RN -13 1-DS

RN-131G & RN-131C 802.11 b/g Wireless LAN Module

Features
• Qualified 2.4-GHz IEEE 802.11b/g transceiver
• Ultra-low power: 4 uA sleep, 40 mA Rx, 210 mA Tx
• High throughput, 1 Mbps sustained data rate with
TCP/IP and WPA2
• Small, compact surface-mount module
• On-board ceramic chip antenna and U.FL  
connector for external antenna
• 8-Mbit flash memory and 128-KB RAM
Description
• UART hardware interface
• 10 general-purpose digital I/O pins The RN-131 module is a standalone, embedded
• 8 analog sensor interfaces wireless 802.11 b/g networking module. With its small
• Real-time clock for wakeup and time stamping form factor and extremely low power consumption, the
RN-131 is perfect for mobile wireless applications such
• Accepts 3.3-V regulated or 2 to 3 V battery
as asset monitoring, GPS tracking, and battery sensors.
• Supports ad hoc and infrastructure networking The WiFly module incorporates a 2.4-GHz radio,
modes processor, TCP/IP stack, real-time clock, crypto
• On board ECOS -OS, TCP/IP stacks accelerator, power management, and analog sensor
• Wi-Fi Alliance certified for WPA2-PSK interfaces as shown in Figure 1. The module is
• FCC/CE/ICS certified and RoHS compliant. preloaded with software to simplify integration and
• Industrial (RN-131G) and commercial (RN-131C) minimize application development. In the simplest
grade temperature options configuration, the hardware requires only four
connections (PWR, TX, RX, and GND) to create a
wireless data connection. Additionally, the sensor
Applications interface provides temperature, audio, motion,
acceleration, and other analog data without requiring
• Remote equipment monitoring additional hardware. The module is programmed and
• Telemetry controlled with a simple ASCII command language.
• Industrial sensors and home automation controls Once the module is set up, it can scan to find an access
• Medical device monitoring point, associate, authenticate, and connect over any
Wi-Fi network.
Figure 1. RN-131 Block Diagram

RN-131
On-Board Chip
Antenna
128-KB 32-Bit
2-MB ROM Flash
RAM CPU
2.4 GHz Memory
TX/RX
2.4-GHz Timers
2-KB NVM

Radio
U.FL Connector 802.11 b/g
for Optional External MAC/PHY SPI
2.4-GHz SPI GPIO
Antenna
PA UART
VDD IN
GPIO VDD BATT
Crypto Pwr
ADC
accelerator Mgmt

SDIO 3.3-V Boost Boost

Sensor Interface EPC/RFID Regulator
Enable

www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.2r 4/9/2012 1

 RN -13 1-DS
 

OVERVIEW

• Host data rate up to 1 Mbps for the UART

• Intelligent, built-in power management with programmable wakeup
• Real-time clock for time stamping, auto-sleep, and auto-wakeup
• Configuration over UART using simple ASCII commands
• Remote configuration over WiFi using Telnet
• Supports over the air firmware upgrade (FTP)
• Supports WPS pushbutton mode for easy association with access points
• Secure WiFi authentication using WEP-128, WPA-PSK (TKIP), or WPA2-PSK (AES)
• Built-in networking applications—DHCP, UDP, DNS, ARP, ICMP, TCP, HTTP client, and FTP client
• 802.11 power saving and roaming functions

The modules size and weight are:

• Size—1.49” x 0.78” x 0.15” (37mm x 20 mm x 3.5 mm)

• Weight—0.140 oz

Tables 1 through 4 provide detailed specifications for the module.

Table 1. Environmental Conditions

Parameter RN-131G RN-131C

o o o o
Temperature Range (Operating) -30 C to +85 C 0 C to +70 C
o o o o
Temperature Range (Storage) -40 C to +85 C -40 C o +85 C

Relative Humidity (Operating) ≤ 90% ≤ 90%

Relative Humidity (Storage) ≤ 90% ≤ 90%

 

