XBee S2C Module
Industry-standard Zigbee mesh module with strong tooling support.
The industry-standard Zigbee module line, offering mature mesh-networking firmware and strong configuration tooling via XCTU. Unlike bare Zigbee chips that require custom firmware development, the XBee S2C ships with Digi's proven Zigbee mesh stack already loaded, and can be configured entirely through Digi's free XCTU desktop application without writing any radio-stack code — making it the go-to choice for reliable, professional-grade mesh sensor networks where development time matters more than per-unit cost.
Specifications
| Chipset | Digi XBee S2C, Zigbee mesh networking module |
| Frequency band | 2.4GHz ISM band, IEEE 802.15.4 / Zigbee |
| Operating voltage | 2.1V–3.6V DC (3.3V typical) |
| Operating current | ~33 mA TX (typical), ~28 mA RX, µA-level in sleep mode |
| Range | ~90m indoor / ~1200m outdoor line-of-sight (module-dependent, PRO variants extend this) |
| Network role | Coordinator, router, or end-device, configurable via XCTU or AT/API commands |
| Configuration | Digi XCTU desktop tool for firmware updates, network settings, and diagnostics — no custom radio stack coding required |
| Interface | UART (AT command mode or binary API frame mode) to the host microcontroller |
| Form factor | Standard XBee 20-pin through-hole footprint, compatible with common XBee shields and adapter boards |
Pinout
| Pin | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | VCC | Power, 3.3V DC (NOT 5V tolerant — most XBee shields include a regulator) |
| 2 | GND | Ground |
| 3 | DOUT (TX) | UART transmit — connect to microcontroller RX |
| 4 | DIN (RX) | UART receive — connect to microcontroller TX |
| 5 | RESET | Active-LOW module reset |
| 6 | ASSOCIATE | Indicates network association status via LED blink pattern |
| 7 | CTS/RTS | Optional UART hardware flow control pins |
XBee modules use a non-breadboard-friendly 2mm pitch pin spacing, so most builders use a dedicated XBee breakout adapter or shield to convert to standard 0.1-inch headers; these adapters also typically include the necessary 3.3V regulation since the module itself is not 5V tolerant. Configuration and firmware are handled through Digi's free XCTU software over a USB-serial adapter before deployment.
Variants
Choose the XBee S2C when reliability and ease of configuration matter more than cost — the mature firmware and XCTU tooling save significant development time. For large sensor deployments where per-unit cost dominates and some firmware tinkering is acceptable, the bare CC2530 is far cheaper.
| Variant | Temp range | Hum range | Accuracy | Protocol | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XBee S2C (standard power) | ~$18-25 | ||||
| XBee S2C PRO | ~$25-35 | ||||
| CC2530 (bare Zigbee SoC) | ~$2-5 |