RN52CVC-I/RM116 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The RN52CVC-I/RM116 is a Bluetooth v3.0, Class 2 transceiver module manufactured by Microchip Technology, designed for 2.4GHz wireless communication applications. This module features PCB trace antenna integration and surface mount packaging, supporting multiple serial interfaces including UART, SPI, USB, I2S, and AIO. The device operates across an industrial temperature range of -40°C to 85°C and includes 16MB of onboard Flash memory.

The RN52CVC-I/RM116 has reached obsolete product status. Identifying equivalent substitute components is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production requirements for applications currently utilizing this module.

Substiute Parts

RN52CVC-I/RM116

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 740RN52CVC-I/RM116 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

BM83SM1-00AB

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1138BM83SM1-00AB Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the RN52CVC-I/RM116 is based on the following critical parameters that define functional equivalence:

RF Compatibility: Both the main part and substitute operate within the Bluetooth 2.4GHz ISM band, ensuring frequency compatibility with existing antenna designs and regulatory certifications.

Antenna Integration: Both modules utilize PCB trace antenna technology, eliminating the requirement for external antenna components and maintaining identical PCB layout footprints.

Mounting Technology: Both components employ 50-pin surface mount module packaging, supporting direct replacement on existing printed circuit boards without redesign.

Operating Temperature Range: Both modules support the industrial temperature specification of -40°C to 85°C, maintaining thermal performance across equivalent application environments.

Serial Interface Compatibility: Both modules provide UART and USB interfaces, which are the primary communication protocols for host system integration. The substitute provides additional interface options (ADC, GPIO, JTAG, PWM) beyond the main part's capabilities.

Manufacturer Consistency: Both components are manufactured by Microchip Technology, ensuring design philosophy alignment and technical support continuity.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Product Status Consideration: The RN52CVC-I/RM116 is classified as obsolete, while the BM83SM1-00AB maintains active product status with Microchip Technology. Active status ensures continued availability, technical support, and manufacturing consistency.

Regulatory Compliance: The BM83SM1-00AB carries ROHS3 compliance certification and REACH unaffected status, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements for commercial and industrial applications. These certifications support long-term design qualification and supply chain sustainability.

Moisture Sensitivity: The BM83SM1-00AB specifies MSL Level 1 (Unlimited), indicating superior moisture tolerance and reduced risk during storage, handling, and assembly processes compared to unspecified moisture sensitivity on the main part.

Export Classification: The BM83SM1-00AB carries ECCN 5A992C classification, providing clear export control documentation for international distribution and supply chain management.

Performance Characteristics: The BM83SM1-00AB provides enhanced receiver sensitivity (-90dBm versus -85dBm) and increased transmit power (11dBm versus 4dBm), delivering improved link budget and communication range. Data rate reduction from 3Mbps to 2Mbps reflects protocol differences but maintains compatibility with standard Bluetooth v3.0 Class 2 applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the BM83SM1-00AB directly replace the RN52CVC-I/RM116 on existing PCBs?

A: Yes. Both modules employ identical 50-pin surface mount module packaging and PCB trace antenna integration. Direct PCB replacement is supported without layout modifications. However, firmware and host software integration may require validation due to protocol and interface differences.

Q: What are the key differences in serial interface capabilities?

A: The RN52CVC-I/RM116 provides AIO, I2S, SPI, UART, and USB interfaces. The BM83SM1-00AB provides ADC, GPIO, I2S, JTAG, PWM, UART, and USB interfaces. Both modules support UART and USB, which are the primary host communication protocols. The substitute offers additional interface options for advanced applications.

Q: How do the power output specifications differ?

A: The RN52CVC-I/RM116 outputs 4dBm, while the BM83SM1-00AB outputs 11dBm. This 7dB increase in transmit power improves communication range and link reliability. Applications requiring lower power consumption should evaluate the transmit current specifications provided in the detailed datasheets.

Q: Are the operating temperature ranges equivalent?

A: Yes. Both modules operate across -40°C to 85°C, supporting identical industrial and commercial temperature environments.

Q: What is the significance of the MSL Level 1 rating on the substitute?

A: MSL Level 1 (Unlimited) indicates the component has no moisture sensitivity limitations during storage and handling. This eliminates the need for desiccant packaging and reduces risk of moisture-induced failures during assembly and field deployment.

Q: Does the data rate reduction from 3Mbps to 2Mbps affect compatibility?

A: The data rate difference reflects protocol implementation variations within Bluetooth v3.0 Class 2 specifications. Standard Bluetooth applications operate at 1Mbps baseline with optional higher rates. The 2Mbps specification on the substitute supports enhanced data rate (EDR) modes and maintains compatibility with existing Bluetooth v3.0 Class 2 host devices.

Q: What packaging format is supplied for the BM83SM1-00AB?

A: The BM83SM1-00AB is supplied in Tray packaging, compared to unspecified packaging for the main part. Tray packaging supports automated assembly processes and provides component protection during storage and transportation.