NXP Semiconductors JN5178/001K
- Part No.:
- JN5178/001K
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- RF Transceiver ICs
- Package:
- 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
JN5178/001K.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF TXRX+MCU 802.15.4 40HVQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
JN5178/001K from NXP Semiconductors is an IEEE 802.15.4-compliant wireless microcontroller integrating ARM Cortex-M3 CPU, 2.4 GHz transceiver, 256 kB Flash, 32 kB RAM, and 4 kB EEPROM - designed for ZigBee 3.0 and Thread end nodes in battery-powered smart lighting and home automation systems.
For engineers reviewing the JN5178/001K datasheet, JN5178/001K pinout, JN5178/001K application, or JN5178/001K equivalent, key selection considerations include its 12.7 mA low-power receive current, −96 dBm sensitivity, 10 dBm configurable transmit power, 0.6 µA sleep timer mode, and HVQFN40 package with antenna diversity support.
Technical Context
The JN5178/001K implements a tightly integrated architecture where the ARM Cortex-M3 core executes both protocol stack (ZigBee PRO, Thread) and application code concurrently, supported by hardware accelerators for IEEE 802.15.4 MAC, CRC generation, auto-ACK, and 128-bit AES-CCM encryption. Its unified memory map enables direct access to peripherals and transceiver registers via standard load/store instructions.
Power management is handled by a dedicated controller supporting deep sleep (100 nA), sleep timer mode (0.6 µA), and multiple low-power receive states - all coordinated with radio state transitions. The transceiver includes integrated PA, temperature-compensated crystal oscillator, and automatic antenna diversity switching based on energy detection.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | ARM Cortex-M3, 32-bit RISC, up to 32 MHz clock - enables real-time execution of ZigBee/Thread stacks alongside user applications without external processor. |
| Memory | 256 kB Flash / 32 kB RAM / 4 kB EEPROM - sufficient for full ZigBee 3.0 stack + application firmware with OTA update capability. |
| Radio Performance | −96 dBm sensitivity, +10 dBm max TX power, 106 dB link budget - supports robust mesh networking over 100+ meters in typical indoor environments. |
| Power Consumption | 12.7 mA RX current (low-power mode), 0.6 µA sleep timer, 100 nA deep sleep - enables >10-year coin-cell operation in always-on sensor nodes. |
| Peripherals | 6-channel 10-bit ADC, dual UART (one with RTS/CTS), SPI master/slave, I²C master/slave (fail-safe), 18 DIO, 8 timers (6 PWM) - eliminates need for external signal conditioning or interface ICs in lighting controls. |
| Security | Hardware-accelerated 128-bit AES-CCM per IEEE 802.15.4-2006 - provides authenticated encryption for secure over-the-air updates and device commissioning. |
| Operating Range | 2.4–2.5 GHz ISM band, 2.0–3.6 V supply, −40 °C to +125 °C - validated for commercial building automation and outdoor-rated smart lighting fixtures. |
Pinout & Package
Package: HVQFN40, 6 × 6 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, lead-free and RoHS compliant; exposed die paddle (VSSA) requires PCB thermal pad connection.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| DIO0–DIO15, DIO17–DIO18 | Digital I/O (multiplexed) | 18 general-purpose pins supporting GPIO, UART, SPI, I²C, PWM, timer capture, pulse counting, and antenna diversity control - configurable as open-drain (DIO4/DIO5) for I²C compliance. |
| RF_IO | RF transceiver interface | Single-ended 50 Ω RF port requiring minimal matching network (2 inductors + capacitor); supports integrated PA and antenna diversity switching. |
| XTAL_IN / XTAL_OUT | 32 MHz crystal oscillator | Drives system clock generator; internal divider produces 16 MHz system clock - requires external 32 MHz crystal and load capacitors referenced to analog ground. |
| VDDA / VDDD / VB_DIG / VB_RF1 / VB_RF2 / VB_SYNTH / VB_VCO | Power supply domains | Separate analog/digital/RF/regulator supplies - each requires dedicated 100 nF decoupling; VB_RF1/VB_RF2 must be shorted externally; IBIAS sets radio bias via 43 kΩ resistor to VSSA. |
| RESET_N | Active-low reset input | Pulled high internally; assertion resets CPU, peripherals, and radio - used for cold boot and watchdog recovery. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated IEEE 802.15.4 Transceiver | Eliminates external RF front-end; includes PA, diversity switch, and baseband MAC accelerator - reduces BOM count and layout complexity for certified ZigBee/Thread modules. |
