NRF51822 BLE 4.0 Wireless Bluetooth Communication Module

NRF51822 BLE 4.0 Wireless Bluetooth Communication Module is a versatile, ultra-low-power multiprotocol SoC module engineered for advanced 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity in Internet of Things (IoT) and smart device applications. Built around the high-performance ARM Cortex-M0 32-bit processor core, this hardware combines Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE 4.0) capabilities with standard 2.4 GHz proprietary RF protocol stacks. Consequently, developers can execute complex embedded application code directly on the module without relying on an external host microcontroller. Furthermore, the ultra-low dynamic power consumption extends battery operational life significantly in wearable and field-deployed monitoring electronics. Therefore, this compact transceiver module provides an optimal balance between processing capability, RF performance, and energy efficiency for demanding modern wireless implementations.

Key Features:

• High-Performance Processing: Integrates a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0 CPU core to process sensor data and handle complex wireless tasks effortlessly.
• Multiprotocol Radio: Supports Bluetooth Smart (BLE 4.0) as well as proprietary 2.4 GHz RF communication protocols on a single chip.
• Ultra-Low Power Consumption: Conserves critical energy during sleep and active states, making it ideal for coin-cell battery operations.
• On-Chip Memory: Incorporates up to 256 kB Flash memory and 16 kB/32 kB RAM for dedicated application firmware storage.
• Configurable I/O: Provides flexible pin mapping for digital peripherals including SPI, I2C (TWI), and UART interfaces.

Technical Specifications:

• Operating Voltage: 1.8 V to 3.6 V DC
• Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz ISM Band (2.400 GHz – 2.4835 GHz)
• Data Rate: 250 kbps, 1 Mbps, and 2 Mbps on-air data modes
• RF Output Power: -20 dBm to +4 dBm (programmable in 4 dB steps)
• Receiver Sensitivity: -93 dBm at 1 Mbps BLE mode
• Current Consumption (TX): ≈ 10.5 mA at 0 dBm output power
• Current Consumption (RX): ≈ 13 mA at 1 Mbps data rate
• Operating Temperature: -40 °C to +85 °C

Mechanical Specifications:

• Form Factor: Compact PCB module with standard 2.0 mm / 2.54 mm pitch castellated/header pinouts
• Antenna Type: Integrated 2.4 GHz high-efficiency PCB trace antenna
• PCB Finish: High-grade FR-4 with lead-free surface finish

Dimensions:

• Length: ≈ 26.7 mm
• Width: ≈ 17.5 mm
• Thickness: ≈ 2.0 mm
• Weight: ≈ 2.0 g

Pinout and Wiring:

• VCC: Regulated DC supply voltage input (1.8 V – 3.6 V).
• GND: Common system ground connection.
• SWDIO / SWDCLK: Serial Wire Debug data and clock lines for firmware flashing via J-Link or ST-Link programmers.
• P0.00 to P0.30: General-purpose input/output (GPIO) pins configurable for UART (TX/RX), SPI, I2C, and ADC functions.
• Wiring Precaution: However, always maintain strict logic level compliance with 3.3 V systems and avoid applying 5 V directly to GPIO pins to prevent catastrophic hardware damage.

Datasheet Reference:

• Download Nordic Semiconductor nRF51822 Datasheet

Commonly Used in:

• Smart Wearable Devices: Transmitting telemetry data in fitness trackers, smart bands, and heart rate monitors.
• Industrial IoT Networks: Gathering real-time metrics across distributed environmental sensor arrays.
• Proximity Beacon Hardware: Broadcasting location and identification signals in iBeacon and Eddystone formats.

Applications:

• Smart Home Automation: Controlling smart lighting systems, door locks, and wireless home appliances.
• Healthcare Diagnostics: Streaming vital signs from wireless medical instruments to diagnostic displays.
• Wireless Peripherals: Facilitating communication in custom Bluetooth keyboards, mice, and remote controls.

Equivalent Models:

• nRF52832 Module: Upgraded generation delivering higher processing power with an ARM Cortex-M4F core and BLE 5.0 support.
• CC2541 / CC2540: Texas Instruments BLE 4.0 alternative modules based on an 8051 microcontroller core.
• HM-10 / JDY-08: Pre-programmed serial UART pass-through BLE modules designed for basic wireless bridge applications.

Package Includes:

• 1 x NRF51822 BLE 4.0 Wireless Bluetooth Communication Module