Microchip Technology RN4020 User manual
2014-2022 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002279D-page 1
RN4020
Features
• Fully certified Bluetooth®version 4.1 module
• On-board Bluetooth Low Energy 4.1 stack
• ASCII command interface API over UART
• Device Firmware Upgrade (DFU) over UART or Over
the Air (OTA)
• Microchip Low-energy Data Profile (MLDP) for serial
data applications
• Remote commands over-the-air
• 64 KB internal flash
• Compact form factor: 11.5 mm x 19.5 mm x 2.5 mm
• Castellated SMT pads for easy and reliable PCB
mounting
• Environmentally friendly, RoHS compliant
• Certifications: FCC, ISED, CE, QDID, VCCI, KCC
and NCC
Operational
• Single operating voltage: 1.8V to 3.6V (3.3V typical)
• Temperature range: -30°C to 85°C
• Low-power consumption
• Simple, UART interface
• Integrated Crystal, I2C Interface, Internal Voltage
Regulator, Matching Circuitry, and PCB Antenna
• Multiple IOs for control and status
• GPIO, ADC
• Three Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) outputs
RF/Analog Features
• ISM Band 2.402 to 2.480 GHz operation
• Channels 0-39
• RX Sensitivity: -92.5 dBm at 0.1% BER
• TX Power: -19.0 dBm to +7.5 dBm
• RSSI Monitor
MAC/Baseband/Higher Layer Features
• Secure AES128 encryption
• GAP, GATT, SM, L2CAP, and integrated public
profiles
• Create custom services using command API
• Keyboard I/O Authentication
• Software configurable role as peripheral or central
and client or server
• Built-in scripting capabilities for hostless operation
Applications
• Health/Medical Devices
- Glucose meters
- Heart rate
-Scale
• Sports Activity and Fitness
- Pedometer
- Cycling computer
- Heart rate
• Retail
- Point of Sale (POS)
- Asset tagging and tracking
- Proximity advertising
• Beacon Applications
• Internet of Things (IoT) Sensor tag
• Remote Control
- Embedded Device Control
- AV consoles and game controllers
• Wearable Smart Devices and Accessories
• Industrial Control
- Private (custom) services
- Low bandwidth cable replacement
• Smart Energy/Smart Home
Description
Microchip’s RN4020 Bluetooth Low Energy Module pro-
vides a highly integrated solution for delivering low-power
Bluetooth 4.1 solutions. The advanced command inter-
face offers rapid time to market. The RN4020 module
complies with Bluetooth specification version 4.1. The
module integrates RF, a baseband controller, and a com-
mand API processor, making it a complete Bluetooth Low
Energy solution. The RN4020 can be used with ultra-low
cost microcontroller for intelligent Bluetooth Low Energy
applications. For simple sensor applications, the RN4020
internal scripting capabilities enable basic functions to be
implemented without the need for external host MCU or
software development tools.
Bluetooth®Low Energy Module
RN4020
DS50002279D-page 2 2014-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.
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Table of Contents
1.0 Device Overview........................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.0 General Specifications.................................................................................................................................................................. 6
3.0 Microcontroller to RN4020 Interface ............................................................................................................................................. 7
4.0 Physical Dimensions .................................................................................................................................................................... 8
5.0 Typical Application Schematic .................................................................................................................................................... 11
6.0 ASCII Command API .................................................................................................................................................................. 12
7.0 Supported Services .................................................................................................................................................................... 13
8.0 Regulatory Approval ................................................................................................................................................................... 15
9.0 Ordering Information................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Appendix A: Revision History ............................................................................................................................................................... 23
The Microchip Web Site ....................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Customer Change Notification Service ................................................................................................................................................ 25
Customer Support ................................................................................................................................................................................ 25
2014-2022 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002279D-page 3
RN4020
1.0 DEVICE OVERVIEW
The RN4020 Bluetooth Low Energy RF module
integrates Bluetooth 4.1 radio baseband, MCU, digital
analog I/O, on-board stack, and ASCII command API.
Figure 1-1 shows the top view of the module. The
pinout of the module is shown in Figure 1-2, and the
description is presented in Tab l e 1 - 1 . Figure 1-3 lists all
the key components of the module.
FIGURE 1-1: RN4020 TOP VIEW
FIGURE 1-2: RN4020 PIN DIAGRAM
FIGURE 1-3: RN4020 BLOCK DIAGRAM
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High-Performance
Integrated Antenna
128b AES Encryption
GPIO
10-bit ADC
UART
BTLE v 4.1 Core
with BT SIG Certified
Firmware GATT/GAP
UART Interface
3x Analog I/O
4 PWM I/O, I2C Comm.
1.8 –3.6V
Radio
Modem
64KB serial
Flash for
User profiles
and scripts
Crystal
RN4020 Bluetooth©4.1 Low Energy Module
VReg
RN4020
DS50002279D-page 4 2014-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.