Table 2. Electrical Characteristics

Supply Voltage Min Typ. Max. Unit

Supply voltage VDD 3.0 3.3 3.7 VDC
Supply voltage (VBATT option) 2.0 3.0 3.3 VDC
Pin 21 switched 3.3 V output 150 mA
Digital input
Input logic high VIH 2.3 V VDC
Input logic low VIL 1.0 V VDC
Digital output drive
GPIO 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 24 mA
GPIO 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 8 mA
Power consumption
Sleep 4 uA
Standby (doze) - 15 - mA
Connected (idle, RX) 40 mA
Connected (TX) 140 212 mA

www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.2r 4/9/2012 2

 RN -13 1-DS
 

Table 3. Analog Sensor Inputs

Parameter Value
Sense 0,1,2,3 wakeup detect threshold 500 mV
AD sense 0 - 7 measurement range 0 - 400 mV
Precision 14 bits = 12 uV
Accuracy 5% un-calibrated, 0.01% calibrated
Minimum conversion time 35uS (5kHz over Wi-Fi)
Sensor Power (pin 33) output resistance 3.3 V 10 ohms, max current = 50 mA

Table 4. Radio Characteristics

Parameter Specifications
Frequency 2,402 to 2,480 MHz

802.11b compatibility: DSSS (CCK-11, CCK-5.5, DQPSK-2, DBPSK-1)

Modulation
802.11g: OFDM (default)
Channel intervals 5 MHz
Channels 1 - 14
Transmission rate (over the air) 1 – 11 Mbps for 802.11b / 6 – 54 Mbps for 802.11g
Receive sensitivity -85 dBm typ.
Output level (class 1) +18 dBm
Maximum RF input to U.FL connector 10 dBm

www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.2r 4/9/2012 3

 RN -13 1-DS
 

TYPICAL APPLICATION SCHEMATIC

Figure 2 shows a typical application schematic.

Figure 2. Application Schematic

P3_3V

LED_RED

LED_GREEN
 

www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.2r 4/9/2012 4

 RN -13 1-DS
 

Figure 3 shows the pin pads and Table 5 describes the pins.

Figure 3. Pin Pads

44 43 42 41 40 39 38 37 36

1 35
2 34
3 33
4 32
5 31
6 30
7 29
8 28
9 27
10 26
11 25
12 24
13 23

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Top View
(Pads Not Visible from Top)  
Table 5. Pin Description

Pin Name Description Default

1 SENSOR 6 Sensor interface, analog input to module, 1.2 V. No connect
2 SENSOR 4 Sensor interface, Analog input to module, 1.2 V. No connect
3 SENSOR 5 Sensor interface, Analog input to module, 1.2 V. No connect
4 SENSOR 7 Analog input to module, 1.2 V. No connect
5 RESET Module reset, active low, reference to VDD-BATT, 160 usec pulse. Pull up
6 EPC-ANT-A EPC port, RFID antenna A. No connect
7 EPC-ANT-B EPC port, RFID antenna B. No connect
8 SUPERCAP Balance center pin voltage on stacked super capacitors, analog 3.3 V. No connect
9 FORCE_AWAKE Force the module to wakeup, input to module, 250 us min. pulse.3.3 V. –
10 GPIO-13 UART RTS flow control, 8-mA drive, 3.3-V tolerant. –
11 GPIO-12 UART CTS flow control, 8-mA drive, 3.3-V tolerant. –
12 UART-RX INPUT: RX in to the module, 3.3-V tolerant. –
13 UART-TX OUTPUT: TX out from the module, 8-mA drive, 3.3-V tolerant. –
14 Not used Not applicable No connect
15 Not used Not applicable No connect
16 Not used Not applicable No connect
17 3.3V-REG-OUT Boost regulator control output, connect to 3.3V-REG-IN to enable. No connect
18 3.3V-REG-IN Boost regulator control input, connect to 3.3V-REG-OUT to enable. GND to disable
19 GND Ground. –
20 VDD-BATT Battery input. 2.0 to 3.3 V with boost regulator in use, otherwise use 3.0 –
to 3.7 V.
21 VDD-IN 3.3 to 3.7 voltage. Do not connect when boost regulator is in use. –

