The Synapse RF220SU embeds Synapse’s SNAP OS, the industry’s first Internet-enabled, wireless mesh network operating system, into the Atmel ATmega128RFA1 single-chip AVR® microcontroller with an integrated transceiver that delivers up to 2Mbits/sec. This low-cost module can have current consumption under 390nA to enable a new generation of battery-driven systems.
The RF220SU also includes a Skyworks SE2431L front-end module, which provides a power amplifier and LNA for increased range. SNAP’s on-board Python interpreter provides for rapid application development and over-the-air programming. The modules provide up to 15 channels of operation in the ISM 2.4GHz frequency band.
By default, the SNAP operating system automatically forms a mesh network with other nodes immediately on receiving power. No further configuration is necessary. Multiple unrelated SNAP networks can exist within the same area through several configuration options.
Features:
- 20 GPIO with up to 7 A/D inputs
- 128k flash, 58.5k free for over- the- air uploaded user apps
- Two UART ports for control or transparent data
- Low power modes:
- Timed Sleep Mode 1 : 1.27 μA
- Timed Sleep Mode 2 : 1.47 μA
- Untimed Sleep Mode: < 390 nA
- Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology
- Up to 2 Mbps radio data rate
- 2.4 GHz RF Frequency
- AES 128- bit encryption
- RP- SMA Antenna or U.FL connecter
- Solderable or socket- able
- 4K internal EEPROM
- 6 PWM outputs
- Supports over the air firmware upgrades
XBee is good; Synapse is just better. More I/O, embedded Python, and generally better range at comparable cost! Synapse Wireless provides reliable RF Engines®that support a range of frequencies and bandwidths. These small, low-power, transceiver modules, commonly run in the 2.4GHz spectrums, have a maximum extended range of up to three miles LOS (Line-Of-Sight) and the lowest power consumption in the industry. These RF Engines come pre-loaded with the SNAP® network operating system which allows the nodes to be natively mesh networked. Typical applications include wireless serial port(s), sensor monitoring, actuator control, or an intelligent embedded controller – the possibilities are limitless. Synapse takes 802.15.4 Zigbee/XBee style communication one step further and makes it smart.
This particular RF module includes a user programmable (via python-based scripts), embedded ATmega128RFA1 microcontroller that can be programmed for all kinds of applications including remote sensor monitoring, mesh networking, and/or peripheral activation. Other notable features include: very high communication speeds (up to 2Mbps), large transmission range (up to 3 miles LOS at 250Kps with U.FL antenna), wide Low voltage TTL operating range (1.8 – 3.6V), 7 Analog-to-Digital Inputs, 6 PWM Outputs, 9 Interrupt capable pins, I2C (TWI), SPI, 2 x UARTs, & amazingly low power capabilities (1.6uA sleep current).
These new RF220UF1 modules also include both a Power Amplifier (transmit) and a Low Noise Amplifier (receive). Transmit power has been increased to a whopping +20dBm!
This unit comes with both a U.FL connector and an internal F Antenna. You can select your antenna choice in software!
Features:
- RF100 footprint & pinout compatible
- Embedded ATmega128RFA1 on-board
- 2 x UART ports for LVTTL serial control or transparent data
- Able to be configured to wirelessly program Arduino Uno & Mega 2560
- Socket-able (2mm spacing) or solder-able
- SNAP, instant-on, self-healing, mesh network operating system
- 802.15.4 Protocol at 2.4GHz
- Maximum range performance: 3-mile using u.fl antenna, .5 mile using onboard F antenna
- 128k flash memory (58.5k available for user applications)
- Embedded Python
- Can be used stand-alone (no additional microcontroller required)
- Low power mode of 1.27uA with internal timer running, 390nA untimed sleep mode
- Supply voltage: 2.0V~3.6V
- Transmit Current: 150mA (+20dBm), 55mA (+6dBm)
- Receive Current: 22mA
- Sleep Current: 1.6uA
- FCC certified on all 16 channels (2.4GHz)
- Spread spectrum (DSSS) technology resists noisy environments
This bundle was born out of the idea of creating wireless stage lighting control. Starting with some example code that Synapse Wireless was kind enough to release to us we where to control all the PWM channels from a RF200 radio via manipulation from a Wii Nunchuk controller. We then combined that system with the majority of parts from our Northern Lights bundle and were able to do on-the-fly manipulation not only of high-power LED brightness, but of color as well. Control the Northern Lights with simple movements of your thumb and finger. Maybe you are just looking for an epically long range wireless programmable RGB lighting, this bundle is a sure bet for that too.