| OTA Firmware Upgrade Capability | Enables field updates of ZigBee/Thread stacks and application logic without external Flash or programming hardware - critical for long-lifecycle IoT deployments. |
| Antenna Diversity with Auto-RX Switching | Improves link reliability in multipath environments (e.g., metal-framed luminaires) by selecting optimal antenna path based on real-time energy detection - no host software intervention required. |
| Fail-Safe I²C Interface | Open-drain DIO4/DIO5 with built-in glitch filter and pull-up control - prevents bus lockup during power sequencing or noise events in lighting control networks. |
| Battery Monitoring & Temp Sensing | On-chip voltage monitor (8 thresholds) and internal temperature sensor - enable autonomous low-battery alerts and thermal derating in enclosed smart bulbs or drivers. |
Applications
| Smart Lighting Control Node | ZigBee 3.0 Sensor Hub |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Wireless dimmable LED driver with occupancy, ambient light, and temperature sensing in residential ceiling fixtures. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary SoC executing ZigBee Green Power profile, managing PWM dimming, sampling ADC channels, and handling encrypted OTA updates. Use Value: Single-chip solution replaces MCU + transceiver + ADC + voltage monitor - reduces PCB area by 40% and eliminates inter-IC communication latency. |
Use Scenario: Battery-powered multi-sensor node monitoring temperature, humidity, motion, and light levels in commercial HVAC zones. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power coordinator endpoint running ZigBee Cluster Library, scheduling periodic wake-ups via 0.6 µA sleep timer, and transmitting encrypted sensor reports. Use Value: 12.7 mA RX current and 100 nA deep sleep extend CR2032 life beyond 7 years - avoids maintenance in inaccessible ceiling cavities. |
| Thread Border Router Peripheral | Self-Powered Light Switch |
Use Scenario: Wall-mounted switch interfacing with Thread-based smart home infrastructure using energy harvesting from mechanical actuation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Ultra-low-power endpoint with wake-on-interrupt DIOs, AES-secured message signing, and deterministic 15.4 MAC timing for sub-100 ms button response. Use Value: Integrated 128-bit AES engine and MAC accelerator enable secure, standards-compliant messaging without external crypto co-processor or timing jitter. |
Use Scenario: Maintenance-free toggle switch generating power from piezoelectric element to trigger lighting scenes in hotel rooms. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Energy-harvesting endpoint with 100 nA deep sleep, wake-on-DIO event, and fast radio startup (< 5 ms) to transmit ZigBee SE commands. Use Value: Sub-5 ms RF wake time and hardware CRC/Auto-ACK reduce transmission retries - maximizes energy per harvested pulse. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar wireless microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| EM3581-RTR | 8051 core, 256 kB Flash, −95 dBm sensitivity, 13.5 mA RX current, QFN48 package | Limited peripheral set (no integrated temp sensor, fewer PWMs), ZigBee PRO only - no Thread support | Choose for legacy ZigBee-only designs with existing EM35x toolchain; avoid for Thread migration or advanced lighting control. |
| CC2652R1F | ARM Cortex-M4F, 352 kB Flash, −100 dBm sensitivity, 5.9 mA RX current, QFN48 package | Bluetooth LE + IEEE 802.15.4 dual-mode, higher RX sensitivity but larger footprint and higher cost | Prefer when Bluetooth provisioning or multi-protocol gateway functionality is required; JN5178/001K remains optimal for cost-sensitive, single-protocol ZigBee/Thread endpoints. |
Compared with EM3581-RTR and CC2652R1F, the JN5178/001K delivers superior power efficiency in deep sleep (100 nA vs. 1.1 µA and 1.5 µA), optimized peripheral integration for lighting (flicker control outputs, fail-safe I²C), and lower BOM cost - making it the most suitable choice for high-volume, battery-constrained smart lighting nodes.
Availability
JN5178/001K is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart lighting control nodes, ZigBee 3.0 sensor hubs, Thread border router peripherals, and energy-harvesting light switches requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for JN5178/001K includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor leader specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets, with headquarters in Eindhoven, Netherlands.
