XB3-24Z8ST Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The XB3-24Z8ST is an 802.15.4 Zigbee® transceiver module operating at 2.4GHz with RP-SMA antenna connector and through-hole mounting. This module is designed for wireless communication applications requiring Zigbee protocol support with integrated serial interfaces. The part is currently active in production with verified programmability through DiGi-Electronics. Substitute parts may be required due to inventory constraints, end-of-life considerations, or specific application requirements that align with alternative module configurations.

Substiute Parts

XB3-24Z8ST

DigiIn Stock: 823XB3-24Z8ST Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

XBRR-24Z8ST

DigiIn Stock: 1225XBRR-24Z8ST Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The XBRR-24Z8ST qualifies as a substitute based on the following alignment criteria:

Core Protocol Compatibility: Both modules support 802.15.4 standard and Zigbee® protocol with identical modulation (DSSS) and data rate (250kbps) at 2.4GHz frequency.

Integrated Circuit: Both utilize the EFR32MG IC, ensuring firmware and software compatibility at the hardware level.

Serial Interface Support: Both modules provide I2C, SPI, and UART interfaces, maintaining communication pathway compatibility.

Mechanical Mounting: Both employ through-hole mounting configuration for PCB integration.

Operating Environment: Both support identical operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C) and unlimited moisture sensitivity level (MSL 1).

Regulatory Compliance: Both share identical ECCN (5A992C) and HTSUS (8517.62.0090) classifications.

Key Differences Requiring Evaluation: The XBRR-24Z8ST introduces Bluetooth capability alongside 802.15.4, features SMA antenna connector instead of RP-SMA, includes reduced RAM (96kB vs. 128kB), lower transmit power (8dBm vs. 19dBm), higher transmit current (193mA vs. 135mA), and extended voltage supply range (1.71V ~ 3.8V vs. 2.1V ~ 3.6V).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

XB3-24Z8ST Selection Criteria:

• Applications requiring maximum transmit power (19dBm) for extended range
• Systems with fixed RP-SMA antenna connector specifications
• Designs with higher RAM requirements (128kB)
• Supply voltage constrained to 2.1V minimum
• Active product status with verified DiGi-Electronics programmability

XBRR-24Z8ST Selection Criteria:

• Applications where Bluetooth dual-protocol capability provides functional advantage
• Systems compatible with SMA antenna connector interface
• Designs tolerant of reduced RAM allocation (96kB)
• Supply voltage capable of operating below 2.1V (minimum 1.71V)
• Applications where lower receive current (14mA vs. 15mA) provides power efficiency benefit
• Designs where higher transmit current (193mA) is acceptable within power budget
• ROHS3 compliance requirement

Regulatory and Compliance Alignment: Both modules maintain identical ECCN and HTSUS classifications, ensuring equivalent export control and tariff treatment. Both achieve unlimited moisture sensitivity level (MSL 1), eliminating moisture-related handling constraints. RoHS compliance is maintained across both options, with XBRR-24Z8ST meeting the more stringent ROHS3 standard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can XBRR-24Z8ST replace XB3-24Z8ST in a Zigbee-only application? A: Yes, from a Zigbee protocol perspective. The XBRR-24Z8ST maintains full 802.15.4 and Zigbee® compatibility. However, verify antenna connector compatibility (SMA vs. RP-SMA), transmit power requirements (8dBm vs. 19dBm), and RAM allocation (96kB vs. 128kB) against your specific design constraints.

Q: What is the impact of the 11dB transmit power difference? A: The XB3-24Z8ST provides 19dBm output versus 8dBm on the XBRR-24Z8ST. This represents approximately 12.6x greater power. Applications requiring maximum range or operating in high-interference environments should retain the XB3-24Z8ST. Short-range or indoor applications may tolerate the XBRR-24Z8ST reduction.

Q: Are the antenna connectors interchangeable? A: No. XB3-24Z8ST uses RP-SMA connector; XBRR-24Z8ST uses SMA connector. These are mechanically and electrically distinct. Antenna compatibility must be verified before substitution.

Q: Does the 32kB RAM reduction affect Zigbee functionality? A: Both modules provide sufficient RAM for standard Zigbee operations. Verify RAM allocation against your application firmware requirements, particularly for complex mesh network topologies or extended data buffering.

Q: What is the significance of the extended voltage range on XBRR-24Z8ST? A: XBRR-24Z8ST operates from 1.71V minimum versus 2.1V on XB3-24Z8ST. This provides 0.39V additional headroom for low-battery applications or designs with marginal power supplies.

Q: How does the higher transmit current of XBRR-24Z8ST affect power consumption? A: XBRR-24Z8ST draws 193mA during transmission versus 135mA on XB3-24Z8ST, a difference of 58mA. Battery-powered or current-limited applications must account for this 43% increase in transmit current draw.

Q: Are both modules compatible with existing XBee firmware? A: Both utilize the EFR32MG IC and maintain identical serial interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART). However, XB3-24Z8ST carries verified DiGi-Electronics programmability status while XBRR-24Z8ST does not. Firmware compatibility must be confirmed with the module manufacturer.

Q: What package form factor differences exist? A: XB3-24Z8ST is specified as "Module" while XBRR-24Z8ST is specified as "20-DIP Module." Verify PCB footprint and mounting hole compatibility before substitution.