RN-240F Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The RN-240F is a Bluetooth RF transceiver module manufactured by Microchip Technology, designed for general-purpose wireless communication applications. It integrates the CSR BlueCore04 chip with 8MB flash memory and operates on Bluetooth v2.0+EDR Class 1 protocol at 2.4GHz frequency. The product is currently obsolete, making identification of compatible substitute components essential for legacy system maintenance, redesigns, and continued component sourcing.

Key Parameters

Parameter	RN-240F Value
Manufacturer	Microchip Technology
Product Status	Obsolete
Protocol / Standard	Bluetooth v2.0+EDR, Class 1
Frequency	2.4GHz
Interface	UART, RS-232
Data Rate (Max)	234kBaud
Power Output	16dBm
Sensitivity	-80dBm
Voltage Supply	4V ~ 11V
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
REACH Status	REACH Unaffected

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the RN-240F is determined by the following critical parameters:

Bluetooth Protocol Compatibility: The substitute must support Bluetooth v2.0+EDR or later versions to ensure backward compatibility with legacy systems
Frequency Band: Operation at 2.4GHz is mandatory for RF compatibility
Serial Interface: UART interface support is required for communication protocol compatibility
Power Output and Sensitivity: The substitute must meet or exceed the original specifications to maintain system performance
Supply Voltage Range: The substitute voltage requirements must be compatible with existing power delivery systems
Regulatory Compliance: RoHS3 and REACH compliance status must be maintained

The RN4678-V/RM122 qualifies as a substitute based on these parameters: it operates on Bluetooth v5.0 (forward compatible with v2.0+EDR), maintains 2.4GHz frequency operation, includes UART interface, and meets all regulatory requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	RN-240F	RN4678-V/RM122	Compatibility Notes
Manufacturer	Microchip Technology	Microchip Technology	Same manufacturer
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Substitute is in active production
Bluetooth Protocol	v2.0+EDR, Class 1	v5.0	v5.0 is backward compatible with v2.0+EDR
Frequency	2.4GHz	2.4GHz	Identical frequency band
Serial Interface	UART, RS-232	UART	UART interface maintained
Data Rate (Max)	234kBaud	1Mbps	Substitute exceeds original specification
Power Output	16dBm	1.5dBm	Substitute output is lower; verify application requirements
Sensitivity	-80dBm	-92dBm	Substitute sensitivity is superior
Voltage Supply	4V ~ 11V	3.3V ~ 4.2V	Substitute range is narrower; power supply redesign may be required
Mounting Type	Not specified	Surface Mount	Substitute is surface mount module
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	Both compliant
REACH Status	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	Both unaffected

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The RN4678-V/RM122 is a valid substitute for the obsolete RN-240F based on the following engineering criteria:

Protocol Compatibility: Bluetooth v5.0 maintains backward compatibility with v2.0+EDR Class 1 systems
Frequency Alignment: Both modules operate at 2.4GHz, ensuring RF compatibility
Interface Continuity: UART interface is preserved for serial communication
Regulatory Compliance: Both parts maintain ROHS3 and REACH compliance status
Active Production Status: The substitute is in active production, ensuring long-term availability

Critical design considerations for implementation:

Supply Voltage: The substitute operates at 3.3V ~ 4.2V, narrower than the original 4V ~ 11V range. Power supply architecture must be adjusted accordingly
Power Output: The substitute delivers 1.5dBm versus the original 16dBm. Applications requiring maximum transmission range must be re-evaluated
Mounting: The substitute is a surface mount module; PCB layout modifications are required

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the RN4678-V/RM122 directly replace the RN-240F without firmware changes?

A: The RN4678-V/RM122 maintains UART interface compatibility and Bluetooth v5.0 backward compatibility with v2.0+EDR. However, hardware integration changes are required due to different supply voltage ranges and mounting types. Firmware compatibility depends on the specific application implementation.

Q: What is the impact of the lower power output (1.5dBm vs. 16dBm) on system performance?

A: The 14.5dBm reduction in transmit power will reduce communication range. Applications requiring maximum range or operating in high-interference environments must be re-evaluated. The superior sensitivity (-92dBm vs. -80dBm) partially compensates for reduced transmit power in receive-limited scenarios.

Q: Are there any supply voltage compatibility issues?

A: Yes. The RN-240F operates at 4V ~ 11V while the RN4678-V/RM122 requires 3.3V ~ 4.2V. Existing power delivery systems designed for the original module must be redesigned to provide stable 3.3V ~ 4.2V output with appropriate current capacity (37mA receive, 43mA transmit).

Q: Is the RN4678-V/RM122 available in the same package as the RN-240F?

A: No. The RN4678-V/RM122 is a 33-pin surface mount module, while the RN-240F packaging is not specified in the provided data. PCB redesign is required to accommodate the different form factor.

Q: Do both modules meet the same regulatory requirements?

A: Yes. Both the RN-240F and RN4678-V/RM122 are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, maintaining regulatory compliance across the substitution.

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