Nordic nRF24L01+ transceiver in the 2.4GHz ISM band


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NRF24L01+ 2.4GHz Wireless Transceiver Module
Ultra-low-power 2.4GHz ISM-band RF transceiver over SPI at up to 2Mbps; widely used for low-cost board-to-board wireless links.
₹110 + 18% GST
SKU: BOTBIT-IOT-07 · Best for: Wireless board-to-board links between two microcontrollers
Overview
About NRF24L01+ 2.4GHz Wireless Transceiver Module.
The nRF24L01+ is a hugely popular 2.4GHz wireless transceiver built around Nordic Semiconductor's nRF24L01+ chip. It communicates with a host microcontroller over SPI and handles the RF, packet framing, addressing and auto-retransmission itself, so you get reliable board-to-board wireless links for just a few hundred rupees.
It works in the license-free 2.4GHz ISM band at data rates up to 2Mbps, with an enhanced ShockBurst engine that provides automatic acknowledgement and retries. Its very low current draw makes it excellent for battery sensor networks, and the widely-used RF24 Arduino library makes it approachable for beginners.
At around Rs 110 it is the cheapest way to make two Arduinos (or ESP boards) talk wirelessly without WiFi or Bluetooth overhead. A common upgrade is the PA/LNA variant with an external antenna for long-range links spanning hundreds of metres.
Key features
Why it stands out.
SPI interface to any microcontroller (Arduino, ESP, STM32, etc.)
Data rates of 250kbps, 1Mbps and 2Mbps selectable
Enhanced ShockBurst with auto-ACK, auto-retransmit and 6 data pipes
Very low power: ~11.3mA TX, ~13.5mA RX, microamp standby
PA/LNA + external antenna variant available for long-range use
Specifications
Selection facts.
| Chip | Nordic Semiconductor nRF24L01+ |
|---|---|
| Frequency band | 2.4GHz ISM (2.400-2.525GHz, 125 channels) |
| Interface | 4-wire SPI (up to 10MHz) + CE and IRQ |
| Data rate | 250kbps / 1Mbps / 2Mbps |
| Operating voltage | 1.9-3.6V (3.3V typical) — NOT 5V |
| Logic level | 5V-tolerant SPI inputs |
| TX / RX current | ~11.3mA (TX 0dBm) / ~13.5mA (RX) |
| Range | ~50-100m open air (standard PCB antenna) |
| Data pipes | 6 (MultiCeiver) |
| Pins | 8-pin (VCC, GND, CE, CSN, SCK, MOSI, MISO, IRQ) |
Applications
Where it is used.
- Wireless board-to-board links between two microcontrollers
- Battery-powered wireless sensor networks
- DIY RC transmitters and receivers for drones and cars
- Remote controls and wireless button/keypad panels
- Home automation nodes without WiFi/Bluetooth overhead
- Long-range telemetry using the PA/LNA + antenna variant
Buying guide
How to choose.
Choose the nRF24L01+ when you want cheap, reliable, low-power wireless between two or more of your own boards and you do not need to talk to a phone or router. It is ideal for RC projects, sensor networks and remote controls. For long range, buy the PA/LNA variant with a screw-on antenna.
The single biggest gotcha is power: the module runs at 3.3V (do NOT put 5V on VCC) and it is very sensitive to noisy supply. Solder a 10uF (or 10-100uF) capacitor across VCC and GND at the module, or use an adapter board with a built-in regulator and capacitor — this fixes most 'it won't connect' problems. The SPI logic pins are 5V-tolerant, so a 5V Arduino can drive them directly.
Pair it with the RF24 library by TMRh20 for Arduino/ESP. Buy modules in matched pairs, and if you have intermittent range issues, drop the data rate to 250kbps and lower the SPI speed. For very long range, the PA/LNA version dramatically extends distance.
FAQ
Common questions.
Can I power it from the Arduino's 5V pin?
No — the nRF24L01+ VCC must be 3.3V; 5V will destroy it. Use the Arduino's 3.3V pin or a separate 3.3V regulator. The SPI data pins, however, are 5V tolerant, so you can wire them directly to a 5V Arduino's digital pins.
Why won't my two modules connect or transmit reliably?
The most common cause is a noisy 3.3V supply. Solder a 10uF-100uF capacitor across VCC and GND right at the module, keep wires short, and make sure both modules use the same channel, address and data rate. An adapter/socket board with a regulator solves most issues.
Which library should I use?
Use the RF24 library by TMRh20 in the Arduino IDE — it is the de facto standard and works with Arduino, ESP32/ESP8266 and more. Wire CE and CSN to any two digital pins, connect SCK/MOSI/MISO to the hardware SPI pins, and set matching addresses on both ends.
How much range can I expect?
The standard PCB-antenna module gives roughly 50-100m in open air, less indoors. For hundreds of metres, buy the nRF24L01+ PA/LNA version with an external screw-on antenna and use the 250kbps data rate for maximum sensitivity.
Is it available in India and what's in the box?
Yes, it is one of the cheapest and most stocked RF modules in India. The basic package is just the nRF24L01+ module; the adapter/regulator board and antenna (for PA/LNA versions) may be sold separately, so check the listing before ordering.
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