NRF51824-QFAA-R7

RF Transceiver ICS Overview

The NRF51824-QFAA-R7 is an automotive-grade Bluetooth Low Energy System-on-Chip (SoC) from Nordic Semiconductor, designed for general-purpose wireless applications. It integrates a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0 processor with 256 KB of flash memory and 16 KB of RAM. The device features a flexible 2.4 GHz radio supporting Bluetooth Low Energy and proprietary protocols like Gazell. Key electrical specifications include a maximum data rate of 2 Mbps, a transmit power of +4 dBm, and a receive sensitivity of -85 dBm. It operates within a supply voltage range of 1.8 V to 3.6 V, with typical current consumption of 9.7 mA during reception and 10.5 mA during transmission. The component is housed in a QFN-48 package and is qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 2 standards.

RF Transceiver ICS Feature Summary

• Automotive-grade qualification compliant with AEC-Q100 Grade 2 standards for reliability in vehicle environments.
• Integrated ultra-low power 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0 CPU with substantial program and data memory for complex firmware.
• Flexible 2.4 GHz transceiver supporting multiple data rates and proprietary protocol extensions alongside standard Bluetooth LE.
• Programmable Peripheral Interconnect (PPI) system enabling direct peripheral interaction without continuous CPU intervention.

RF Transceiver ICS Applications

• Automotive infotainment connectivity modules
• Vehicle keyless entry and start systems
• Automotive sensor networks requiring robust wireless communication
• General-purpose IoT devices requiring automotive reliability standards

RF Transceiver ICS Procurement Notes

This specific part number is listed as discontinued or not recommended for new designs by the manufacturer. Verification of current availability through authorized distributors is essential before procurement planning. Engineers should confirm if the end-of-life status impacts long-term production support. Alternative newer generation components from the nRF52 or nRF54 series are typically recommended for new projects to ensure sustained supply chain stability and access to updated technical support resources.

RF Transceiver ICS Selection Notes

Select this component only when automotive certification (AEC-Q100 Grade 2) is a mandatory requirement for the application environment. It is suitable for designs needing Bluetooth LE connectivity with moderate processing power and memory constraints. Consider migrating to newer Nordic SoCs if higher performance, extended temperature ranges beyond standard industrial limits, or additional wireless protocols are required. Ensure the QFN-48 package footprint aligns with existing PCB layouts if replacing older nRF51 variants.

RF Transceiver ICS Part Context

The NRF51824 belongs to the nRF51 Series, which represents Nordic Semiconductor's earlier generation of ultra-low power Bluetooth LE SoCs. This series established a foundation for compact, battery-operated wireless devices. The nRF51824 specifically targets the automotive sector, offering enhanced durability compared to the consumer-focused nRF51822. While largely superseded by the nRF52 and nRF54 families, it remains relevant for legacy automotive systems requiring certified low-power wireless solutions.

RF Transceiver ICS Replacement Considerations

Public documentation indicates the nRF51 Dongle is discontinued, suggesting a broader phase-out of the nRF51 platform. For new designs, consider the nRF52840 or nRF54L series as modern alternatives. Verify pin compatibility and software migration paths when transitioning from the Cortex-M0 based nRF51 to newer architectures.

RF Transceiver ICS FAQ

What is the operating temperature range for the NRF51824?

The NRF51824 is qualified for an extended operating temperature range of -40°C to +105°C, consistent with its automotive-grade AEC-Q100 Grade 2 certification.

Does the NRF51824 support ANT+ protocol?

No, the NRF51824 is primarily optimized for Bluetooth Low Energy and proprietary 2.4 GHz protocols. Support for ANT+ is available in other members of the nRF51 family, such as the nRF51422.

What is the maximum transmit power of the integrated radio?

The integrated 2.4 GHz radio supports a maximum output power of +4 dBm, which is sufficient for many short-range wireless communication applications.