The nRF21540 device is an RF front-end module (FEM) that improves range and connection robustness for Nordic Semiconductor's short-range wireless portfolio.

nRF21540 is a plug and play range extender that can be used with the nRF52 and nRF53 Series advanced multiprotocol wireless SoCs, requiring a minimal amount of external components. The +13 dB RX gain and low noise figure of 2.5 dB, in addition to up to +21 dBm TX output power, ensure a superior link budget for IoT applications. For example, when combined with an nRF52840 SoC running Bluetooth® Low Energy at 1 Mbps, the nRF21540 improves the RX sensitivity by 5 dBm to -100 dBm. Coupled with the increased output power, the connection link budget is increased by 18 dBm. For nRF52 and nRF53 Series devices with less than +8 dBm TX power, the range can reach up to 16x farther.

The nRF21540 device is a valuable addition for all applications requiring increased range or robust coverage. Because it can operate within an extended temperature range of -40°C to +105°C, nRF21540 can be used with nRF52833 and nRF5340 SoCs for industrial applications such as professional lighting. Other example applications include asset tracking, remote controlled toys, audio, and smart home use.

Market launch Q2 2020