TABLE 1-1: PIN DESCRIPTION
Pin Name Description Function
1 GND Ground Ground
2 AIO2 Bi-directional with programmable analog I/O 1.35V and 30 mA max out
3 AIO1 Bi-directional with programmable analog I/O 1.35V and 30 mA max out
4 AIO0 Bi-directional with programmable analog I/O 1.35V and 30 mA max out
5 UART TX UART Transmit (TX) Output
6 UART RX UART Receive (RX) Input
7 WAKE_SW
Deep Sleep Wake; active-high to wake module from
Deep Sleep. If the module runs without a host micro-
controller, connect the UART_RX pin to VDD via a
10K resistor to conserve power in Deep Sleep.
Input; weak pull down
8CMD/MLDP
Command or MLDP mode – In Command mode,
UART traffic is sent to the command interpreter. In
MLDP mode, UART traffic is routed to the MLDP
Bluetooth®LED connection, if active.
Input; Edge triggered; Change
from High to Low to enter CMD
mode from MLDP mode
9 GND Ground Ground
10
CONNECTION
LED
PIO[1]
SCK
PWM1
Default state is output. Active-high indicates the
module is connected to a remote device. Active-low
indicates a disconnected state. Configurable as
PIO[1] via software command. SCK for Diagnostics
and Factory Calibration if pin 17 is asserted.
• Connection Status Indicator
(Green LED)
• PIO[1]
•SCK
•PWM1
11
MLDP_EV
PIO[2]
CS
PWM2
Default function is output used for MLDP data event
indicator (Red LED). Active-high indicates MLDP
data received or UART console data pending. Low
level indicates no events. Event is only triggered in
MLDP mode, when CMD/MLDP (pin 8) is high.
Configurable as PIO[2] via “|I” and “|O” commands.
CS for Diagnostics and Factory Calibration if pin 17
is asserted.
• MLDP Data Indicator (Red
LED)
• PIO[2]
•CS
•PWM2
12
WS
PIO[3]
MOSI
PWM3
Default function is an output used for Activity
Indicator (Blue LED). High level indicates module is
awake and active. Low level indicates module is in a
Sleep state. Accessible as PIO[3] via “|>” and “|<”
commands. MOSI for Diagnostics and Factory
Calibration if pin 17 is asserted.
• WS (Blue LED)
• PIO[3]
•MOSI
•PWM3
13 PIO[4]
MISO
MISO for Diagnostics and Factory Calibration if pin
17 asserted.
• PIO[4]
•MISO
14 CTS
PIO[5]
Reserved for CTS if hardware flow control is enabled
on the UART; active-low.
• CTS (input)
• PIO[5]
2014-2022 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002279D-page 5
RN4020
15 WAKE_HW
Hardware wake from Dormant state. Setting the
WAKE_HW (pin15) high wakes the module from Dor-
mant mode. During the module power up, if
WAKE_HW pin is flipped high and low for three
cycles (putting the WAKE_HW pin into high, low, and
then high again is considered as one flip cycle) in the
first five seconds, then the module performs a factory
Reset. If the WAKE_SW pin is high when a factory
Reset is performed, the factory Reset is a full reset.
Otherwise, it is a partial reset that retains the device
name, private service and scripts. Set WAKE_HW
pin to low in order to lower power consumption in
Deep Sleep and Dormant modes.
Active-high; internal pull down
16 GND Ground Ground
17 SPI/PIO SPI/PIO for pins 10-13; active-high Input with internal pull down;
selects SPI on pins 10-13
18 RTS
PIO[6]
Reserved for RTS if hardware flow control on UART
is enabled. If the data transmission to RN4020 must
be halted, assert RTS to high. RTS pin operates
independently from the CTS (pin 14).
• RTS (output)
• PIO[6]
19 PWM4
PIO[7] Spare PIO PIO[7]; Spare PIO configurable as
input or output
20 RSVD Do not connect. Factory diagnostics. No Connect
21 SDA SDA Data line of the I2C interface. The RN4020
always acts as the I2C Host. SDA
22 SCL I2C Clock SCL
23 VDD Supply voltage 1.8 to 3.6V
24 GND Ground Ground
TABLE 1-1: PIN DESCRIPTION (CONTINUED)
Pin Name Description Function
CAUTION
A full factory Reset erases scripts and sets the
device name to the serialized name. For more
information, refer to the SF Command in the
RN4020 Bluetooth Low Energy User's Guide
(DS70005191).
RN4020
DS50002279D-page 6 2014-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.
