RN-240M Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The RN-240M is a Bluetooth RF transceiver module manufactured by Microchip Technology, featuring Bluetooth v2.0+EDR Class 1 connectivity with UART/RS-232 interface. This module integrates the CSR BlueCore04 chip with 8MB flash memory and operates across the 2.4GHz frequency band. The product is currently obsolete, making identification of compatible substitute components essential for legacy system maintenance and component sourcing.

Substiute Parts

RN-240M

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 810RN-240M Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

RN4678-V/RM122

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1149RN4678-V/RM122 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

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

• Bluetooth Protocol Compatibility: The substitute must support Bluetooth connectivity on the 2.4GHz frequency band
• Interface Type: UART serial communication capability is required for system integration
• Power Supply Range: Operating voltage compatibility with host system requirements
• Regulatory Compliance: RoHS3 and REACH compliance status must be maintained
• Moisture Sensitivity: MSL rating must be compatible with assembly and storage conditions
• Mounting and Packaging: Physical form factor and mounting type must accommodate existing PCB designs

The RN4678-V/RM122 qualifies as a substitute based on these parameters: it maintains Bluetooth 2.4GHz operation, provides UART serial interface, meets RoHS3 compliance, and carries identical MSL rating. The upgrade to Bluetooth v5.0 protocol and surface mount packaging represents a functional enhancement while preserving core interface requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The RN4678-V/RM122 is the manufacturer-recommended substitute for the obsolete RN-240M. Both components maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, ensuring regulatory continuity. The substitute operates within compatible voltage ranges for most applications, though designs currently operating at the upper end of the RN-240M supply range (9V-11V) will require voltage regulation to the 3.3V-4.2V specification of the RN4678-V/RM122.

The RN4678-V/RM122 provides enhanced Bluetooth v5.0 protocol support and improved receiver sensitivity (-92dBm vs -80dBm), supporting extended range operation. Surface mount packaging requires PCB redesign compared to the original through-hole configuration. Both components carry identical moisture sensitivity ratings, maintaining assembly process compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the RN4678-V/RM122 directly replace the RN-240M without PCB modifications?

A: Direct socket replacement is not possible due to different mounting types. The RN-240M uses through-hole mounting while the RN4678-V/RM122 is surface mount. PCB redesign is required for physical integration.

Q: What voltage regulation is needed when upgrading from RN-240M to RN4678-V/RM122?

A: The RN-240M operates at 4V-11V while the RN4678-V/RM122 requires 3.3V-4.2V. Systems currently operating at 5V or lower require no additional regulation. Systems operating above 4.2V must implement voltage regulation to the substitute's specification.

Q: Are both components compatible with existing UART/RS-232 interfaces?

A: The RN-240M explicitly supports both UART and RS-232 interfaces. The RN4678-V/RM122 provides UART serial interface. RS-232 level conversion, if required by the original design, must be verified against the substitute's interface specifications.

Q: Do both components maintain the same regulatory compliance status?

A: Yes. Both the RN-240M and RN4678-V/RM122 are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, maintaining identical regulatory standing.

Q: What is the impact of Bluetooth protocol upgrade from v2.0+EDR to v5.0?

A: Bluetooth v5.0 is backward compatible with v2.0+EDR devices. The upgrade provides enhanced range, speed, and reliability. Legacy systems designed for v2.0+EDR operation will function with the v5.0 substitute without modification.