Ai-Thinker NF-05 Ci24R1 2.4GHz Wireless Transceiver Module

The Ai-Thinker NF-05 is a compact 2.4GHz wireless transceiver module based on the Ci24R1 RF chip. It uses a small SMD-8 package, onboard PCB antenna, and SPI host interface for embedded products that need a low-power 2.4GHz wireless data link.

According to the official NF-05 specification, the module supports the 2.4GHz ISM band, GFSK / FSK modulation, 2Mbps / 1Mbps / 250kbps data rates, ARQ support, 1-bit RSSI, low-power operation, and a fast mode-switching time of less than 160us. The supply range is 2.1V to 3.6V with 3.3V typical operation.

For related OpenELAB wireless modules and accessories, compare the Ai-Thinker NF-05-S Ci24R1 2.4GHz Module, Ai-Thinker NF-01-S Si24R1 2.4GHz Module, Ai-Thinker NF-03 Si24R1 2.4GHz Module, Ai-Thinker NF-04 BK2425 2.4GHz Module, and NRF24L01 2.4GHz Wireless Module.

Technical Specifications

Integration Notes & Hardware Guidance

• Power Supply – Keep VCC within 2.1V to 3.6V and reserve more than 100mA current capacity for stable RF operation.
• Ripple Control – Prefer a clean 3.3V rail and add local filtering close to the module power pins.
• Antenna Clearance – Keep the onboard PCB antenna exposed and away from metal parts, shields, relays, and dense high-frequency components.
• Board Placement – Place the antenna section near the PCB edge where possible to reduce detuning from the main board and enclosure.
• SPI Planning – Confirm SPI mode, bus speed, and host IO voltage before production; keep the SCK, CSN, and data signal routing short.
• Low-Power Design – Review sleep, standby, and wake timing when the host firmware relies on battery-powered operation.
• RF Validation – Validate range with the final enclosure, antenna orientation, selected data rate, channel plan, and interference conditions.
• ESD Protection – Treat the module as an electrostatic-sensitive RF device during handling, soldering, and testing.
• Production Test – Reserve accessible test points for power, ground, SPI, and RF functional checks on the assembled product.

Packing List

• 1 x Ai-Thinker NF-05 2.4GHz Ci24R1 Wireless Transceiver Module

FAQ

Q: Which RF chip does NF-05 use?
A: The official specification identifies NF-05 as a 2.4GHz module based on the Ci24R1 RF chip.

Q: What data rates are supported?
A: The official feature table lists 2Mbps, 1Mbps, and 250kbps data rate support.

Q: What frequency range does it cover?
A: The RF table lists 2400MHz to 2525MHz operation in the 2.4GHz ISM band.

Q: What is the supported supply voltage?
A: The official electrical table lists 2.1V to 3.6V, with 3.3V typical operation.

Q: Does NF-05 include an antenna?
A: Yes. The official related-model table lists PCB antenna support for NF-05.

Q: What is the listed receive sensitivity?
A: The official RF table lists -91dBm at 250kbps, -85dBm at 1Mbps, and -78dBm at 2Mbps.

Q: How is NF-05 different from NF-05-S?
A: NF-05 is the smaller SMD-8 version at 12.0 x 18.0 x 0.8mm, while NF-05-S is the DIP-8 version at 28.6 x 15.2 x 12mm according to the official related-model table.