2.0 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Table 2-1 provides the general specifications of the
module. Tab l e 2-2 and Tab l e 2-3 shows the weight and
dimensions, and electrical characteristics of the mod-
ule. Table 2-4 and Table 2-5 specify the current con-
sumption of the module.
TABLE 2-1: GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Specification Description
Standard Bluetooth®4.1
Frequency Band 2.4 ~ 2.48 GHz
Modulation Method GFSK
Maximum Data Rate 1 Mbps
Antenna PCB
Interface UART, PIO, AIO, SPI
Operation Range 100 meters(1)
Sensitivity -92.5 dBm at 0.1% BER
RF TX Power -19.0 dBm to +7.5 dBm
Temperature (operating) -30°C to +85°C
Temperature (storage) -40°C to +85°C
Humidity 10% ~ 90%
non-condensing
Note 1: Maximum range under ideal conditions
such as RF matching, line of sight, maxi-
mum power. Actual results may vary
depending on the customer’s design.
TABLE 2-2: WEIGHT AND DIMENSIONS
Specification Description
Dimensions 11.5 mm x 19.5 mm x 2.5 mm
Weight 1.2g
TABLE 2-3: ELECTRICAL
CHARACTERISTICS
Specification Description
Supply Voltage 1.8 to 3.6V DC
Working current Depends on profiles, 12 mA
typical
TABLE 2-4: CURRENT CONSUMPTION
Mode Typical Current at 3V
Dormant <900 nA
Deep Sleep <5.0 µA
Idle <1.5 mA
TX/RX active 16 mA
TABLE 2-5: CURRENT CONSUMPTION VS
RF TX POWER
RN4020, VDD = 3.3V, 25°C
TX Power (dBm) Id (mA)
-19.1 14.0
-15.1 14.4
-10.9 15.0
-6.9 15.9
-2.5 17.6
1.6 20.7
5.8 26.9
7.5 33.6
2014-2022 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002279D-page 7
RN4020
3.0 MICROCONTROLLER TO
RN4020 INTERFACE
Figure 3-1 illustrates the interface between PIC
microcontroller and the RN4020 module.
The minimum interface consists of UART and
WAKE_HW lines. This enables the microcontroller to
communicate with the RN4020 module using ASCII
command API. The command API is described in
Section 6.0 “ASCII Command API”.
3.1 CTS/RTS Hardware Flow Control
For customer applications using the Microchip Low-
energy Data Profile, Pin 8 (CMD/MLDP) is required.
CTS/RTS hardware control is also required for this
service to avoid buffer overruns.
3.2 Microchip Low-energy Data Profile
(MLDP)
The Microchip Low-energy Data Profile is a private
BTLE service that provides a 50 kbps serial data trans-
port over Bluetooth Low Energy on the RN4020. Pin 8
(CMD/MLDP) is required. CTS/RTS hardware control
is also highly recommended for this service to avoid
data loss.
For more information on how to use the MLDP data ser-
vice, refer to RN4020 Bluetooth Low Energy
Module User’s Guide (DS70005191).
FIGURE 3-1: INTERFACE DESCRIPTION
Note: If the RN4020 is operated in a hostless mode (without a microcontroller), set the UART_RX pin to high
via a 10K resistor to reduce power consumption in Deep Sleep mode.
RN4020
DS50002279D-page 8 2014-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.
4.0 PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS
Figure 4-1 shows the physical dimensions for RN4020
module. Figure 4-2 illustrates the recommended PCB
layout. It is recommended that when laying out the
carrier board for the RN4020 module, the areas under
the antenna, RF test point (semi-circular pad), and
shielding connections do not contain surface traces,
ground planes, or exposed vias.
Figure 4-3 specifies the recommended mounting
details. For optimal radio performance, it is recom-
mended that the antenna end of the RN4020 module
protrudes at least 31 mm beyond any metal enclosure.
Figure 4-4 shows an example of good and acceptable
positioning of the RN4020 on the host PCB.
FIGURE 4-1: RN4020 MODULE DIMENSIONS
2014-2022 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002279D-page 9
RN4020
FIGURE 4-2: RN4020 RECOMMENDED PCB FOOTPRINT
FIGURE 4-3: RN4020 MODULE MOUNTING DETAILS
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DS50002279D-page 10 2014-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.
FIGURE 4-4: RN4020 HOST PCB EXAMPLE LAYOUT
2014-2022 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002279D-page 11
RN4020
5.0 TYPICAL APPLICATION SCHEMATIC
The following figure shows the schematics for the RN4020 Bluetooth Low Energy PICtail™/PICtail Plus development tool (P/N: RN-4020-PICtail).
FIGURE 5-1: RN4020 TYPICAL APPLICATION SCHEMATICS
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DS50002279D-page 12 2014-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.