www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.2r 4/9/2012 5

 RN -13 1-DS
 

Pin Name Description Default

22 DMA-TX Debug port (apply a 100 kΩ pull down if ultra-low sleep power is High Z
required)
23 DMA-RX Debug port No connect
24 GPIO-9 Restore factory resets/enter ad hoc mode, 8-mA drive, 3.3-V tolerant. Input
25 GPIO-8 GPIO, 24-mA drive, 3.3-V tolerant. GP output
26 GPIO-7 GPIO, 24-mA drive, 3.3-V tolerant. GP output
27 GPIO-6 Association STATUS, 24-mA drive, 3.3-V tolerant. LED_RED output
28 GPIO-5 Data transfer STATUS, 24-mA drive, 3.3-V tolerant. LED_YELLOW output
29 GPIO-4 Connection STATUS, 24-mA drive, 3.3-V tolerant. LED_GREEN output
30 SENSOR-1 Sensor interface, analog input to module, 1.2 V. –
31 SENSOR-2 Sensor interface, analog input to module, 1.2 V. –
32 SENSOR-3 Sensor interface, analog input to module, 1.2 V. –
33 SENSE-PWR Voltage output from module to power external sensors, 3.3 V. –
34 SENSOR-0 Wakeup from external condition. –
35 NO CONNECT – No connect
36- GND Must be connected for proper antenna performance. –
44

Figure 4 shows the module’s physical dimensions. Figure 5 shows the pad dimensions.

www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.2r 4/9/2012 6

 RN -13 1-DS
 

Figure 4. Module Physical Dimensions

20 mm
2.5 mm

Ceramic Chip
Antenna 2.5 mm
U.FL Connector

37 mm

RN-131
Ceramic Chip RF Shield
RF Shield Antenna

3.5 mm

 
Figure 5. Pad Dimensions

www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.2r 4/9/2012 7

 RN -13 1-DS
 

DESIGN CONCERNS  

The following sections provide information on designing with the RN-131 module, including radio interference, grounding,
solder reflow, connection status, etc.

Minimizing Radio Interference

When integrating the WiFly module with the on-board chip antenna, ensure that the area around the chip antenna end of
the module protrudes at least 6 mm from the motherboard and any metal enclosure. If this placement is not possible, use
the on-board U.FL connector to route to an external antenna.

The 8.5-mm area under the module’s antenna end should be kept clear of metallic components, connectors, vias, traces,
and other materials that can interfere with the radio signal. See Figure 6.

Figure 6. Antenna Clearance

20 mm

6 mm

Keep Metallic Components,

Connectors, Vias, & Traces
Away from Antenna Area 8.5 mm

RN-131

Top View  

www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.2r 4/9/2012 8

 RN -13 1-DS
 

Grounding Recommendations
For the module antenna to function, pins 36 through 44 must be connected to ground. Roving Networks suggests you
place the module such that 0.5 mm of theses pads is exposed. This placement provides access for soldering pins 36
through 44 from below, and provides ample clearance of the antenna from the PCB. See Figure 7.

Figure 7. Module Placement for Grounding

8.5 mm

For Proper Antenna

Performance, Pins 36
Through 44 Must be
Grounded

RN-131
Motherboard
for RN-131

Bottom View  

Solder Reflow
The solder reflow temperature must not exceed 220° C. To reflow solder the module onto a PCB, Roving Networks
recommends an RoHS-compliant solder paste equivalent to NIHON ALMIT paste or OMNIX OM-310 solder paste from
Alpha metals. See Table 6.

NOTE: Use no-clean flux and DO NOT water wash.

Table 6. Paste Solder Recommendations

Manufacturer Alpha Metals NIHON ALMIT Co. LTD

http://www.alphametals.com http://almit.co.jp
Part Number OMNIX OM-310 LFM-70W INP
Metal Composition SAC305 (96.5% Sn, 3% Ag, 0.5% Cu) 88% Sn, 3.5% Ag, 0.5% Bi, 8% In
Liquidus Temperature ~220°C ~215°C

Figures 8 and 9 show the solder reflow temperature profiles.

www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.2r 4/9/2012 9

 RN -13 1-DS
 

Figure 8. Solder Reflow Temperature Profile

www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.2r 4/9/2012 10

 RN -13 1-DS
 

Figure 9. Solder Reflow Curve

U.FL Connector
Roving Networks recommends that you use the Hirose U.FL connector (part number U.FL-R-SMT) for connecting external
antennas. If you prefer to use the SMA connector, use the Roving Networks U.FL-to-SMA cable (part number
RN-UFLSMA6). Figure 10 shows the U.FL connector dimensions.

