SparkFun Thing Plus – XBee3 Micro (U.FL)

The SparkFun XBee3 Thing Plus is an ultra capable and easy way for getting into wireless device development. The combination of XBee and Qwiic in a space conscious design represents a much needed update to our XBee offering. With 20 I/O pins and Lithium Polymer Ion battery management, the XBee3 Thing Plus has all the basics for quickly prototyping or developing a connected device such as a remote sensor. The Qwiic connector and JST connector for the battery make for a solder-less option when working with the board which shortens setup time.

The new XBee3 Micro Module provides the classic all-but plug and play 802.15.4 2.4GHz wireless connection (Zigbee 3.0 Protocol) that makes it so desirable, but with a new addition of being programmable with MicroPython (32KB of memory available for it). RF data rates up to 250 Kbps and 200ft indoor ranges and up to 4000ft line-of-sight outdoor range. Communicating with/Configuring the module happens via an AT Command set or the Digi API, X-CTU, both locally or over-the-air. There’s even a mobile version of X-CTU now; Digi XBee® Mobile.

This variation features a U.FL connector for longer range communications. Just add your own antenna.

Get Started with the Sparkfun XBEE3 Thing Plus Guide

• XBee3 Micro Module
  • Silicon Labs EFR32MG SoC
  • 250Kbps RF, 1Mbps Serial data rates
  • Indoor/Urban range up to 200 ft (60 m)
  • Outdoor/RF Line of Sight range up to 4000 ft (1200 m)
  • +8 dBm transmit power
  • -103 dBm receiver sensitivity
  • UART, I²C, SPI Interfaces (SPI currently not available at this time, but broken out on the board)
  • ISM 2.4GHz Frequency Band (802.15.4)
  • 1MB of memory, 128KB RAM (32KB available for MicroPython)
• 20 GPIO Pins
• Configurable via X-CTU or AT Command set via both USB and Wirelessly (second XBee 3 device required for wireless configuration unless you’re using the mobile app)
• Qwiic Compatible
• On-board charging circuit and connector for 3.3v Lithium Polymer Ion Batteries (see related products for compatible batteries)
• 2.6VDC – 3.6VDC supply voltage
• U.FL Antenna Connector

• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• Hookup Guide
• Digi XBee3 ZigBee 3.0 Datasheet
• XBee 3 Hardware Reference Manual
• Digi Micropython Programming Guide
• X-CTU User Guide
• XBee Python Library
• Digi XBee Support Documentation Page
• GitHub Hardware Repo