6.0 ASCII COMMAND API
The RN4020 command API is documented in RN4020
Bluetooth Low Energy Module User’s Guide
(DS70005191).
Commands are categorized into the following
functions:
• Built-in Public Services
- Enable/Disable service as Server or Client
- Read/Write characteristic values
- Set notification for characteristic
•MaxTXPower
- Set power in dB
• GAP Role
- Central, Peripheral, Observer and
Broadcaster
• Advertising
- Start/Stop
• Bonding
- Bond/Unbound to Host
• Private Service
- Set private service UUID
- Set characteristic UUID for private service
- Set private service filter
• Microchip Low-energy Data Profile (MLDP)
- Enable
- Enter MLDP mode
- Peripheral side configuration
- Central side configuration
• Device Information Profile settings
• Connection
- Status
- Disconnect
- Kill active connection
- Establish connection (Central role only)
- Start/Stop inquiry scan for other devices
(Central role only)
•IO
- Configure GPIO mask
- Set/Get GPIO states
- Ready and Write ADC values
- Read/Write I2C
- Configure PWM
- Device Firmware Update
- Accessing remote configuration
• System
- Reboot
- Factory default
- Display configuration
•Scripting
- Enter script mode
- Declare event handler
- Execute current script
- List current script
- Clear script
- Define User function
2014-2022 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002279D-page 13
RN4020
7.0 SUPPORTED SERVICES
The RN4020 firmware support the built-in public ser-
vices listed in the following table. The services are
enabled via Command API and serviced in the same
manner. Each service manages “Characteristics”
which are declared and defined by Bluetooth as data
values. The values for each characteristic are cached
in modules memory and can be read by another Blue-
tooth device such as smartphone acting in Central role.
The values of every Characteristic are updated via
Command API over UART.
7.1 Public and Private Services
The RN4020 provides the ability to create private ser-
vice. If the services are supported on both end points of
a Bluetooth Low Energy connection, such as Central
and Peripheral devices, data can be exchanged. For
example, two RN4020 modules can define a custom
(private) service with its own unique UUID and GATT
characteristics. Data can be exchanged easily via
Command API.
Private services are not registered with the Bluetooth
SIG, and therefore not interoperable with other Blue-
tooth Low Energy devices, unless the device imple-
ments the private service. An example of a built-in
private service is Microchip Streaming Data service.
For an example on how to create a custom service
using the RN4020, refer to RN4020 Bluetooth Low
Energy Module User’s Guide (DS70005191).
7.2 PCB Antenna
The PCB antenna is fabricated on the top copper layer
and covered in solder mask. The layers below the
antenna do not have copper trace. It is recommended
that the module is mounted on the edge of the host
PCB. Having PCB material below the antenna structure
is permitted as long as no copper traces or planes are
on the host PCB in that area.
The following table provides the antenna specification.
The following three figures show the antenna
efficiency, the antenna plot, and the 3D radiation
pattern.
FIGURE 7-1: EFFICIENCY
TABLE 7-1: SUPPORTED PUBLIC
SERVICES ON RN4020(1)
Service Name Bluetooth®SIG UUID
Device Information 0x180A
Battery 0x180F
Heart Rate 0x180D
Health Thermometer 0x1809
Glucose 0x1808
Blood Pressure 0x1810
Running Speed Cadence 0x1814
Cycling Speed Cadence 0x1816
Current Time 0x1805
Next DST Change 0x1807
Reference Time Update 0x1806
Link Loss 0x1803
Immediate Alert 0x1802
TX Power 0x1804
Alert Notification 0x1811
Phone Alert Status 0x180E
Scan Parameters 0x1813
Note 1: The services listed above are based on
firmware version 1.20. For the latest list of
supported services, refer to the firmware
version on the RN4020 web page.
TABLE 7-2: ANTENNA
CHARACTERISTICS
Specification Description
Type PCB
Frequency Range 2.402 to 2.485 MHz
Peak Gain -0.23 dBi
RN4020
DS50002279D-page 14 2014-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.
FIGURE 7-2: ANTENNA PLOT
FIGURE 7-3: 3D RADIATION PATTERN
AND ANTENNA
ORIENTATION
7.3 Soldering Recommendations
The RN4020 wireless module is assembled using
standard lead-free reflow profile IPC/JEDEC
J-STD-020.
The module can be soldered to the host PCB using
standard leaded and lead-free solder reflow profiles.
To avoid damaging the module, the following recom-
mendations are given:
• Microchip Technology Application Note, AN233
Solder Reflow Recommendation (DS00233) pro-
vides solder reflow recommendations
• Do not exceed peak temperature (Tp) of 250°C
• Refer to the solder paste data sheet for specific
reflow profile recommendations
• Use no-clean flux solder paste
• Do not wash as moisture can be trapped under
the shield
• Use only one flow. If the PCB requires multiple
flows, apply the module on the final flow.
