Microchip Technology RN4870 User Manual

RN4870/71 BLUETOOTH
®
LOW ENERGY MODULE
USER’S GUIDE
 2016 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002466A-page 11
Chapter 1. Overview
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Microchip’s RN4870/71 Bluetooth
®
Low Energy Module is a fully certified Bluetooth
Smart module offering Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity in compact form factor. With all of its
advanced features, it allows the Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity to be included in
designs with minimal engineering.
The RN4870/71 module uses Microchip's IS1870 Bluetooth Low Energy RF IC. The
primary difference between RN4870/71 firmware and the IS1870S factory firmware is
that the RN4870/71 provides the control interface based on ASCII commands sent over
UART. The ASCII command interface on the RN4870/71 is very similar to that of
RN41/42/52/4020/4677, providing an easy migration path for customers currently
using the RN modules.
Interactive ASCII commands enable the RN4870/71 to be configured without complex
configuration tools. The RN4870/71 supports both peripheral and central Generic
Access Profile (GAP) roles, actively scanning for other connectable devices instead of
waiting for incoming connection requests.
1.2 KEY FEATURES
The RN4870/71 Bluetooth Low Energy Module has the following key features:
1.2.1
ASCII Command Interface
The RN4870/71 is controlled primarily through ASCII commands sent from host MCU
to UART. The ASCII commands can control functions such as connection
setup/teardown, accessing Generic Attribute Profile (GATT) characteristics, changing
configuration settings, and reading status. The UART can operate in Command mode,
to receive ASCII commands, or Data mode to exchange data using “Transparent
UART” Bluetooth service.
1.2.2
Transparent UART
The RN4870/71 introduces a private GATT service named as “Transparent UART”.
This service simplifies serial data transfers over Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) devices.
RN4870/71 Transparent UART seamlessly transfer serial data from its UART over a
Bluetooth Low Energy connection, providing an end-to-end data pipe to another Blue-
tooth device such as RN4870/71 module or Smartphone.
1.2.3
Custom GATT Services
The RN4870/71 has the capability to define up to five public and four private custom
defined GATT services. Each custom service allows up to eight characteristics. All
service definitions are saved in on-board Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) configuration
settings.

Microchip Technology RN4870 Specifications

General

Brand	Microchip Technology
Model	RN4870
Category	Motherboard
Language	English