RN-270F Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The RN-270F is a Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR Class 1 RF transceiver module with RS-232 (DB9) interface, manufactured by Microchip Technology. This adapter provides wireless connectivity for legacy serial communication systems operating at 234kBaud with a 100-meter transmission range. The product is currently obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for system maintenance, repair, and legacy device support.

Substiute Parts

RN-270F

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 969RN-270F 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-270F is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Bluetooth Protocol Compatibility: The RN-270F operates on Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR. Substitute parts must support backward compatibility with legacy Bluetooth 2.1 systems or operate on newer Bluetooth versions (v5.0 and above) that maintain interoperability with 2.1 +EDR devices.
• Frequency Band: Both the main part and substitutes operate in the 2.4GHz ISM band, ensuring RF compatibility.
• Interface Type: The RN-270F uses RS-232 (DB9) serial interface. Substitutes may employ UART or equivalent serial protocols that can be adapted to RS-232 through appropriate interface modules.
• Power Output and Sensitivity: The RN-270F delivers 15dBm output with -70dBm sensitivity. Substitutes with improved specifications (higher sensitivity, comparable or greater output power) maintain or exceed performance requirements.
• Supply Voltage: The RN-270F operates on 4V ~ 11V. Substitutes with 3.3V ~ 4.2V supply voltage require external voltage regulation but remain functionally compatible.
• Regulatory Compliance: Both parts must maintain ROHS3 compliance and equivalent ECCN/HTSUS classifications for unrestricted use.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The RN4678-V/RM122 is the manufacturer-recommended substitute for the obsolete RN-270F. Both components share identical ECCN and HTSUS classifications, ensuring equivalent regulatory treatment. The RN4678-V/RM122 is currently in active production status, providing long-term availability and supply chain stability.

The RN4678-V/RM122 operates on Bluetooth v5.0, which maintains backward compatibility with Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR devices. The improved sensitivity specification (-92dBm versus -70dBm) provides enhanced reception capability in weak signal environments. The higher data rate (1Mbps versus 234kBaud) supports modern communication requirements while remaining compatible with legacy serial protocols.

Interface adaptation is required: the RN-270F provides RS-232 (DB9) connectivity, while the RN4678-V/RM122 uses UART serial interface. This difference necessitates appropriate level-shifting and connector adaptation in system integration. Supply voltage regulation is also required, as the RN4678-V/RM122 operates on 3.3V ~ 4.2V compared to the RN-270F's 4V ~ 11V range.

Both components maintain ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 1), ensuring equivalent environmental reliability and regulatory standing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the RN4678-V/RM122 directly replace the RN-270F without modifications?

A: Direct physical replacement is not possible due to form factor differences (DB9 adapter versus SMD module) and interface type differences (RS-232 versus UART). System integration requires interface adaptation circuitry and voltage regulation. However, the functional Bluetooth transceiver capability is directly substitutable.

Q: Is Bluetooth v5.0 compatible with Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR devices?

A: Yes. Bluetooth v5.0 maintains backward compatibility with Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR devices. The RN4678-V/RM122 can communicate with legacy Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR systems.

Q: What voltage regulation is required for the RN4678-V/RM122?

A: The RN4678-V/RM122 requires 3.3V ~ 4.2V supply voltage. If your system provides 4V ~ 11V (as the RN-270F requires), a linear or switching voltage regulator must be implemented to step down the supply voltage to the 3.3V ~ 4.2V range.

Q: How does the data rate difference affect compatibility?

A: The RN4678-V/RM122 supports 1Mbps, which exceeds the RN-270F's 234kBaud maximum. Legacy systems operating at 234kBaud or lower will function without modification. The higher data rate capability provides headroom for future system upgrades.

Q: Are there packaging considerations for the RN4678-V/RM122?

A: The RN4678-V/RM122 is supplied in a 33-SMD Module package for surface mount assembly. The RN-270F is a DB9 adapter module. System redesign is required to accommodate the different form factor and mounting method.

Q: Do both parts have equivalent regulatory compliance?

A: Yes. Both the RN-270F and RN4678-V/RM122 share identical ECCN (5A992C) and HTSUS (RN-270F: 8517.62.0090; RN4678-V/RM122: 8529.90.2100) classifications. Both maintain ROHS3 compliance and unlimited MSL rating.