Note: The Bluetooth SIG has deprecated and withdrawn Bluetooth 2.1 specification as of July 1, 2020. Existing RN42 and RN42N designs that are already Bluetooth certified are not affected. However, new RN42 and RN42N designs requiring Bluetooth certification cannot be certified as Bluetooth SIG has withdrawn Bluetooth v2.1. More information from Bluetooth SIG on Bluetooth 2.1 can be found here.

The RN42 is a small form factor, low power, Class 2 Bluetooth radio for designers who want to add wireless capability to their products. The RN42 supports multiple interface protocols, is simple to design in, and is fully certified, making it a complete embedded Bluetooth solution. The RN42 is functionally compatible with the RN41. With its high-performance PCB trace antenna and support for Bluetooth EDR, the RN42 delivers up to 3 Mbps data rate for distances up to 20 meters.

The RN42 is available without an antenna (RN42N). This is useful when the application requires an external antenna. The RN42N is form, function, and pin compatible with the RN42.

Firmware version 6.30 is the latest production firmware version available for the standard RN42. To receive the latest firmware version 6.30, please order part number RN42-I/RM630

Firmware version 5.50 is the latest production firmware version available for the RN42APL. To receive the latest firmware version 5.50, please order part number RN42APL-I/RM550

• Fully certified Class 2 Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR module
• Onboard embedded Bluetooth stack (no host processor required)
• UART (SPP or HCI) and USB (HCI only) data connection hardware interfaces
• Supports Bluetooth data link to iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch
• Supports HID profile for making accessories such as keyboards, mouse, pointing devices
• Programmable low power modes
• Secure communications, 128 bit encryption
• Error correction for guaranteed packet delivery
• UART local and over-the-air RF configuration
• Auto-discovery/pairing requires no software configuration (instant cable replacement)
• Castellated SMT pads for easy and reliable PCB mounting
• The standard part number (RN42-I/RM) supports SPP and DUN profiles
• Available in multiple configurations: Apple-compatible firmware (RN42APL-I/RM), HCI mode (RN42HCI-I/RM), HID mode (RN42HID-I/RM), USB mode (RN42U-I/RM), and socket module (RN42SM-I/RM)
• Available without antenna (RN42N-I/RM)
• Bluetooth SIG qualified