Figure 10. U.FL Connector Dimensions

www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.2r 4/9/2012 11

 RN -13 1-DS
 

Connection Status
GPIO4, GPIO5, and GPIO6 drive status the LEDs.

• GPIO4 indicates the TCP/IP connection status. This signal is on high for an active connection, toggles fast to
indicate no IP address, and toggles slowly to indicate that the IP address is OK but not connected.

• GPIO6 indicates the association status. High means the module is not associated with a network, off indicates
that it is associated and Internet access is OK.

• GPIO5 toggles when data is transferred.

Keep-Out Areas
When designing your PCB avoid exposed traces and vias beneath the module. Figure 11 shows areas on the module that
should be kept clear.

Figure 11. Keep Out Areas

Keep Out Areas. There are two 1-mm round

test pads on the bottom of the module. Avoid
8.0 mm placing exposed traces or vias in these areas.

3 mm

6 mm 5 mm  

Powering the Module

The module can be powered from either 3.0-V DC batteries or 3.3-V DC regulated power.

For 3.0-V DC battery power:

• Apply power to pin 20 (VDD-BATT).

• Short pin 17 (3.3 V REG-OUT) to pin 18 (3.3 V REG-IN) (battery boost mode).
• 150 mA of current at 3.3 V is available for external devices on pin 21 when the module is in battery boost mode.
For 3.3-V DC power:

• Apply power to pin 20 (VDD-BATT) and pin 21 (VDD-IN).

• Connect pin 18 (3.3 V REG-IN) to ground and leave pin 17 (3.3 V REG-OUT) unconnected.

www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.2r 4/9/2012 12

 RN -13 1-DS
 

Reset (Pin 5)
The RESET signal is used to reset the module and is active low. This pin has a built-in 100-kΩ pull up resistor. You do not
need to connect this; it can be left unconnected. To reset the module, apply a 3.3-V pulse for a minimum of 160 us.

Force Awake (Pin 9)

This signal forces the module to wake up from sleep. FORCE_AWAKE is an active-high signal. To wake the module, apply a
3.3-V pulse for a minimum of 250 us.

Achieving Lowest Power in Sleep Mode

To achieve the lowest power consumption (4 uA) in sleep mode, connect a weak pull-down (100 KΩ resistor to GND) on
pin 22 (DMA-TX).

If GPIO8 through GPIO4 are being used to drive an output, connect a 100-kΩ pull-down resistor. Any unused (no connect)
GPIO pins can be left floating.

• Pin 25: GPIO8

• Pin 26: GPIO7

• Pin 27: GPIO6

• Pin 28: GPIO5

• Pin 29: GPIO4

For other GPIO lines, you do not need to use a pull down. The module already has an on-chip internal pull down (80 kΩ);

The power consumption in sleep mode without these signals connected to a pull down is 655 uA.

Sensor Interfaces
Inputs must not exceed 1.2 V. The sensitivity saturates at 400 mV.

Ad Hoc Mode & Restoring Factory Settings

Ad hoc mode is controlled with GPIO9 (pin 24). Roving Networks recommends that you connect pin 24 to a switch or
jumper connected to a pull up. When GPIO9 is driven high at power up, the module enters ad hoc mode. If GPIO9 is then
toggled low 5 times, the module will be restored to it’s initial factory default configuration. This feature is useful for cases
where the module is misconfigured and is no long responding.

www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.2r 4/9/2012 13

 RN -13 1-DS
 

COMPLIANCE INFORMATION

The following sections describe the module’s FCC and NCC compliance information.

FCC Compliance
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to the radio communications. However, there are no
guarantees that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

Troubleshooting
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following instructions

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet or a circuit difference from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician.

Conditions
Operation is subject to the following conditions

• This device may not cause harmful interference.

• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Markings
To satisfy the FCC exterior labeling requirements the following text must be placed on the exterior of the end product.

Contains Module FCC ID: U30-G2M5477

This marking applies to the G2M5477 and the RN-131 module, which are the same. Any similar working that expresses
the same meaning may be used.