2014-2022 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002279D-page 15
RN4020
8.0 REGULATORY APPROVAL
This section outlines the regulatory information for the
RN4020 module for the following countries:
• United States
• Canada
• Europe
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Japan
• Korea
• Taiwan
8.1 United States
The RN4020 module has received Federal Communi-
cations Commission (FCC) CFR47 Telecommunica-
tions, Part 15 Subpart C “Intentional Radiators”
modular approval in accordance with Part 15.212 Mod-
ular Transmitter approval. Modular approval allows the
end user to integrate the RN4020 module into a fin-
ished product without obtaining subsequent and sepa-
rate FCC approvals for intentional radiation, provided
no changes or modifications are made to the module
circuitry. Changes or modifications could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment. The end
user must comply with all of the instructions provided
by the Grantee, which indicate installation and/or oper-
ating conditions necessary for compliance.
The finished product is required to comply with all appli-
cable FCC equipment authorizations regulations,
requirements and equipment functions not associated
with the transmitter module portion. For example, com-
pliance must be demonstrated to regulations for other
transmitter components within the host product; to
requirements for unintentional radiators (Part 15 Sub-
part B “Unintentional Radiators”), such as digital
devices, computer peripherals, radio receivers, etc.;
and to additional authorization requirements for the
non-transmitter functions on the transmitter module
(i.e., Verification, or Declaration of Conformity) (e.g.,
transmitter modules may also contain digital logic func-
tions) as appropriate.
8.1.1 LABELING AND USER
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
The RN4020 module has been labeled with its own
FCC ID number, and if the FCC ID is not visible when
the module is installed inside another device, then the
outside of the finished product into which the module is
installed must also display a label referring to the
enclosed module. This exterior label can use wording
as follows:
A user’s manual for the product should include the fol-
lowing statement:
Additional information on labeling and user information
requirements for Part 15 devices can be found in KDB
Publication 784748 available at the FCC Office of Engi-
neering and Technology (OET) Laboratory Division
Knowledge Database (KDB)
http://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/index.cfm.
RN4020:
Contains Transmitter Module FCC ID: T9JRN4020
or
Contains FCC ID: T9JRN4020
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation
This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B 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 equip-
ment generates, uses and can radiate radio fre-
quency energy, and if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. 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 follow-
ing measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is con-
nected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
RN4020
DS50002279D-page 16 2014-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.
8.1.2 RF EXPOSURE
All transmitters regulated by FCC must comply with RF
exposure requirements. KDB 447498 General RF
Exposure Guidance provides guidance in determining
whether proposed or existing transmitting facilities,
operations or devices comply with limits for human
exposure to Radio Frequency (RF) fields adopted by
the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
This module is approved for installation into mobile
and/or portable host platforms and must not be co-
located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter except in accordance with FCC
multitransmitter guidelines. End users must be pro-
vided with transmitter operating conditions for satisfy-
ing RF Exposure compliance.
8.1.3 APPROVED ANTENNA
To maintain modular approval in the United States, only
the antenna types that have been tested shall be used.
It is permissible to use different antenna provided the
same antenna type and antenna gain (equal to or less
than) is used. An antenna type comprises antennas
having similar in-band and out-of-band radiation pat-
terns.
For RN4020,approved antennas are listed in Ta b l e 7 -
2.
8.1.4 HELPFUL WEB SITES
Federal Communications Commission (FCC):
http://www.fcc.gov
FCC Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) Lab-
oratory Division Knowledge Database (KDB):
http://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/index.cfm
8.2 Canada
The RN4020 module has been certified for use in Can-
ada under Innovation, Science and Economic Develop-
ment Canada (ISED, formerly Industry Canada) Radio
Standards Specification (RSS) RSS-210 and RSSGen.
Modular approval permits the installation of a module in
a host device without the need to recertify the device.
8.2.1 LABELING AND USER
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
Labeling Requirements for the Host Device (from Sec-
tion 5, RSP-100, Issue 12, March 2019): The host
device shall be properly labeled to identify the module
within the host device.
The Industry Canada certification label of a module
shall be clearly visible at all times when installed in the
host device, otherwise the host device must be labeled
to display the Industry Canada certification number of
the module, preceded by the words “Contains transmit-
ter module”, or the word “Contains”, or similar wording
expressing the same meaning, as follows:
User Manual Notice for License-Exempt Radio Appara-
tus (from Section 8.4 RSS-Gen, Issue 5, March 2019):
User manuals for license-exempt radio apparatus shall
contain the following or equivalent notice in a conspic-
uous location in the user manual or alternatively on the
device or both:
Transmitter Antenna (From Section 6.8 RSS-GEN,
Issue 5, March 2019): User manuals, for transmitters
shall display the following notice in aconspicuous loca-
tion:
Contains transmitter module IC: 6514A-RN4020
This device contains license-exempt transmitter(s)/
receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and
Economic Development Canada’s license-exempt
RSS (s). Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference,
including interference that may cause unde-
sired operation of the device.
