Background - Digi XBee-PRO S2C Zigbee User Manual

Load Zigbee firmware on 802.15.4 devices

Background

Our XBee/XBee-PRO 802.15.4 RF modules are built on the same hardware as the XBee/XBee-PRO S2C
ZB RF Modules. It is possible to load Zigbee firmware on existing 802.15.4 modules. The "XBee/XBee-
PRO S2C 802.15.4 part numbers" table shows which part numbers are compatible with Zigbee
firmware.
Zigbee modules are approved for operation in some regions that 802.15.4 modules are not (see the
table below). If your region is not listed as certified for the 802.15.4 module you purchased, it may be
illegal for you to operate in your region, even if you load Zigbee firmware onto the module, because it
is not labeled with the appropriate certification markings. Please check with local laws or your
regional Digi International representative for more information.
Module name
XBee S2C Zigbee
XBee-PRO S2C Zigbee
XBee S2C 802.15.4
XBee-PRO S2C 802.15.4
CAUTION! The antenna cable loss requirements for the 802.15.4 firmware are different
than the Zigbee firmware for gain antennas exceeding 2.1 dBi. If you migrate an 802.15.4
device to Zigbee firmware, and are using gain antennas, you must adhere to the cable
loss requirements found in
XBee/XBee-PRO S2C 802.15.4 part numbers
XB24CAPIS-004
XB24CARIS-004
XB24CAUIS-004
XB24CAPIT-004
XB24CASIT-004
XB24CAUIT-004
XB24CAWIT-004
XBP24CAPIS-004
XBP24CARIS-004
XBP24CAUIS-004
XBP24CAPIT-004
XBP24CASIT-004
XBP24CAUIT-004
XBP24CAWIT-004
In addition to the differences between the 802.15.4 and Zigbee protocols, some of the operational
features are different between the two firmware versions. For example, the XBee-PRO 802.15.4
supports fewer channels than the Zigbee firmware. It is important that you read and understand this
user guide before developing with the Zigbee firmware.
XBee/XBee-PRO® S2C Zigbee® RF Module
Approved regions
USA, Canada, Europe, Australia/New Zealand, Brazil, and Japan
USA, Canada, Australia/New Zealand, and Brazil
USA, Canada, Europe
USA, Canada
Regulatory information.
Form factor Hardware version (HV)
XBee SMT 0x22
XBee TH 0x2E
XBee SMT 0x30
XBee TH 0x2D
Background
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