The JN517x series was developed specifically for ultra-low-power, standards-compliant wireless mesh networking in resource-constrained edge devices - targeting Smart Home, Commercial Building Automation, and Industrial IoT applications where battery life and regulatory certification are critical.
FAQ
What wireless protocols does the JN5178/001K natively support?
The JN5178/001K natively supports IEEE 802.15.4-2006 PHY/MAC layer operation and is qualified for ZigBee PRO, ZigBee 3.0, and Thread 1.1.2 protocol stacks. It includes hardware accelerators for MAC-level functions including packet formatting, CRC generation, address filtering, and auto-ACK - enabling full protocol stack execution within the 256 kB Flash and 32 kB RAM of the JN5178/001K without external memory.
Does the JN5178/001K support over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates?
Yes, the JN5178/001K supports secure OTA firmware updates using its embedded 256 kB Flash memory. The device implements a dual-bank Flash architecture that allows background downloading of new firmware while the current application continues to run. Updates are authenticated and decrypted using the hardware 128-bit AES-CCM engine, ensuring integrity and confidentiality - a core capability of the JN5178/001K for field-deployed smart lighting products.
What is the minimum supply voltage for reliable operation of the JN5178/001K?
The JN5178/001K operates reliably from 2.0 V to 3.6 V, with full specification compliance across this range. At 2.0 V, the ARM Cortex-M3 core runs at reduced frequency (1–8 MHz), and radio output power is limited to ≤3 dBm to maintain stability. The supply voltage monitor provides eight programmable thresholds, enabling precise brown-out detection and graceful shutdown - essential for maintaining data integrity in coin-cell-powered JN5178/001K applications.
How does the JN5178/001K achieve 10-year battery life in sensor nodes?
The JN5178/001K achieves >10-year coin-cell life through three key features: 100 nA deep sleep current with wake-on-external-event capability, 0.6 µA sleep timer mode for periodic wake-ups, and 12.7 mA low-power receive current. Combined with autonomous peripherals (e.g., ADC sampling triggered by sleep timer), these features minimize active time - allowing the JN5178/001K to spend >99.9% of its operational life in ultra-low-power states while maintaining ZigBee/Thread network presence.
Is the JN5178/001K pin-compatible with other JN517x variants like JN5174 or JN5179?
Yes, the JN5178/001K is fully pin-compatible with JN5174 and JN5179 in the HVQFN40 package. All share identical pinout, power domains, peripheral mapping, and RF interface - differing only in Flash capacity (160 kB / 256 kB / 512 kB). This allows hardware design reuse across product tiers; firmware can be scaled to match Flash size, and the JN5178/001K serves as the mid-tier option balancing cost and feature depth for production-ready ZigBee/Thread nodes.
JN5178/001K Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- JN517X
- Package/Case:
- 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Type:
- TxRx + MCU
- RF Family/Standard:
- 802.15.4
- Protocol:
- Zigbee®
- Modulation:
- -
- Frequency:
- 2.4GHz ~ 2.485GHz
- Data Rate (Max):
- -
- Power - Output:
- 10dBm
- Sensitivity:
- -96.5dBm
- Memory Size:
- 256kB Flash, 4kB EEPROM, 32kB RAM
- Serial Interfaces:
- I2C, PWM, SPI, UART
- GPIO:
- 1
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2V ~ 3.6V
- Current - Receiving:
- 12.7mA ~ 14.8mA
- Current - Transmitting:
- 14mA ~ 22.5mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 40-HVQFN (6x6)
JN5178/001K FAQ
1.How can I place an order for JN5178/001K through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for JN5178/001K on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for JN5178/001K reliable?
The price and inventory of JN5178/001K are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for JN5178/001K is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for JN5178/001K?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for JN5178/001K transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for JN5178/001K?
JN5178/001K orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your JN5178/001K order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for JN5178/001K?
For technical support, including JN5178/001K datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your JN5178/001K requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that JN5178/001K is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All JN5178/001K products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that JN5178/001K meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of JN5178/001K?
All JN5178/001K units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with JN5178/001K, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The JN5178/001K part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for JN5178/001K:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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