L’émetteur/récepteur exempt de licence contenu
dans le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR
d’Innovation,Scienceset Développement
économique Canada applicables aux appareils radio
exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux
deux conditions suivantes:
1. L’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage;
2. L’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage
radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est
susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionne-
ment.
This radio transmitter [IC: 6514A-RN4020] has been
approved by Innovation, Science and Economic
Development Canada to operate with the antenna
types listed below, with the maximum permissible
gain indicated. Antenna types not included in this list
that have again greater than the maximum gain
indicated for any type listed are strictly prohibited for
use with this device.
Le présent émetteur radio [IC: 6514A-RN4020]aété
approuvé par Innova- tion, Sciences et
Développement économique Canadapour
fonctionnerav les types d'antenne énumérés
cidessous et ayant un gain admissible maximal. Les
types d'antenne non inclus dans cette liste, et dont le
gain est supérieur au gain maximal indiqué pour tout
type figurant sur la liste, sont strictement interdits
pour l'exploitation de l'émetteur
2014-2022 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002279D-page 17
RN4020
Immediately following the above notice, the manufac-
turer shall provide alist of all antenna types approved
for use with the transmitter, indicating the maximum
permissible antenna gain (in dBi) and required imped-
ance for each.
8.2.2 RF EXPOSURE
All transmitters regulated by Innovation, Science and
Economic Development Canada (ISED) must comply
with RF exposure requirements listed in RSS-102 -
Radio Frequency (RF) Exposure Compliance of Radio-
communication Apparatus (All Frequency Bands).
This module is approved for installation into mobile
and/or portable host platforms and must not be co-
located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter except in accordance with
Industry Canada's multi-transmitter guidelines. End
users must be provided with transmitter operating con-
ditions for satisfying RF Exposure compliance.
8.2.3 APPROVED EXTERNAL ANTENNA
TYPES
Transmitter Antenna (from Section 7.1.2 RSS-Gen,
Issue 3, December 2010):
The RN4020 module can only be sold or operated with
antennas with which it was approved. Transmitter may
be approved with multiple antenna types. An antenna
type comprises antennas having similar in-band and
out-of-band radiation patterns. Testing shall be per-
formed using the highest gain antenna of each combi-
nation of transmitter and antenna type for which
approval is being sought, with the transmitter output
power set at the maximum level. Any antenna of the
same type having equal or lesser gain as an antenna
that had been successfully tested with the transmitter,
will also be considered approved with the transmitter,
and may be used and marketed with the transmitter.
When a measurement at the antenna connector is
used to determine RF output power, the effective gain
of the device's antenna shall be stated, based on mea-
surement or on data from the antenna manufacturer.
For transmitters of output power greater than 10 milli-
watts, the total antenna gain shall be added to the mea-
sured RF output power to demonstrate compliance to
the specified radiated power limits. For RN4020, the
approval is received using the antenna listed in
Table 7-2.
8.2.4 HELPFUL WEB SITES
Industry Canada: http://www.ic.gc.ca/
8.3 Europe
The RN4020 module is Radio Equipment Directive
(RED) assessed, CE marked, and have been manufac-
tured and tested with the intention of being integrated
into a final product.
The RN4020 module has been tested to RED 2014/53/
EU Essential Requirements mentioned in the following
European Compliance table.
TABLE 8-1: EUROPEAN COMPLIANCE
The ETSI provides guidance on modular devices in
“Guide to the application of harmonized standards cov-
ering Article 3.1b and Article 3.2 of the Directive 2014/
53/EU RED to multi-radio and combined radio and non-
radio equipment” document available at http://
www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_eg/203300_203399/20
3367/01.01.01_60/eg_203367v010101p.pdf
8.3.1 LABELING AND USER
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
The label on the final product which contains the
RN4020 module must follow CE marking requirements
8.3.2 CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT
From ETSI Guidance Note EG 203367, section 6.1
Non-radio products are combined with a radio product:
If the manufacturer of the combined equipment installs
the radio product in a host non-radio product in equiva-
lent assessment conditions (host equivalent to the one
used for the assessment of the radio product) an d
according to the installation instructions for the radio
product, then no additional assessment of the com-
bined equipment against article 3.2 of the RED is
required.
8.3.2.1 SIMPLIFIED EU DECLARATION OF
CONFORMITY
Hereby, Microchip Technology Inc. declares that the
radio equipment type RN4020 is in compliance with
Directive 2014/53/EU.
