SparkFun
SparkFun Thing Plus - XBee3 Micro (U.FL)
The XBee3 Thing Plus is an ultra capable and easy way for getting into wireless device development. The combination of XBee and Qwiic in a space conscious de...
The XBee3 Thing Plus is an ultra capable and easy way for getting into wireless device development. The combination of XBee and Qwiic in a space conscious design represents a much needed update to our XBee offering. With 20 I/O pins and Lithium Polymer Ion battery management, the XBee3 Thing Plus has all the basics for quickly prototyping or developing a connected device such as a remote sensor. The Qwiic connector and JST connector for the battery make for a solder-less option when working with the board which shortens setup time.
The new XBee3 Micro Module provides the classic all-but plug and play 802.15.4 2.4GHz wireless connection (Zigbee 3.0 Protocol) that makes it so desirable, but with a new addition of being programmable with MicroPython (32KB of memory available for it). RF data rates up to 250 Kbps and 200ft indoor ranges and up to 4000ft line-of-sight outdoor range. Communicating with/Configuring the module happens via an AT Command set or the Digi API, X-CTU, both locally or over-the-air. There's even a mobile version of X-CTU now; Digi XBee® Mobile.
This variation features a U.FL antenna connector for longer range communications. Check out the related products for compatible antennas.
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- API
- An API is a software interface that lets a program control hardware or features provided by the operating system. In this product, API support matters if you want your software to adjust display settings such as brightness or contrast automatically.
- AT command set
- An AT command set is a text-based control language sent over a serial terminal to configure a device. It matters because you can change settings such as baud rate and flow control without writing custom firmware.
- MicroPython
- A version of the Python programming language made to run on microcontrollers. It matters because it lets beginners write readable code to control LEDs, sensors, motors and displays without needing to start with lower-level languages.
- Qwiic
- Qwiic is a plug-in connector system for I2C devices that uses small 4-pin cables, so you can connect compatible sensors without soldering. It matters because your controller or adapter also needs Qwiic, or you will need a cable or breakout to wire it up.
- RF
- RF means radio frequency, referring to signals used for wireless communication and other high-frequency electronics. A low-noise, stable power supply is important for RF circuits because power noise can affect signal quality and measurements.
- Thing Plus
- Thing Plus is SparkFun’s development-board form factor with a small rectangular layout and connections suited to wireless and battery-powered projects. It matters because boards and accessories in the same form factor are easier to mount, wire, and swap between projects.
- u.FL
- u.FL is a tiny snap-on antenna connector often used on compact wireless boards. A board with u.FL usually needs an external antenna, which matters if the product will be inside an enclosure or needs better antenna placement.
- Zigbee
- A low-power wireless standard commonly used by smart home sensors, switches, and lights. It matters if you want the board to communicate with Zigbee devices or act as part of a home automation network.
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SparkFun Thing Plus XBee3 Micro Schematic
Schematic · 365.8 KB · Click any page to view full size
XBee 3 Hardware Reference Manual
User Guide · 8.6 MB · Click any page to view full size
Supplier page — sparkfun.com
Supplier Description · 712.7 KB · Click any page to view full size
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