FCC Warning

Modifications
Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment under
FCC rules. See Table 7.

www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.2r 4/9/2012 14

 RN -13 1-DS
 

Table 7. Radio Frequency Exposure

Property (Units Measured) Value Units

Antenna Gain 2.0 dBi
Numeric Gain 1.58 Numeric
Max Allowable Peak Power +23.76 dBm
Max Allowable Peak Power 237.7 mW
2
Calculated Safe Distance at 1 5.5 mW/cm
3
Minimum Separation Distance 20 cm

This equipment has been evaluated in accordance with the FCC bulletin 56 “Hazards of radio frequency and
electromagnetic fields” and Bulletin 65 “Human exposure to radio frequency and electromagnetic fields.”

A distance greater or equal to 20 cm from the device should be maintained for safe operation in an uncontrolled
environment.

NCC (Taiwan Statement)

Contains Transmitter Module NCC ID: CCAF11LP0240T6

802.11b/802.11g/BT 警語：

第十二條→經型式認證合格之低功率射頻電機，非經許可，公司，商號或使用者均不得擅自變更頻率、加
大功率或變更原設計之特性及功能。

第十四條→低功 射頻電機之使用 得影響飛航安全及干擾合法通信；經發現有干擾現象時，應 即停用

，並改善至無干擾時方得繼續使用。

前項合法通信，指依電信法規定作業之無線電通信。 低功 射頻電機須忍受合法通信或工業、科學及醫
用電波 射性電機設備之干擾。

Unofficial Translation
Article 12
Without permission granted by the NCC, any company, enterprise, or user is not allowed to change frequency, enhance
transmitting power or alter original characteristic as well as performance to an approved low power radio-frequency
devices.

Article 14
The low power radio-frequency devices shall not influence aircraft security and interfere legal communications. If found,
the user shall cease operating immediately until no interference is achieved.

The said legal communications means radio communications is operated in compliance with the Telecommunications Act.

The low power radio-frequency devices must be susceptible with the interference from legal communications or ISM radio
wave radiated devices.

www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.2r 4/9/2012 15

 RN -13 1-DS
 

Table 8. Compliance Information

Specification Compliance
FCC ID U3O-G2M5477 Part 15.247
IC (Canada) RSS-210
CE EU ID # 0681
REG U9M20901-1000-C
RADIO EN 300328 V1.7.1 (10/2006)
EMC EN 301489-1 V1.8.1 (04/2008), EN 301489-17 V1.3.2 (04/2008)
SAFETY EN 60950-1:2001+A11:2004
RoHs Compliant

ORDERING INFORMATION

Table 9 provides ordering information.

Table 9. Ordering Information

Part Number Description

RN-131G Industrial Temperature (-30 to + 85 C ) With chip antenna and U.FL connector
RN-131C Commercial Temperature (0 to + 70 C ) With chip antenna and U.FL connector
RN-131G-EVAL Development Kit for the RN-131G (Includes the RN-131G module)
RN-134 RN-131 Evaluation board, includes RS-232, LEDs, and power regulator. Sensor connections.
RN-SMA4-RP 4” external antenna with reverse polarity SMA connector. Used with RN-UFL-SMA6
RN-UFL-SMA6 6 inch cable with U.FL connector on one end and SMA on the other
For other configurations, contact Roving Networks directly.

Go to http://www.rovingnetworks.com for current pricing and a list of distributors carrying Roving Networks products.

   

www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.2r 4/9/2012 16

 RN -13 1-DS
 

NOTES

www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.2r 4/9/2012 17

 RN -13 1-DS
 

Copyright © 2012 Roving Networks. All rights reserved. Roving Networks is a

registered trademark of Roving Networks. Apple Inc., iPhone, iPad, iTunes, Made
for iPhone are registered trademarks of Apple Computer.

Roving Networks reserves the right to make corrections, modifications, and other
changes to its products, documentation and services at any time. Customers
should obtain the latest relevant information before placing orders and should verify
that such information is current and complete.

Roving Networks assumes no liability for applications assistance or customer’s

product design. Customers are responsible for their products and applications
which use Roving Networks components. To minimize customer product risks,
Roving Networks, Inc. customers should provide adequate design and operating safeguards.
102 Cooper Court
Roving Networks products are not authorized for use in safety-critical applications
Los Gatos, CA 95032 (such as life support) where a failure of the Roving Networks product would
+1 (408) 395-5300 reasonably be expected to cause severe personal injury or death, unless officers of
www.rovingnetworks.com the parties have executed an agreement specifically governing such use.

www.rovingnetworks.com Version 3.2r 4/9/2012 18