The E18-MS1PA2-PCB is a compact 2.4GHz ZigBee wireless module based on TI CC2530F256 with integrated PA (Power Amplifier) and LNA (Low Noise Amplifier). Delivering 20dBm transmit power and -98dBm receive sensitivity, it achieves 800m range in open field conditions. The SMD PCB-antenna design (16×27mm, 1.27mm pitch) with all IO pins exposed makes it ideal for smart home, industrial remote control, and ZigBee ad-hoc mesh network applications.
| Main Parameters | Value | Remarks | ||
| Min. | Typical | Max. | ||
| Operating Voltage (V) | 2.0 | 3.3 | 3.6 | ≥3.3V ensures rated output power |
| IO Level (V) | — | 3.3 | — | Do NOT connect 5V TTL directly — risk of damage |
| Operating Temperature (℃) | -40 | — | +85 | Industrial grade design |
| Operating Frequency (MHz) | 2400 | — | 2480 | 2.4GHz ISM band |
| TX Current (mA) | — | 98 | — | Peak during transmission |
| RX Current (mA) | — | 36 | — | — |
| Sleep Current (μA) | — | 2 | — | Software shutdown |
| Max TX Power (dBm) | 19.6 | 20 | 20.5 | — |
| Receive Sensitivity (dBm) | -99 | -98 | -97 | @ 250kbps air data rate |
| Main Parameter | Description | Remarks |
| Reference Distance | 800m | Open field, 5dBi antenna, 2.5m height, 250kbps |
| Protocol | ZigBee (IEEE 802.15.4) | — |
| Communication Interface | All IO ports exposed | 1.27mm pitch, direct CC2530 IO access |
| Package | SMD | — |
| IC | CC2530F256RHAT / QFN40 | Built-in PA + LNA |
| Flash | 256KB | — |
| RAM | 8KB | — |
| Core | 8051 | — |
| Size | 16 × 27mm | — |
| Antenna | PCB onboard | 50Ω impedance |
Product Details
CC2530 + PA + LNA — 20dBm Output, -98dBm Sensitivity, 800m Range
The E18-MS1PA2-PCB integrates TI CC2530F256 with an external PA (Power Amplifier) boosting transmit power to 20dBm (~100mW) and an LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) improving receive sensitivity to -98dBm at 250kbps. This PA+LNA combination delivers a link budget of 118dB — significantly extending range to 800m in open field versus standard CC2530 modules without PA/LNA (~100m). 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 between end devices and the coordinator, enabling self-organizing and self-healing network 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 1.27mm pitch module pads, giving developers complete access to the CC2530’s 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 — 16×27mm, No External Antenna Required
The integrated PCB antenna (50Ω) eliminates the need for external antenna connectors or cables, reducing BOM cost and assembly complexity. At 16×27mm and 1.8g, the module is suitable for space-constrained smart home devices, sensor nodes, and remote control units where a 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 100–200m range at 0dBm output power. The E18-MS1PA2-PCB adds an external PA boosting output to 20dBm and an LNA improving receive sensitivity to -98dBm, extending range to 800m — an 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 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 (e.g., ZigBee Home Automation, ZigBee 3.0 clusters) depends on the 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 5V?
A: No. The operating voltage range is 2.0–3.6V (3.3V typical). Applying 5V will permanently damage the module. The IO level is also 3.3V — do not connect 5V TTL signals directly to any IO pin. Use a 3.3V LDO regulator and level shifters when interfacing with 5V 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. For dense deployments, use multiple coordinators with gateway aggregation. Each router node in the mesh can relay packets for up to 7 child end-devices by default in Z-Stack configuration.
