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Silicon Labs SLEXP8021A

Name: SLEXP8021A
Brand: Silicon Labs
SKU: SLEXP8021A
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: SLEXP8021A

Manufacturer:: Silicon Labs

Category:: RF, RFID, Wireless Evaluation Boards

Package:

Datasheet:: SLEXP8021A.pdf

Description:: XBEE3 LTE-M MOD EXPANSION KIT

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

Payment:

Shipping:

Inventory:167

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Product details

Overview

SLEXP8021A from Silicon Labs is an LTE-M Expansion Kit designed to integrate Digi XBee3 LTE-M cellular modules with EFM32/EFR32 MCU and wireless starter kits via standardized EXP headers. It supports dual-power sourcing (VMCU rail or onboard 5V-to-3.3V DC-DC), hosts a u-blox CAM-M8Q GNSS receiver for GPS/GLONASS positioning, and provides UART, GPIO, PWM, ADC, and timepulse interfaces for embedded IoT connectivity evaluation.

For engineers reviewing the SLEXP8021A datasheet, SLEXP8021A pinout, SLEXP8021A application, or SLEXP8021A equivalent, this board enables rapid prototyping of low-power LTE-M + GNSS edge devices-particularly in asset tracking, remote monitoring, and cellular-connected sensor nodes requiring synchronized time and location data.

Technical Context

The SLEXP8021A implements a dual-path power architecture: VMCU-supplied low-power mode (≤800 mA shared with MCU) and high-power DC-DC mode (2 A output from 5V input), selectable via mechanical switch. Its EXP header exposes fixed-peripheral routing (SPI, UART, I²C, GPIO) compatible with Silicon Labs starter kits.

It integrates a u-blox CAM-M8Q GNSS receiver with configurable timepulse output, NMEA/UBX protocol support, RTC backup via VBCKP, and three operational modes (off/sleep/active) controlled by GNSS_POWER_EN and GNSS_VBCKP signals routed from the EXP header.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Form Factor	Expansion board for Silicon Labs MCU/Wireless Starter Kits using standard 20-pin right-angle EXP header.
Cellular Module Support	Through-hole Digi XBee3 LTE-M module (2×10-pin 2 mm pitch socket); also compatible with Zigbee/Wi-Fi/3G XBee variants.
GNSS Receiver	u-blox CAM-M8Q supporting GPS + GLONASS constellations; UART interface at 9600 bps 8N1; 1 Hz timepulse output synchronized to GNSS signal.
Power Selection	Mechanical switch selects between VMCU rail (AEM-monitored) or onboard DC-DC regulator (2 A max, unmonitored).
Board Identification	I²C-based EEPROM (BOARD_ID_SDA/BOARD_ID_SCL on EXP pins 17/19) for automatic recognition in Simplicity Studio.
GNSS Power Control	Two GPIO-controlled signals (GNSS_POWER_EN, GNSS_VBCKP) enable three deterministic power states per Table 4.2 in UG310.

Availability

SLEXP8021A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for asset tracking, remote environmental monitoring, and cellular-connected industrial telemetry requiring stable component supply and validated hardware integration paths.

Supply support for SLEXP8021A 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

Silicon Labs is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in low-power MCU, wireless SoC, and IoT connectivity solutions for embedded applications.

The SLEXP8021A belongs to Silicon Labs' expansion kit product line, engineered to accelerate development of cellular and GNSS-enabled IoT endpoints using their EFM32/EFR32 platforms and Simplicity Studio ecosystem.

FAQ

What is the SLEXP8021A used for?

The SLEXP8021A is an LTE-M expansion board that adds cellular and GNSS capabilities to Silicon Labs MCU starter kits. It enables rapid evaluation of Digi XBee3 LTE-M modules and u-blox CAM-M8Q receivers in low-power IoT applications such as fleet tracking and smart metering. The SLEXP8021A supports both AEM-monitored and high-current DC-DC power modes for flexible lab and field testing.

Does the SLEXP8021A include a cellular module?

No, the SLEXP8021A does not include a Digi XBee3 LTE-M module-it provides a through-hole socket for user-inserted modules. The kit ships with a patch antenna and SIM card (requiring activation), but the XBee3 module must be purchased separately. The SLEXP8021A is designed to accept any Digi XBee through-hole variant, including Zigbee, Wi-Fi, and 3G modules.

How is GNSS functionality implemented on the SLEXP8021A?

The SLEXP8021A integrates a u-blox CAM-M8Q GNSS receiver supporting GPS and GLONASS satellite systems. It communicates over UART (GNSS_TXD/GNSS_RXD), outputs a synchronized 1 Hz timepulse (GNSS_TIMEPULSE), and supports three power states controlled by GNSS_POWER_EN and GNSS_VBCKP signals from the EXP header. The SLEXP8021A requires external sky visibility for reliable fix acquisition.

Can the SLEXP8021A be used with non-Silicon Labs MCUs?

The SLEXP8021A is optimized for Silicon Labs starter kits via the standardized EXP header pinout and Simplicity Studio integration. While its physical connectors and signals are accessible, compatibility with non-Silicon Labs MCUs depends on matching voltage levels, pin assignments, and peripheral routing-no official support or documentation is provided for third-party platforms. The SLEXP8021A's design assumes use with EFM32/EFR32-based development environments.

Is the SLEXP8021A recommended for new designs?

No-the official UG310 documentation explicitly states "Not Recommended for New Designs" due to obsolescence status. The SLEXP8021A remains available for legacy support, repair, and existing production continuity, but Silicon Labs advises evaluating newer expansion solutions for new projects. Customers deploying the SLEXP8021A should verify long-term supply and consider migration paths before committing to new designs.

SLEXP8021A Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Silicon Labs

Series:: XBee® 3

Packaging:: Bulk

Product Status:: Obsolete

Type:: Cellular

Frequency:: -

Contents:: Board(s)

Utilized IC / Part:: XBee® 3

SLEXP8021A FAQ

1.How can I place an order for SLEXP8021A through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SLEXP8021A 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 SLEXP8021A reliable?

The price and inventory of SLEXP8021A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SLEXP8021A is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for SLEXP8021A?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SLEXP8021A transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for SLEXP8021A?

SLEXP8021A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your SLEXP8021A 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 SLEXP8021A?

For technical support, including SLEXP8021A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SLEXP8021A requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that SLEXP8021A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All SLEXP8021A 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 SLEXP8021A meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of SLEXP8021A?

All SLEXP8021A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SLEXP8021A, 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 SLEXP8021A part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for SLEXP8021A:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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