RN41N-I/RM477 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The RN41N-I/RM477 is a Bluetooth v2.1 +EDR Class 1 transceiver module manufactured by Microchip Technology, designed for 2.4GHz RF applications requiring surface mount integration. This module operates with a supply voltage range of 3V to 3.6V and delivers 11.9dBm output power with -86dBm sensitivity. The product is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent components for new designs and ongoing production requirements.

Substiute Parts

RN41N-I/RM477

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 752RN41N-I/RM477 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/RM477 is determined by the following critical parameters:

RF Standard Compatibility: Both the main part and substitute operate within the Bluetooth RF family at 2.4GHz frequency, enabling functional replacement in wireless communication applications.

Mounting Technology: Surface mount configuration is maintained across both components, ensuring compatibility with existing PCB assembly processes and design layouts.

Manufacturer Continuity: Microchip Technology manufactures both the obsolete RN41N-I/RM477 and the active substitute RN4678-V/RM122, providing design support and supply chain consistency.

Supply Voltage Overlap: The substitute operates at 3.3V to 4.2V, which encompasses the original 3V to 3.6V range, allowing operation within the specified voltage window.

The RN4678-V/RM122 is identified as the manufacturer-recommended substitute, transitioning from Bluetooth v2.1 +EDR to Bluetooth v5.0 protocol with enhanced performance characteristics and active product status.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Product Status Consideration: The RN41N-I/RM477 is classified as obsolete, making the active RN4678-V/RM122 the appropriate selection for new designs and production continuity. The substitute maintains active product status with Microchip Technology, ensuring ongoing technical support and supply availability.

Compliance and Certification: The RN4678-V/RM122 is ROHS3 compliant and carries REACH Unaffected status, meeting current regulatory requirements for electronic component manufacturing and distribution. Both components maintain REACH Unaffected classification.

Supply Chain Availability: Current inventory indicates 1134 units of the RN4678-V/RM122 available as new original stock, compared to 661 units of the obsolete RN41N-I/RM477. The substitute provides superior supply chain security for ongoing production requirements.

Functional Compatibility: Both components operate at 2.4GHz with surface mount configuration and Microchip Technology manufacturing. The substitute's Bluetooth v5.0 protocol represents an advancement from the original v2.1 +EDR specification, providing enhanced performance characteristics within the same RF family.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the RN4678-V/RM122 directly replace the RN41N-I/RM477 in existing designs?

A: Direct replacement requires evaluation of application-specific requirements. Both components operate at 2.4GHz with surface mount configuration and compatible supply voltage ranges. However, differences in package type (35-SMD versus 33-SMD), serial interfaces (SPI removal in substitute), and operating temperature ranges (-40°C to 85°C versus -20°C to 70°C) must be assessed against design specifications.

Q: What are the key differences in electrical performance between these modules?

A: The RN4678-V/RM122 provides improved sensitivity (-92dBm versus -86dBm) and reduced transmitting current (43mA versus 65mA). The original RN41N-I/RM477 offers higher data rate (3Mbps versus 1Mbps) and greater output power (11.9dBm versus 1.5dBm). Protocol advancement from Bluetooth v2.1 +EDR to v5.0 in the substitute provides enhanced range and reliability.

Q: Are there serial interface compatibility considerations?

A: The RN41N-I/RM477 supports both SPI and UART interfaces, while the RN4678-V/RM122 supports UART only. Applications requiring SPI communication must implement alternative interface solutions or select different substitute components.

Q: What is the significance of the antenna configuration difference?

A: The RN41N-I/RM477 requires external antenna integration (Antenna Not Included), while the RN4678-V/RM122 features integrated chip antenna. This eliminates external antenna design and layout considerations in the substitute, simplifying PCB integration.

Q: How do the package differences affect PCB layout?

A: The RN41N-I/RM477 uses 35-SMD Module packaging while the RN4678-V/RM122 uses 33-SMD Module packaging. PCB footprint modifications are required for substitution. Physical dimensions and pin configurations must be verified against design layout constraints.

Q: What is the operating temperature range impact?

A: The RN41N-I/RM477 operates from -40°C to 85°C, while the RN4678-V/RM122 operates from -20°C to 70°C. Applications requiring operation below -20°C or above 70°C cannot use the substitute without thermal management modifications or alternative component selection.