You can attach a large number of these Receiver bundles to a single Transmitter bundle as it sends a multicast signal to them all. The corresponding Transmitter Bundle is available here. We recommend using a battery under 6V with this bundle, like a single LiPo or a 3-cell AA pack. If you’d like to use a wired power supply to provide a higher voltage to the Star Controller we recommend finding a regulator to drop the voltage beneath 6V for the Synapse Breakout board.
Bundle Includes:
This bundle was born out of the idea of creating wireless stage lighting control. Starting with some example code that Synapse Wireless was kind enough to release to us we where to control all the PWM channels from a RF200 radio via manipulation from a Wii Nunchuk controller. We then combined that system with the majority of parts from our Northern Lights bundle and were able to do on-the-fly manipulation not only of high-power LED brightness, but of color as well. Control the Northern Lights with simple movements of your thumb and finger. Maybe you are just looking for an epically long range wireless nunchuk interface, this bundle is a sure bet for that too.
Since this bundle includes a Synapse-to-FTDI adapter you also have the ability to program other nodes over the air. You can then use it to control large numbers of Receiver bundles as it sends a multicast signal. The corresponding Receiver Bundle is avaiable here. We recommend using a battery under 6V with this bundle, like a single LiPo or a 3-cell AA pack.
Bundle Includes:
This particular RF module includes a user programmable (via python-based scripts), embedded ATmega128RFA1 microcontroller that can be programmed for all kinds of applications including remote sensor monitoring, remote control, or peripheral activation.
Other notable features include:
- XBee Pro pin and footprint compatibility
- Very high communication speeds (250kbps to 2Mbps)
- Up to 1.2km (4000′) foot range (line-of-sight)
- Built-in Python interpreter (Who needs additional microcontroller? This one has one built-in!)
- Wide low voltage TTL operating range (2.7 – 3.6V)
- Ultra low power consumption mode (1.18µA. Not mA, but µA!)
- 15 GPIO, featuring
- 4 10-bit A/D inputs
- 4 PWM Outputs
- 7 Interrupt capable pins
- 128k flash, with 58k free for over-the-air loaded user programs
- Communication options include I2C (TWI) master mode, SPI (3 & 4 wire, master mode), 1 UART
- Low power capabilities (2.3uA sleep current)
Other features:
- Embedded ATmega128RFA1 on-board
- 1 UART port (pin 2, 3) for LVTTL (3.3V) serial control or transparent data
- Able to be configured to wirelessly program Arduino Uno & Mega 2560
- Socket-able (2mm spacing) or solder-able
- SNAP, instant-on, self-healing, mesh network operating system
- 802.15.4 Protocol at 2.4GHz
- I2C communication (Pins 9, 13)
- SPI communication (Pins 18, 19, 20)
- 128k flash memory (56k available for user applications)
- Can be used stand-alone (no additional microcontroller required)
- Low power mode of 2.3uA with internal timer running
- Supply voltage: 2.7V~3.6V
- Transmit current: 130mA (Typ)
- Receive current: 25mA
- Sleep current: 2.3uA
- Operating temperature:-40°C ~ 85°C
- Power output: 20dBm for best-in-class range
- FCC certified on all 16 channels (2.4GHz)
- Spread spectrum (DSSS) technology resists noisy environments
Datasheet for RF266PC1:
We added a handy Synapse Module Comparison Chart, click on thumbnail to view a pdf:
We’ve been asked quite a few times on how to get started use wireless networking modules so we figured we’d give the people what they want! Synapse Wireless does have their own introductory bundle but we wanted to release a quick start hardware bundle + software guide of our own. We also wanted to give you access to small form factor application boards with plenty of breakout pins in order to fit the RF modules into a practical application right away.
We have tested these modules outdoors under power lines and have obtained real-world ranges of 500 ft. Line of sight outdoors and from indoors to outdoors upwards of 175 ft at a data rate of 57600 baud.
The documentation will get you through downloading the Free Portal user interface Software to program and configure the Synapse modules. It also gives a quick overview and explanation of the functionality and layout of the Portal Software. Other thing the documentation will show you is how to setup a transparent serial link, meaning that you can communicate back and forth from a PC to a microcontroller without wires! You could also create a transparent serial link to give you long range communication to an Arduino, or whatever device you’d like that uses TTL serial communication. Make wireless gaming controllers, data-loggers, home automation controllers, remote robot controllers, etc.
Kit Includes
- 1x Solarbotics Synapse-to-FTDI Adapter Kit
- 2x Synapse RF200P81 with Chip Antenna
- 1x Solarbotics Synapse Breakout Board Kit
- 1x USB A to Mini-B Cable (6 Ft.)
