The Digi XBee® ecosystem just joined a big expanded family! Digi recently collaborated with SparkFun Electronics to revise and improve their most popular XBee development boards and adapters, as well as the Arduino shield. Each of these devices received a complete overhaul and modernization so that they now support the entire line of XBee through-hole modules. Power supplies have been updated for cellular support.
The SparkFun Qwiic system has been added for fast attachment of sensor and actuators—no soldering required. There’s a customizable user button, labeling has been standardized and each design has been reviewed by Digi electrical engineering to confirm that it meets or exceeds the necessary technical requirements. All the boards are open-source designs, so anyone can download the schematics and layout files for these top-notch Digi XBee solutions.
Both Digi and SparkFun products aim to lower engineering costs while improving time to market for creators of connected devices. This new collection of boards helps speed the prototype-to-production process. We predict that this partnership is going to pay off big time for our customers!
Let’s take a quick look at the use cases and features for each of these new members of the XBee ecosystem.
SparkFun Digi XBee Development Board
WRL-216636
This full-featured development board gives access to all the functionality of the XBee. It includes two USB-C connectors for UART communication and firmware updates, a Qwiic connector for sensors and peripherals, as well as reset and user buttons plus various diagnostic and user LEDs. The Development board also has the ability to update cellular firmware through a specially designed connector. There's a JST port for LiPo batteries that can be charged via the USB-C port, making it a truly wireless solution.
Great for:
- Evaluation of Digi XBees for any project
- Prototyping of new connected devices
- Small field deployments of battery-powered XBee sensor/actuator pilots
Features
- Cellular-ready power supply
- Battery connector with USB charging
- User and reset buttons
- Dual USB for configuration and direct cellular component access
- Qwiic connector for sensors and actuators
- 4 indicator lights including a user LED
- All pins broken out for direct connections or breadboard use
- Digi engineering reviewed and approved
WRL-22043
This compact, easy-to-use adapter is the perfect bridge between your computer and any through-hole Digi XBee module, making prototyping and development a breeze. Whether you're a seasoned IoT architect or just starting your wireless journey, the Explorer USB-C will help bring your ideas to life. The board makes it possible to build sensor networks for remote monitoring, control devices wirelessly from your PC, prototype real-time data acquisition systems, and much more!
Great for…
- Connecting XBees to computers via USB
- Prototyping new connected device networks, including sensors or actuators
- Field deployment of USB-powered XBee networks
- Host-device powered designs
- Cable replacement systems
Features
- USB-C connector for data and power
- Qwiic connector for sensors and actuators
- Cellular-ready power supply
- User and reset buttons
- 3 indicator lights
- All pins broken out for direct connections or breadboard use
- Digi engineering reviewed and approved
WRL-22032
This breakout board supports the Digi XBee essentials in a single, low-cost format. It’s the perfect way to implement XBee IoT projects in the field. The Explorer Regulated can be powered directly from a solderless breadboard during development, then from a host device as needed. The approved design ensures the XBee module always receives sufficient and clean current. Basic buttons and status lights are provided, there’s a Qwiic connector for peripherals, and all the XBee pins are broken out for your use.
Great For…
- Any size device network: prototype, pilot or even production
- Fast, economical field deployment of XBees
- Host-device powered designs
- Perfect for low-power mesh networks, but robust enough for cellular
Features
- PTH connectors for power
- Qwiic connector for sensors and actuators
- Cellular-ready power supply
- User and reset buttons
- 3 indicator lights
- All pins broken out for direct connections or breadboard use
- Digi engineering reviewed and approved
WRL-22131
The SparkFun Digi XBee Arduino Shield is your gateway to flexible wireless innovation using your favorite Arduino device. This shield integrates any through-hole Digi XBee module with standard Arduinos, empowering you to build wireless projects with ease. It breaks out all the functionality of your XBee module so you can add cellular, LoRaWAN, Zigbee or any other XBee-supported protocol to your project. This shield includes a USB-C connector, a Qwiic connector, power mode and UART selectors. It can receive power via the USB connector or from the Arduino board. Add sensors, actuators, displays, cat toys or robot wheels. Let your imagination run wireless!
Great for…
- Adding wireless communications to any standard Arduino board
- Flexible prototyping using highly accessible Arduino frameworks
- Easy solder-free connections
- Great for prototypes, robust enough for production
Features
- Standard Arduino shield layout
- Stackable with other shields
- Qwiic connector for sensors and actuators
- USB-C data and power connector
- UART and power mode switches
- Cellular-ready power supply
- User and reset buttons
- 4 indicator lights including a user LED
- All pins broken out for direct connections if needed
- Digi engineering reviewed and approved
Be sure to check out SparkFun’s companion announcement, including all the latest Digi XBee modules they recently added to their product line and store. All four of these boards are designed to get users from initial prototypes, through the larger-scale piloting process and off to a full production deployment as quickly as possible. Order some today and start bringing your IoT ideas to life.
Finally, let’s not forget SparkFun’s classic XBee offerings, which all remain available. They’re important extensions of the Digi XBee ecosystem!
Next Steps