RN4020 Overview

The RN4020 is a fully-certified, Bluetooth® Version 4.1 low energy module. The small form factor surface mount module has the complete Bluetooth stack on-board and is controlled via simple ASCII commands over the UART interface. The RN4020 also includes all Bluetooth SIG profiles, as well as MLDP (Microchip Low-energy Data Profile) for custom data. The scripting feature can be used to enable standalone operation without a host MCU or Processor. The RN4020 can be remote controlled by another module over a secure connection and can be updated via the UART interface or over-the-air.

RN4020.png
Click image to enlarge.
RN4020 Top View

The RN4020 has a built-in high performance PCB antenna optimally tuned for long range, typically over 100 meters. Its compact size enables ease of integration in size-constrained applications. The RN4020 can be used with any low cost microcontroller for intelligent Bluetooth Low Energy applications. Additional features include:

  • Fully-certified Bluetooth® version 4.1 module
  • On-board embedded Bluetooth low energy stack
  • Simple ASCII command interface over UART
  • Multiple IOs for control and status
  • Secure AES128 encryption
  • GAP, GATT, SM, L2CAP and integrated public profiles
  • Create custom services using command API
  • Data streaming with Microchip's Low Energy Data Profile (MLDP)
  • Scripting for standalone module operation with analog and digital data collection
  • 7 dBm transit power for 100 meter+ range
  • Field-upgradeable via the UART interface or over-the-air
  • Software configurable role as peripheral or central, client or server
  • Compact form factor 11.5 x 19.5 x 2.5 mm
  • Low power modes
  • UART interface, GPIO, ADC
  • 64KB internal serial flash
  • Castellated SMT pads for easy and reliable PCB mounting
  • Environmentally friendly, RoHS compliant
  • Certifications: FCC, IC, CE, QDID

Block Diagram

RN4020BlockDiagram.png

MCU Interface

The picture below illustrates the basic interface between PIC microcontroller and the RN4020 module. The minimum interface consists of UART TX/RX and WAKE_HW/WAKE_SW lines. This enables the microcontroller to communicate with the RN4020 module using ASCII command API. The command API can be found in section 6.0 of the RN4020 Bluetooth® Low Energy Module Data Sheet.

rn4020-mcu-connection-basic.png
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If the RN4020 is operated in a hostless mode (without a microcontroller), set the UART_RX pin to high via a 10K resistor to reduce power consumption in Deep Sleep mode.

Please visit the RN4020 MCU Interface wiki page for a detailed description of the MCU interface.

Supported Services

The RN4020 firmware supports the following built-in public services which are enabled and serviced via Command API. In addition, this module also gives you the ability to create your own private services.

  • Device Information
  • Battery
  • Heart Rate
  • Health Thermometer
  • Glucose
  • Blood Pressure
  • Running Speed Cadence
  • Cycling Speed Cadence
  • Current Time
  • Next DST Change
  • Reference Time Update
  • Link Loss
  • Immediate Alert
  • TX Power
  • Alert Notification
  • Phone Alert Status
  • Scan Parameters
​

For the latest list of services refer to the firmware version on the RN4020 web page.

Documentation

The following core documentation is required to work with the module:

Application Notes and various demos can be found at the product's home page at www.microchip.com/rn4020.

Module Firmware Revisions

For the latest firmware details and corresponding part numbers, please visit: www.microchip.com/wirelessfirmware

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