- 1x 3 AA Battery Holder
- 1x 15 kOhm Resistor
- 1x 10 kOhm Resistor
No doubt about XBee – proven, solid and robust. But Synapse modules are that much better! These small, low-power, transceiver modules, commonly run in the 915MHz & 2.4GHz spectrums, have a maximum extended range of up to three miles LOS (Line-Of-Sight) and the lowest power consumption in the industry. These RF Engines come pre-loaded with the SNAP® network operating system which allows the nodes to be natively mesh networked. Typical applications include wireless serial port(s), sensor monitoring, actuator control, or an intelligent embedded controller – the possibilities are limitless. Synapse takes 802.15.4 Zigbee/XBee style communication one step further and makes it smart.
This particular RF module includes a user programmable (via Python-based scripts), embedded ATmega128RFA1 microcontroller that can be programmed for all kinds of applications including remote sensor monitoring, or peripheral activation.
Notable Features Include
- Very high communication speeds (up to 2Mbps)
- Built-in Python interpreter (who needs a microcontroller?)
- Wide Low voltage TTL operating range (1.8 – 3.6V)
- 7 Analog-to-Digital Inputs
- 6 PWM Outputs
- 9 Interrupt capable pins
- Communication options include I2C (TWI) SPI, 2 hardware UARTs
- Amazingly low power capabilities (0.25uA sleep current)
Feature List
- RF100 footprint & pinout compatible
- Embedded ATmega128RFA1 on-board
- 2 x UART ports for LVTTL serial control or transparent data
- Able to be configured to wirelessly program Arduino Uno & Mega 2560
- Socket-able (2mm spacing) or solder-able
- SNAP, instant-on, self-healing, mesh network operating system
- 802.15.4 Protocol at 2.4GHz
- Maximum range performance: 1500ft outdoor range (LOS) at 250kbps
- 24 pins, with 20 general purpose I/O, 7 of which can be 10-bit A/D inputs
- 6 pins configurable for PWM, and 9 Interrupt capable pins
- I2C communication (Pins 19, 20)
- SPI communication (Pins 14, 15, 16)
- JTAG communication (Pins 17, 18, 19, 20)
- 128k flash memory (58.5k available for user applications)
- Embedded Python
- Can be used stand-alone (no additional microcontroller required)
- Low power mode of 2.5uA with internal timer running
- Supply voltage: 2.7V~3.6VDC
- Transmit Current: 22.5mA (Typ)
- Receive Current: 20.5mA
- Sleep Current: 0.25uA
- FCC certified on all 16 channels (2.4GHz)
- Spread spectrum (DSSS) technology resists noisy environments
Links
- Datasheet for RF200P81
- Synapse Module Comparison Chart
- Wireless control of 3 watt RGB LEDs with Synapse Wireless RF200 Modules
Get this complete kit for 30% off over buying separate items!
Want to try out a Synapse SNAP network where you have an Xbee network? Assemble this bundle and x-change your pre-existing Xbee hardware with this drop-in replacement! With this bundle, you can take advantage XBee-footprint hardware with the Synapse SNAP module.
This drop-in bundle allows your RF networks to get farther – up to 3 miles (4.8km) with the SMA antenna (line of sight, outdoors).
Synapse modules include an 8-bit microcontroller, with enough power to be used as a stand-alone RF link/controller solution. With this adapter, you can upgrade your already existing Xbee solution to a quickly programmable/long-range Synapse module can quite possibly reduce how much hardware you need for your application!
The bundle includes
Get this complete kit for 20% off over buying separate items!
Want to try out a Synapse SNAP network where you have an Xbee network? Assemble this bundle and x-change your pre-existing Xbee hardware with this drop-in replacement! With this bundle, you can take advantage XBee-footprint hardware with the Synapse SNAP module.
This drop-in bundle allows your RF networks to get farther – up to 2.5 miles (4km) with the built-in F-type antenna (line of sight, outdoors).
Synapse modules include an 8-bit microcontroller, with enough power to be used as a stand-alone RF link/controller solution. With this adapter, you can upgrade your already existing Xbee solution to a quickly programmable/long-range Synapse module can quite possibly reduce how much hardware you need for your application!
Bundle Includes
Get this complete kit for 10% off over buying separate items!
Besides being great mesh-networking units, the Synapse SNAP modules also will act as the head of your SNAP network and will program, or communicate with, all the other nodes in the rest of your network.
Synapse SNAP modules are super-handy, and one way to use them is with a PC-interface. This bundle attaches the RF100PC6 module to our own FTDI-based USB interface unit.
The bundle includes
With regulated 3.3V, reset switch (for updating & erasing), and mounting options, you just tie it to your PC with a mini-USB cable and you’re good to start as the head of your SNAP network.
