The E18-MS1PA2-PCB is a compact 2.4 GHz ZigBee wireless module based on TI CC2530F256 with integrated external PA (Power Amplifier) and LNA (Low Noise Amplifier). The PA+LNA combination delivers a link budget of 118 dB — extending range to 800 m versus ~100 m for standard CC2530 modules without PA/LNA. All CC2530 GPIO, UART, SPI, I2C, ADC, and timer pins are exposed on 1.27 mm pitch pads, enabling full custom firmware development with TI Z-Stack SDK.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Min | Typical | Max | Remarks |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V | 3.3 V | 3.6 V | ≥3.3 V ensures rated output power |
| IO Level | — | 3.3 V | — | Do NOT connect 5 V TTL — risk of permanent damage |
| TX Current | — | 98 mA | — | Peak during transmission |
| RX Current | — | 36 mA | — | — |
| Sleep Current | — | 2 µA | — | Software shutdown mode |
| Max TX Power | 19.6 dBm | 20 dBm | 20.5 dBm | PA boosted output |
| Receive Sensitivity | −99 dBm | −98 dBm | −97 dBm | @250 kbps air data rate |
| Operating Frequency | 2400 MHz | — | 2480 MHz | 2.4 GHz ISM band, 16 channels |
| Operating Temperature | −40 ℃ | — | +85 ℃ | Industrial grade |
| Reference Range | 800 m | Open field, 5 dBi antenna, 2.5 m height, 250 kbps | ||
| Protocol | ZigBee (IEEE 802.15.4) | Coordinator / Router / End-Device roles | ||
| IC | CC2530F256RHAT / QFN40 | Built-in PA + LNA | ||
| Flash | 256 KB | — | ||
| RAM | 8 KB | — | ||
| Core | 8051 | — | ||
| Dimensions | 16 × 27 mm | SMD stamp-hole, 1.27 mm pitch | ||
| Antenna | PCB onboard | 50 Ω impedance, no external antenna required | ||
| Package | SMD | — | ||
Product Details
CC2530 + PA + LNA — 20 dBm Output, −98 dBm Sensitivity, 800 m Range
The E18-MS1PA2-PCB integrates TI CC2530F256 with an external PA boosting transmit power to 20 dBm (~100 mW) and an LNA improving receive sensitivity to −98 dBm at 250 kbps. This PA+LNA combination delivers a link budget of 118 dB — extending range to 800 m in open field versus ~100 m for standard CC2530 modules without PA/LNA. Ideal for applications requiring maximum ZigBee range without external amplifiers.
ZigBee Ad-Hoc Mesh Networking — Self-Organizing, Self-Healing Topology
Based on the ZigBee (IEEE 802.15.4) protocol stack, the E18-MS1PA2-PCB supports coordinator, router, and end-device roles for full ad-hoc mesh network deployment. Router nodes automatically relay packets, enabling self-organizing and self-healing topologies without manual routing configuration. Supports up to 65,000 nodes per network with automatic address assignment.
All CC2530 IO Exposed — Full Custom Firmware Development
All CC2530 GPIO, ADC, UART, SPI, I2C, and timer pins are routed to the 1.27 mm pitch module pads, giving developers complete access to the CC2530 peripheral set. This enables custom ZigBee application firmware development using TI's Z-Stack SDK, including direct sensor interfacing, relay control, and proprietary application-layer protocols — without being limited to a fixed AT-command interface.
Compact PCB Antenna SMD — 16×27 mm, No External Antenna Required
The integrated PCB antenna (50 Ω) eliminates external antenna connectors and cables, reducing BOM cost and assembly complexity. At 16×27 mm and 1.8 g, the module suits space-constrained smart home devices, sensor nodes, and remote control units where compact form factor is essential.
Ideal Applications
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between E18-MS1PA2-PCB and standard CC2530 modules without PA/LNA?
A: Standard CC2530 modules (e.g., E18-MS1-PCB) without PA/LNA typically achieve 100–200 m range at 0 dBm output. The E18-MS1PA2-PCB adds an external PA boosting output to 20 dBm and an LNA improving receive sensitivity to −98 dBm, extending range to 800 m — a 4–8× improvement — while maintaining the same compact PCB form factor.
Q: Does the E18-MS1PA2-PCB come with ZigBee firmware pre-loaded?
A: The module ships with CC2530 hardware only. ZigBee firmware (coordinator, router, or end-device) must be flashed using TI's Z-Stack SDK and a CC Debugger programmer. Ebyte provides reference firmware and documentation. For plug-and-play ZigBee modules with pre-loaded AT-command firmware, consider the Ebyte E18-2G4Z27SI series.
Q: Is the E18-MS1PA2-PCB compatible with other ZigBee devices (Philips Hue, Sonoff, etc.)?
A: At the IEEE 802.15.4 PHY/MAC layer, the module is compatible with all ZigBee-standard devices. Application-layer compatibility (ZigBee Home Automation, ZigBee 3.0 clusters) depends on firmware implementation. With appropriate Z-Stack firmware, the module can join standard ZigBee 3.0 networks and interact with certified ZigBee devices.
Q: Can the module be powered from 5 V?
A: No. Operating voltage range is 2.0–3.6 V (3.3 V typical). Applying 5 V will permanently damage the module. IO level is also 3.3 V — do not connect 5 V TTL signals directly to any IO pin. Use a 3.3 V LDO regulator and level shifters when interfacing with 5 V systems.
Q: How many nodes can the ZigBee mesh network support?
A: ZigBee networks based on Z-Stack support up to 65,000 nodes (16-bit short address space). Practical network size depends on coordinator capacity, routing table size, and traffic load. Each router node can relay packets for up to 7 child end-devices by default in Z-Stack configuration.
Q: Does this module support ZigBee 3.0?
A: The CC2530 hardware supports IEEE 802.15.4 and is compatible with ZigBee 3.0 at the PHY/MAC layer. ZigBee 3.0 application-layer support depends on the Z-Stack version used. TI's Z-Stack 3.0 supports ZigBee 3.0 clusters. Note that CC2530 is a mature platform; for newer ZigBee 3.0 certified SoCs, consider CC2652-based modules.