Certification Standards Article
Safety EN 62368 3.1a
Health EN 62311
Electro Magnetic
Compatibility (EMC)
EN 301 489-1 3.1b
EN 301 489-17
Radio EN 300 328 3.2
Note: To maintain conformance to the testing
listed in Ta b l e 8 - 1, the module shall be
installed in accordance with the installa-
tion instructions in this data sheet and
shall not be modified. When integrating a
radio module into a completed product the
integrator becomes the manufacturer of
the final product and is therefore responsi-
ble for demonstrating compliance of the
final product with the essential require-
ments against RED.
RN4020
DS50002279D-page 18 2014-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.
The full text of the EU declaration of conformity, for this
product, is available at:
https://www.microchip.com/en-us/product/RN4020
(available under Documents > Certifications).
8.3.3 APPROVED ANTENNAS
For RN4020, the approval is received using the integral
PCB antenna listed in Table 7-2.
8.3.4 HELPFUL WEB SITES
A document that can be used as a starting point in
understanding the use of Short Range Devices (SRD)
in Europe is the European Radio Communications
Committee (ERC) Recommendation 70-03 E, which
can be downloaded from the European Radio Commu-
nications Office (ERO) at: http://www.ero.dk/.
Additional helpful web sites are:
• Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU): https://
ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market/euro
• European Conference of Postal and Telecommu-
nications Administrations (CEPT):
http://www.cept.org/
• European Telecommunications Standards Insti-
tute (ETSI):
http://www.etsi.org
The Radio Equipment Directive Compliance Associa-
tion (REDCA): http://www.redca.eu/
8.4 Australia
The Australia radio regulations do not provide a modu-
lar approval policy similar to the United States (FCC)
and Canada (ISED). However, RN4020 module RF
transmitter test reports can be used in part to demon-
strate compliance in accordance with ACMA Radio
communications “Short Range Devices” Standard
2004 (The Short Range Devices standard calls up the
AS/NZS 4268:2008 industry standard). The RN4020
module test reports can be used as part of the product
certification and compliance folder. For more informa-
tion on the RF transmitter test reports, contact Micro-
chip Technology Australia sales office.
To meet overall Australian final product compliance, the
developer must construct a compliance folder contain-
ing all relevant compliance test reports e.g. RF, EMC,
electrical safety and DoC (Declaration of Conformity)
etc. It is the responsibility of the integrator to know what
is required in the compliance folder for ACMA compli-
ance. All test reports are available on the RN4020
product web page at http://www.microchip.com. For
more information on Australia compliance, refer to the
Australian Communications and Media Authority web
site http://www.acma.gov.au/.
8.4.1 HELPFUL WEB SITE
The Australian Communications and Media Authority:
www.acma.gov.au/.
8.5 New Zealand
The New Zealand radio regulations do not provide a
modular approval policy similar to the United States
(FCC) and Canada (ISED). However, RN4020 module
RF transmitter test reports can be used in part to
demonstrate compliance against the New Zealand
“General User Radio License for Short Range
Devices”. New Zealand Radio communications (Radio
Standards) Notice 2010 calls up the AS / NZS
4268:2008 industry standard. The RN4020 module test
reports can be used as part of the product certification
and compliance folder. All test reports are available on
the RN4020 product web page at http://www.micro-
chip.com. For more information on the RF transmitter
test reports, contact Microchip Technology sales office.
Information on the New Zealand short range devices
license can be found in the following web links:
http://www.rsm.govt.nz/cms/licensees/types-oflicence/
general-user-licences/short-range-devices
and
http://www.rsm.govt.nz/cms/policy-and-planning/spec-
trum-policy-overview/legislation/gazette-notices/prod-
uct-compliance
To meet overall New Zealand final product compliance,
the developer must construct a compliance folder con-
taining all relevant compliance test reports e.g. RF,
EMC, electrical safety and DoC (Declaration of
Conformity) etc. It is the responsibility of the developer
to know what is required in the compliance folder for
New Zealand Radio communications. For more infor-
mation on New Zealand compliance, refer to the web
site
http://www.rsm.govt.nz/.
8.6 Japan
The RN4020 module has received type certification
and is labeled with its own technical conformity mark
and certification number as required to conform to the
technical standards regulated by the Ministry of Internal
Affairs and Communications (MIC) of Japan pursuant
to the Radio Act of Japan.
Integration of this module into a final product does not
require additional radio certification provided installa-
tion instructions are followed and no modifications of
the module are allowed. Additional testing may be
required:
• If the host product is subject to electrical appli-
ance safety (for example, powered from an AC
mains), the host product may require Product
Safety Electrical Appliance and Material (PSE)
testing. The integrator should contact their confor-
mance laboratory to determine if this testing is
required.
