XBee S2C Module Complete Guide with Examples

XBee S2C RF Module offers secure network-based wireless communication. In XBee S2C communication the device transfers the data with 2.4GHz speed. This module can only communicate with other modules. The communication method of the module is like creating a network then communicate with each other for data transmission. The data only transfer from XBee to XBee; therefore, it doesn’t matter which company design the XBee module. The only matters are the availability of the XBee S2C mesh network. The preference of the module is due to its simple usage method with every corresponding module-based network. It most uses for peer to peer communication.

Xbee S2C Module Pinout Diagram

The XBee is a distinct kind of RF module from others. Firstly, it offers multiple communication methods, which almost cover every microcontroller and board with it. Additionally,  it has some GPIO pins which are useable directly with the XBee module. Although, this RF module doesn’t require any Arduino or Microcontroller to operate. Its own IDE can make it a stand-alone device. But we can interface it with microcontrollers quickly through UART pins.

Pin Configuration Details

LEFT SIDE PINS

RIGHT SIDE PINS

XBee S2C RF Module Features

• The device can act as a stand-alone device
• It can communicate up to 400ft in the closed area but in line to line sight, it can communicate up to 4000ft without any interference.
• The module act as a mesh network with each other.
• It uses a frequency range of 2.4-2.5GHz and has 16 sequences of channels.
• The microcontroller can send the data up to 256kbs at UART communication but the data send rate can extend up to 5Mbs by SPI communication.
• The device works with 3.3V and uses only 40-45mA current at maximum usage.
• The XBee has an ESD protection of 3000V.
• The device is controllable and programmable by a single software that is official.
• The Data rate of the module is up to 250,000bps.

XBee S2C Applications

• The device is suitable in-home automation, it can create a mesh network which makes it safe.
• For every medium-range communication, the device is reliable.
• For smart communication, the module XBee S2C is a better choice as compared to the other modules.

How to use XBee S2C?

The XBee is easy to use and it will always in the shape of a network. A single XBee has no use. To use the XBee two modules are necessary. First, understand how the network of XBee works. A single XBee can work on three types of functions. All of them are:

Coordinator/Manager

A complete XBee network requires a coordinator to operate. The coordinator will work on assigning and managing some protocols and functions in the network.

• It will be responsible for synchronization of the nodes between the network
• Every channel and PAN ID (Example: like an IP Address) will assign by the Coordinator.
• It will be responsible for the joining of the network and router.
• The basic function of the coordinator is acting as a bridge and deliver the data from one end to the other.

Router

The router is the second part of the network. Even in every kind of network, there is a router. The basic function of the router is:

• To deliver the data from one network to the other.
• Creates a bridge between networks
• To establish the path between node to node within and outside the network.

End Device

The end device is like a child to the network. In the network, the Coordinator/Manager and router act as a parent. Everything is done by the router and coordinator. The only function of the End devices is to operate as receiving and send data devices. That is the reason sometimes the device goes into sleep mode to save more power.

PAN ID

It is the unique Id given to each device so they can communicate with each other with knowing the incoming and outgoing. The device must have a PAN ID of the network which it is going to join. After getting the ID they only need a channel to communicate. The router and Coordinator allow the other devices to join the networks according to the PAN ID.

Channel

There is a total of 16 channel and each channel is useable by a single END DEVICE. The coordinator can decide between the channel and PAN ID. It can decide which channel and PAN ID to use. The number channels very between XBee to XBee. Some modern version has two but some have 16 which is the maximum number of channels till now in XBee S2C.

XBee S2C Programming  software

The XBee is designed by a Digi company which also gives software to set up the device. To use the XBee the devices should setup first otherwise the network can’t decide and perform its operations. To set up the module there are a bunch of graphic methods and commands which can be view in the datasheet.

XBee Software

Xbee S2C Interfacing with Microcontrollers/Arduino

The XBee is interfaceable with other devices using serial and SPI pin. Take an Arduino as an Example. In Arduino just connect the module with the device through DIN and DOUT pins then send and receive the data using the following command. This is a simplistic connection diagram of the S2C – RF Module with Arduino.

Programming with Arduino IDE

To program this device with Arduino, we need UART communication pins of Arduino to send and receive data from Xbee.

Serial.print("DATA"); // For sending
Serial.read(); //For receiving

Every microcontroller and Board can communicate simplicity through the module. The only thing should keep in mind about the baud rate. The baud rate for UART communication needs to be set for XBee through serial communication. You can read this complete tutorial:

• Xbee interfacing with Arduino

Projects

• Remote Monitoring System with Labview and XBee
• Accelerometer Based Hand Gesture Controlled Robot using Xbee

Xbee Modes of Operation

The XBee offers two modes in transferring data. The first mode is the AT command mode and the second is API mode. The AT command mode takes the data from the input and transmit as it is received by the microcontroller. In API mode the method is different. The data first converted into the frame and transmit. The frame consists of multiple sets which make the communication much secure than before.

The device has a lot of more advanced features which are helpful in most of the communication method. These above are the general methods and are initial methods for simple communication and to establish a network.

2D Diagram

Other Wireless Modules

• SX1278 LoRa RF Module
• SIM900A GSM Module
• ESP12E WiFi Module
• PN532 NFC RFID Module
• HM-10 Bluetooth Module
• NRF24L01 Wireless RF Module
• HC-05 Bluetooth Module
• 433MHz RF Receiver Module
• 433MHz RF Transmitter Module
• TSOP1738 IR Receiver
• Arduino MKR1000 WiFi Board