Xbee wireless module

Description:
Xbee is a wireless communication module thatDigi built to the 802.15.4 standard. By default it is configured from the factory to be a wireless serial line replacement. It can be programmed to do other functions like join ZigBee networks or transmit level changes of certain module I/O pins.

There are two versions of the Xbee modules, DigiMesh 2.4 (a.k.a. 802.15.4) and ZNet 2.5. The difference being that the ZNet modules are compatible with normal ZigBee networks, where the DigiMesh is a propriatary mesh solution. Each version comes in 2 flavors: XBee and XBee-Pro. The XBee-Pro modules have a more powerful radio, thus have a longer range.

XBee

• Indoor/Urban: up to 100’ (30 m)
• Outdoor line-of-sight: up to 300’ (100 m)
• TX Current: 45 mA (@3.3 V)
• RX Current: 50 mA (@3.3 V)
• Power-down Current: < 10 μA

XBee-PRO

• Indoor/Urban: up to 300’ (100 m)
• Outdoor line-of-sight: up to 1 mile (1500 m)
• TX Current: 215 mA (@3.3 V)
• RX Current: 55 mA (@3.3 V)
• Power-down Current: < 10 μA

Documents:
Datasheet from Maxstream
804.15.2 mode of operation
ZigBee mode of operation

Footprints:

The module is mounted on a mini-pcb with 2 10pin 2mm pitch headers. See the datasheet for more info.

Sparkfun electronics now makes/sells several items related to the modules: breakout boards, pin headers, USB adapters, Arduino shields, etc.