Y
,
A
ND FITNESS FOR A  
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR WARRANTIES RELATED TO  
ITS CONDITION, QUALIT
Y
,
O
R PERFORMANCE.  
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Capacitor, AnyIn, AnyOut, Augmented Switching, BlueSky,  
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CryptoAutomotive, CryptoCompanion, CryptoController,  
dsPICDEM, dsPICDEM.net, Dynamic Average Matching, DAM,  
ECAN, Espresso T1S, EtherGREEN, GridTime, IdealBridge, In-  
Circuit Serial Programming, ICS
P
,
I
NICnet, Intelligent Paralleling,  
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KoD, maxCrypto, maxView, memBrain, Mindi, MiWi, MPASM, MP
F
,  
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Omniscient Code Generation, PICDEM, PICDEM.net, PICkit,  
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Blocker, RTAX, RTG4, SAM-ICE, Serial Quad I/O, simpleMA
P
,  
SimpliPH
Y
,
S
martBuffer, SmartHLS, SMART-I.S., storClad, SQI,  
SuperSwitcher, SuperSwitcher II, Switchtec, SynchroPH
Y
, T
o
tal  
Endurance, Trusted Time, TSHARC, USBCheck, VariSense,  
VectorBlox, VeriPH
Y
,
V
iewSpan, WiperLock, XpressConnect, and  
ZENA are trademarks of Microchip
T
e
chnology Incorporated in the  
U.S.A. and other countries.  
IN NO EVENT WILL MICROCHIP BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDI-  
REC
T
,
S
PECIAL, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSE-  
QUENTIAL LOSS, DAMAGE, COS
T
,
O
R EXPENSE OF ANY  
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ALLOWED BY LAW, MICROCHIP’S TOTAL LIABILITY ON  
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OR ITS USE WILL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF FEES, IF  
AN
Y
,
T
HAT YOU HAVE PAID DIRECTLY TO MICROCHIP  
FOR THE INFORMATION.  
Use of Microchip devices in life support and/or safety applica-  
tions is entirely at the buyer’s risk, and the buyer agrees to  
defend, indemnify and hold harmless Microchip from any and  
all damages, claims, suits, or expenses resulting from such  
use. No licenses are conveyed, implicitly or otherwise, under  
any Microchip intellectual property rights unless otherwise  
stated.  
SQTP is a service mark of Microchip
T
e
chnology Incorporated in  
the U.S.A.  
The Adaptec logo, Frequency on Demand, Silicon Storage  
T
e
chnology, and Symmcom are registered trademarks of Microchip  
T
e
chnology Inc. in other countries.  
GestIC is a registered trademark of Microchip
T
e
chnology Germany  
II GmbH & Co. KG, a subsidiary of Microchip
T
e
chnology Inc., in  
other countries.  
All other trademarks mentioned herein are property of their  
respective companies.  
© 2015-2022, Microchip
T
e
chnology Incorporated and its subsidiar-  
ies.  
All Rights Reserved.  
ISBN: 978-1-6683-0552-2  
For information regarding Microchip’s Quality Management Systems,  
2015-2022 Microchip Technology Inc. and its subsidiaries  
DS50002328C-page 25  

Worldwide Sales and Service  
AMERICAS  
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Corporate Office  
2355 West Chandler Blvd.  
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T
e
l: 480-792-7200  
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T
e
chnical Support:  
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T
e
l: 61-2-9868-6733  
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e
l: 91-80-3090-4444  
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e
l: 43-7242-2244-39  
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e
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e
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e
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09/14/21