Summary of ITEAD ZIGBEE 3.0 DONGLE POWERED BY SILICON LABS EFR32MG21 WIRELESS MCU SELLS FOR $6.99
ITEAD released a Zigbee 3.0 USB dongle based on the Silicon Labs EFR32MG21 MCU, pre-flashed with EmberZNet 6.7.8 so it works as a Zigbee coordinator out of the box for Home Assistant and openHAB. The adapter offers a faster core, more RAM, improved RF, and lower power than previous devices, includes a USB interface, headers for programming and serial, buttons, LED, PCB antenna, and runs from 5V USB power.
Parts used in the ZigBee 3.0 USB Dongle:
- Silicon Labs EFR32MG21 Arm Cortex-M33 microcontroller (up to 80 MHz, DSP and FPU, up to 1024 kB flash, up to 96 kB RAM)
- USB port (host interface)
- 7-pin IO header with programming pins, one GPIO, 3.3V and GND
- 2-pin header for Tx/Rx serial port
- Button
- Reset button
- LED
- PCB antenna
- LDO chip for 5V to required voltages
- PCB (56 mm x 14 mm)
ITEAD has just released a new Zigbee 3.0 dongle powered by the Silicon Labs EFR32MG21 wireless MCU.
The Shenzhen-based company, well known for its Sonoff line of home automation devices, had recently introduced a number of Zigbee compliant products like the Sonoff BASICZBR3 smart switch, the Sonoff ZBBridge WiFi to Zigbee Gateway, and the Zigbee-compatible USB dongle.
ZigBee 3.0 USB Dongle is pre-flashed with the Silicon Labs Zigbee stack from their EmberZNet 6.7.8 SDK as the application firmware, which means that it can be used out of the box as a ZigBee coordinator on Home Assistant and openHAB,” ITEAD writes.
The Silicon Labs EFR32MG21 wireless MCU used in the ZigBee 3.0 USB adapter is a high-performance, low-power chipset designed to increase processing capability, improve RF performance, and lower active current. It is a very powerful MCU the same as the one used in the Sonoff ZBBridge, but this time with a faster core, more RAM, and a more powerful radio.
Key Features and Specifications of the ZigBee 3.0 USB Dongle Include:
- Wireless MCU: Silicon Labs EFR32MG21 Arm Cortex-M33 microcontroller @ up to 80 MHz with DSP and FPU, up to 1024 kB flash, up to 96 kB RAM, 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 for Zigbee or Thread
- USB port (host interface)
- 7-pin IO header with programming pins, one GPIO, 3.3V and GND
- 2-pin header for Tx/Rx serial port
- Button and reset buttons
- LED
- PCB antenna
- Power Supply: 5V via USB port, LDO chip
- Dimensions: 56 mm x 14 mm
- Weight: 5 g
Read more: ITEAD ZIGBEE 3.0 DONGLE POWERED BY SILICON LABS EFR32MG21 WIRELESS MCU SELLS FOR $6.99
- Can the dongle be used out of the box as a Zigbee coordinator on Home Assistant?
Yes, it is pre-flashed with the Silicon Labs Zigbee stack EmberZNet 6.7.8 and can be used as a Zigbee coordinator on Home Assistant. - What wireless MCU does the dongle use?
It uses the Silicon Labs EFR32MG21 Arm Cortex-M33 wireless MCU. - Does the dongle support Thread as well as Zigbee?
Yes, the EFR32MG21 supports 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 for Zigbee or Thread. - What power supply does the dongle require?
It is powered by 5V via the USB port and uses an LDO chip. - What programming and serial interfaces are available on the board?
There is a 7-pin IO header with programming pins and a 2-pin header for a Tx/Rx serial port. - Does the dongle include an antenna on the PCB?
Yes, it uses a PCB antenna. - What are the physical dimensions and weight of the dongle?
The dimensions are 56 mm x 14 mm and it weighs 5 g. - Is there any indicator or control on the dongle?
Yes, the board includes a button, a reset button, and an LED.
