RN41N-I/RM Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The RN41N-I/RM is a Bluetooth v2.1 +EDR Class 1 transceiver module manufactured by Microchip Technology, designed for 2.4GHz RF applications requiring serial communication via SPI, UART, or USB interfaces. This module is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of functionally compatible alternatives for new designs or production continuity. The part operates within a 3V to 3.6V supply range and delivers 16dBm output power with -80dBm sensitivity, suitable for industrial and consumer Bluetooth applications.

Substiute Parts

RN41N-I/RM

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1175RN41N-I/RM Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

RN4678-V/RM122

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1149RN4678-V/RM122 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the RN41N-I/RM is determined by the following critical parameters:

• RF Standard Compatibility: Both parts operate on the 2.4GHz Bluetooth standard, enabling functional replacement in RF applications.
• Mounting Technology: Both utilize surface mount technology, maintaining PCB assembly compatibility.
• Regulatory Compliance: Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, satisfying environmental and regulatory requirements.
• Supply Voltage Range: The substitute operates at 3.3V to 4.2V, which overlaps with the original part's 3V to 3.6V range at the 3.3V nominal level, permitting use in systems designed for 3.3V operation.
• Serial Communication: The substitute supports UART, which is present in the original part's interface set, ensuring protocol compatibility for serial data exchange.
• Manufacturer Continuity: Both parts are manufactured by Microchip Technology, maintaining design ecosystem consistency.

The RN4678-V/RM122 represents the manufacturer-recommended upgrade path from the obsolete RN41N-I/RM, incorporating Bluetooth v5.0 protocol advancement while maintaining core functional compatibility for applications requiring 2.4GHz RF transceiver capability.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The RN4678-V/RM122 is the manufacturer-designated substitute for the obsolete RN41N-I/RM. Selection of this substitute is supported by:

• Active Product Status: The RN4678-V/RM122 maintains active production status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain stability compared to the obsolete RN41N-I/RM.
• Regulatory Compliance Alignment: Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, satisfying current environmental regulations without additional qualification.
• 2.4GHz Bluetooth Continuity: Both parts operate within the 2.4GHz Bluetooth frequency band, maintaining RF compatibility for applications designed around this standard.
• Surface Mount Assembly: Both parts utilize 35-SMD and 33-SMD module packages respectively, compatible with existing surface mount assembly processes.
• UART Interface Availability: The substitute retains UART serial communication, the most commonly utilized interface from the original part's SPI, UART, and USB options.

Design considerations for substitution include voltage supply range adjustment (3.3V nominal operation recommended), operating temperature range verification for applications requiring extended low-temperature operation below -20°C, and antenna integration differences requiring PCB layout evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the RN4678-V/RM122 directly replace the RN41N-I/RM in existing designs?

A: Direct replacement requires verification of three factors: supply voltage compatibility at 3.3V nominal operation, operating temperature range suitability (RN4678-V/RM122 operates to -20°C minimum versus RN41N-I/RM at -40°C), and serial interface requirements (RN4678-V/RM122 supports UART only, versus the original part's SPI, UART, and USB options). PCB layout modification may be necessary due to package differences (35-SMD versus 33-SMD).

Q: What are the key electrical differences between these parts?

A: The RN4678-V/RM122 provides higher data rate capability (1Mbps versus 300kbps), improved receiver sensitivity (-92dBm versus -80dBm), and reduced transmit current consumption (43mA versus 65mA). Output power is reduced (1.5dBm versus 16dBm). Supply voltage range differs: RN41N-I/RM operates 3V to 3.6V, while RN4678-V/RM122 operates 3.3V to 4.2V.

Q: Are there packaging considerations for substitution?

A: Yes. The RN41N-I/RM uses a 35-SMD module package, while the RN4678-V/RM122 uses a 33-SMD module package. PCB footprint verification is required. Additionally, the RN4678-V/RM122 features an integrated chip antenna, eliminating the need for external antenna components required by the RN41N-I/RM.

Q: What is the moisture sensitivity difference between these parts?

A: The RN41N-I/RM has MSL 3 rating (168-hour floor life), while the RN4678-V/RM122 has MSL 1 rating (unlimited floor life). The substitute part offers superior moisture handling characteristics, reducing storage and handling constraints.

Q: Does the Bluetooth protocol upgrade affect compatibility?

A: The RN4678-V/RM122 implements Bluetooth v5.0 versus the RN41N-I/RM's Bluetooth v2.1 +EDR. Bluetooth v5.0 maintains backward compatibility with earlier Bluetooth standards, supporting communication with legacy Bluetooth v2.1 devices. Protocol selection depends on application requirements and target device ecosystem.