Digi XBee 3 rf: 4 protocols, 3 packages, 10 major functions

Establish a wireless with a series of connection functions 、 Connecting products ？ Deciding to continue prototyping and design is the easy part . Then you have to make a choice . What communication protocol is most effective for your use ？ How devices will talk to each other ？ What functions -- Such as Bluetooth connection -- Will make your products ready for the market ？ In this post , We introduced the following excellent functions Digi XBee3 RF  modular , And how the built-in options provide an excellent for a range of product design 、 Flexible platform .
 
Digi XBee 3 RF module provides reliable wireless connection , To be compact 、 low power consumption 、 Small size allows you to quickly enter the market . They use the same hardware to provide multiple protocols , Pre certified , And includes I/O、Python Programmability and multi-layer protection . Digi TrustFence  Security solution . Let's explore !
 

3+1 agreement

Every Digi XBee 3 RF modules are multilingual . Each can speak four different wireless protocol languages . No matter what job ,Digi XBee 3 RF modules can implement the best solution for the task at hand . Let's introduce the protocol options .

1. 802.15.4

It is necessary to send point-to-point data with the lowest delay and the largest bandwidth ？Digi XBee 3 function  802.15.4  It's the perfect choice . Due to its full security 、 Addressing and minimal overhead , You will quickly run your wireless network , Speed up your time to enter the market , While providing reliable and cost-effective results . 

2.Zigbee

Many devices are located together , Maybe from multiple manufacturers ？ Zigbee  Mesh protocol is a popular 、 Multi vendor solutions , It allows the radio to transmit information through its neighbors , Greatly expand the scale and reliability of the network .Zigbee The network is self forming and self repairing , Combine plug-in router nodes with battery powered edge devices , Create a reliable system . 

3.DigiMesh

When you need a mesh network , But we need to go beyond Zigbee Some limitations of . Digimesh Is a good choice . There are no special node roles that need to be configured in advance , Every radio can run on a battery , Can wake up at the same time for communication . Larger data frames 、 Better encryption and simpler addressing are the rewards of choosing this manufacturer specific protocol . 

4. bluetooth

In addition to any of the above agreements ,Digi XBee 3 RF module can also realize   bluetooth   Low energy consumption （BLE） For secure remote configuration , Communicate with external sensors or create a beacon system . because BLE stay 2.4GHz Run under , It shares an antenna with other protocols , The cost is further reduced .
 

Three schemes

Digi XBee 3 The RF module provides three choices of standard dimensions , To help support the full range of connectivity product requirements .

1. Micro packaging

The smallest and lightest Digi XBee 3 Encapsulation supports mobility , Occupy the least PCB Space . It is also the lowest cost choice . The micro shape conforms to wearable devices 、 Industrial robots or aerospace needs .(NASA Has adopted Digi XBees Into orbit ) The size of this tiny surface mount package is 13 mm x19 mm , There are three kinds of antennas to choose from , Maximum flexibility .

2. Surface mount SMT

This backward compatible package highlights Digi Commitment to long-term product stability . Integrated in the past XBee SMT Encapsulated customers can simply continue to use newer Digi XBee 3 modular , There is no need to make any changes to their circuit board or shell . It also provides space for some additional pins , Increased flexibility . 

3. Through hole type THT

The original Digi XBee Pin versions are still very popular . Many customized and third-party products continue to support this classic design , Usually with sockets , Radio modules can be exchanged with zero rework .Digi Continue to support this traditional footprint , Enable customers to quickly upgrade the module without changing the design , Save money 、 Time and trouble elimination . 

The ten functions support a wide range of applications

Digi XBee 3 RF Not just a wireless module . It is a powerful Internet of things solution platform , Supported by a full range of developer solutions -- Digi XBee Tools .

together  Digi XBee The ecological system   Our tools 、 Modules and support resources support your wireless product development and connectivity goals -- Whether you are building smart city applications 、 Robotics 、 Industrial edge solutions are also the next breakthrough in green technology and sustainable development .

Here are Digi XBee 3 Some primary features of RF module . 

1. MicroPython

Digi XBee 3 Built in edge processing MicroPython, Turn the module into a control center with wireless module , Eliminates the time to add a separate microcontroller 、 Costs and complexities . With  MicroPython Through an easy to learn script and programming language , You can quickly prototype intelligent behavior and implement the required business rules . Secret sensor readings can be converted into useful data , Redundant transmissions can be intelligently filtered , Modern sensors and actuators can be used directly , Reduce complexity and cost . 

2. bluetooth

Every Digi XBee 3 Can use Bluetooth as a second language . In addition to the above configuration 、 Beacon and sensor functions ,Digi There is also a   complete SDK  Used to create pass BLE And Digi XBee 3 Connected mobile apps . 

3. Low power operation

every last Digi XBee 3 Are designed to minimize the use of electricity during normal operation , Extend battery life . Modules can also enter ultra-low power " sleep " Pattern , You can use the timer , Triggered by a signal from an external device , Or through onboard procedures , Wake up the module only when needed . 

4. Pre certification

Digi XBee Modules are pre certified , It can be used in many regions , Reduced development costs and time to market . In some cases , The only requirement of the end user is the appropriate label . In other cases , Regulators may require additional testing , But because the basic module has been approved , Passing these tests will greatly simplify . 

5. Reliability of connection

Based on standards 802.15.4 The protocol includes verification 、 Confirm and configurable retry , To help ensure that information reaches its destination . Mesh protocol , Such as DigiMesh or Zigbee, Provide reliable ad hoc network creation in self-healing Networks , therefore , If the equipment is damaged or removed , The network will be automatically reconfigured to continue . 

6.TrustFence Security

this   Security feature suite   At every Digi XBee 3 Provide certification on 、 encryption 、 Privacy and system protection . Safe start 、 A secure connection 、 Secure storage and protected ports can protect your device and its data from unnecessary intrusion , Help you stay away from digital distractors . 

7. In the air （OTA） to update

every last Digi XBee 3 Can be updated remotely and safely from the cloud . No physical access is required to change the module configuration 、 Update firmware or load new edge application code . Digi Remote Manager  All this can be done from anywhere in the world through certified connections , And manage a large number of devices through automatic scripts . 

8. Multiplexer

Use this method to batch update and configure Digi XBees  The combination of hardware and software   Equipment for distribution and large-scale network deployment . Each multiplexer handles six modules , Multiple programmers can run at the same time , To maximize production speed . all Digi XBee 3 Package types are natively supported . 

9.Digi XCTU Configuration and testing tools

Digi XCTU  Is a free multi platform application , Used for configuration 、 test 、 Console and network map , Support in Windows、MacOS or Linux Upper use . It can be used to manage and control multiple RF devices , Draw a network diagram , Do a range test , Update firmware , Display interactive console , Do spectrum analysis , management API frame , And many other options . 

10. Remote management

Digi Remote Manager  It's an online platform , Allow users to easily activate in one place 、 Monitor and diagnose thousands of mission critical equipment . From your desktop 、 Edit the configuration on your tablet or even your mobile phone 、 Update firmware 、 Schedule and automate tasks . Multi layer security ensures everything , The rich scripting environment effectively automates the tasks necessary to manage large networks . 

Summary and next steps

These four agreements 、 Three packages and ten functions highlight flexibility and cost effectiveness . Digi XBee 3 RF modules   It is used in modern Internet of things . With Digi XBee 3, You will be faster 、 More effectively develop powerful 、 High performance connectivity products , Bring your product to the market in the least time .

A good way to start is to explore our   Internet of things development kit They provide proof of concept and prototypes for your development 、 Test connectivity and scope and prepare everything needed for manufacturing .