• There is an voluntary Electromagnetic Compatibil-
ity (EMC) test for the host product administered
2014-2022 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002279D-page 19
RN4020
by VCCI: http://www.vcci.jp/vcci_e/index.html
8.6.1 LABELING AND USER
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
The label on the final product which contains the
RN4020 module must follow Japan marking
requirements. The integrator of the module should refer
to the labeling requirements for Japan available at the
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC)
website.
The RN4020 module is labeled with its own technical
conformity mark and certification number. The final
product in which this module is being used must have
a label referring to the type certified module inside:
8.6.2 4.6.2 HELPFUL WEB SITES
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC):
http://www.tele.soumu.go.jp/e/index.htm
Association of Radio Industries and Businesses
(ARIB): http://www.arib.or.jp/english/
8.7 Korea
The RN4020 module has received certification of con-
formity in accordance with the Radio Waves Act. Inte-
gration of this module into a final product does not
require additional radio certification provided installa-
tion instructions are followed and no modifications of
the module are allowed.
8.7.1 LABELING AND USER
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
The label on the final product which contains the
RN4020 module must follow KC marking requirements.
The integrator of the module should refer to the labeling
requirements for Korea available on the Korea
Communications Commission (KCC) website.
The RN4020 module is labeled with its own KC mark.
The final product requires the KC mark and certificate
number of the module:
8.7.2 HELPFUL WEB SITES
Korea Communications Commission (KCC):
http://www.kcc.go.kr
National Radio Research Agency (RRA):
http://rra.go.kr
8.8 Taiwan
The RN4020 module has received compliance
approval in accordance with the Telecommunications
Act. Customers seeking to use the compliance
approval in their product should contact Microchip
Technology sales or distribution partners to obtain a
Letter of Authority.
Integration of this module into a final product does not
require additional radio certification provided installa-
tion instructions are followed and no modifications of
the module are allowed.
8.8.1 LABELING AND USER
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
The RN4020 module is labeled with its own NCC mark
and certificate number as below:
The user's manual should contain below warning (for
RF device) in traditional Chinese:
注意!
依據低功率電波輻射性電機管理辦法
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。
第十四條低功率射頻電機之使用不得影響飛
航安全及干擾合法通信；
經發現有干擾現象時，應立即停用，並改善
至無干擾時方得繼續使用。
前項合法通信，指依電信規定作業之無線電
信。
低功率射頻電機須忍受合法通信或工業、科
學及醫療用電波輻射性
電機設備之干擾。
Contains transmitter module with certificate number:
MSIP-CRI-029-RN4020
RN4020
DS50002279D-page 20 2014-2022 Microchip Technology Inc.
8.8.2 HELPFUL WEB SITE
National Communications Commission (NCC):
http://www.ncc.gov.tw.
8.9 UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed)
The RN4020 module is a UK conformity assessed
radio module that meets all the essential requirements
according to CE RED requirements.
8.9.1 LABELING REQUIREMENTS FOR
MODULE AND USER’S
REQUIREMENTS
The label on the final product that contains the RN4020
module must follow the UKCA marking requirements.
The UKCA mark above is printed on the module itself
or on the packing label.
Additional details for the label requirement are avail-
able at:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-ukca-mark-
ing#check-whether-you-need-to-use-the-new-ukca-
marking.
8.9.2 UKCA DECLARATION OF
CONFORMITY
Hereby, Microchip Technology Inc. declares that the
radio equipment type RN4020 is in compliance with the
Radio Equipment Regulations 2017.
The full text of the UKCA declaration of conformity for
this product is available (under Documents > Certifica-
tions) at:
•https://www.microchip.com/en-us/product/
RN4020
8.9.3 APPROVED ANTENNAS
The testing of the RN4020 module was performed with
the antennas listed in Tab l e 7 - 2 .
8.9.4 HELPFUL WEB SITES
For more information on the UKCA regulatory approv-
als, refer to the https://www.gov.uk/guidance/placing-
manufactured-goods-on-the-market-in-great-britain.
8.10 China
The RN4020 module has received certification of con-
formity in accordance with the China MIIT Notice 2014-
01 of State Radio Regulation Committee (SRRC) certi-
fication scheme. Integration of this module into a final
product does not require additional radio certification,
provided installation instructions are followed and no
modifications of the module are allowed. Refer to
SRRC certificate available in the RN4020 product page
for expiry date.
8.10.1 LABELING AND USER
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
The RN4020 module is labeled with its own CMIIT ID
as follows:
When Host system is using an approved Full Modular
Approval (FMA) radio: The host must bear a label con-
taining the statement “This device contains SRRC
approved Radio module CMIIT ID: 2021DJ12630”.
CMIIT ID: 2021DJ12630
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