NRF24L01+PA+LNA 2.4GHz Wireless Transceiver Module

Overview

NRF24L01+PA+LNA 2.4GHz Wireless Transceiver Module with Power Amplifier (PA) and Low Noise Amplifier (LNA). An enhanced long-range version of the popular nRF24L01+ module, featuring an onboard RF amplifier and external antenna connector for dramatically increased transmission range. Ideal for remote control systems, wireless sensor networks, drone telemetry, home automation, and long-range IoT applications. Compatible with Arduino, ESP32, STM32, and Raspberry Pi.

Specifications

Parameter	Value
Model	NRF24L01+PA+LNA
Chip	Nordic Semiconductor nRF24L01+
Frequency	2.400 – 2.525 GHz (125 channels)
Output Power	+20dBm (100mW) with PA
Receiver Sensitivity	-95dBm with LNA
Communication Range	Up to 1000m (open field)
Data Rate	250Kbps / 1Mbps / 2Mbps
Interface	SPI (up to 10Mbps)
Supply Voltage	3.3V (5V tolerant SPI)
TX Current	115mA @ +20dBm
RX Current	45mA
Standby Current	26μA
Power Down Current	900nA
Channels	125 independent channels
Antenna	External SMA antenna
Package	24mm x 40mm module
Operating Temperature	-40°C to +85°C

Features

• PA (Power Amplifier) — boosts TX power to +20dBm (100mW)
• LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) — improves RX sensitivity to -95dBm
• External SMA antenna — swappable for even longer range
• Up to 1000m range — 10x further than standard nRF24L01+
• 125 RF channels — avoid interference, select unused channels
• Auto acknowledgment — built-in reliable data delivery
• Auto retransmit — automatic retry on failed transmission
• 6 data pipes — communicate with up to 6 receivers simultaneously
• Multi-ceiver mode — one transmitter to many receivers
• ShockBurst™ protocol — high-speed data with low power
• 2Mbps data rate — fast wireless communication
• Hardware CRC — error detection built-in

Pin Configuration

Pin	Name	Description
1	GND	Ground
2	VCC	3.3V power supply
3	CE	Chip Enable (RX/TX mode select)
4	CSN	SPI Chip Select (active LOW)
5	SCK	SPI Clock
6	MOSI	SPI Data Input
7	MISO	SPI Data Output
8	IRQ	Interrupt (active LOW, optional)

Wiring (Arduino Uno)

NRF24L01	Arduino
GND	GND
VCC	3.3V
CE	Pin 9
CSN	Pin 10
SCK	Pin 13
MOSI	Pin 11
MISO	Pin 12
IRQ	Not required

Wiring (ESP32)

NRF24L01	ESP32
GND	GND
VCC	3.3V
CE	GPIO4
CSN	GPIO5
SCK	GPIO18
MOSI	GPIO23
MISO	GPIO19
IRQ	Not required

Recommended Library

• Arduino / ESP32: RF24 by TMRh20
• Install via Arduino IDE Library Manager: search RF24
• GitHub: https://github.com/nRF24/RF24

Basic Arduino Code

#include <SPI.h>
#include <RF24.h>

RF24 radio(9, 10); // CE, CSN
const byte address[6] = "00001";

void setup() {
  radio.begin();
  radio.setPALevel(RF24_PA_MAX);
  radio.setDataRate(RF24_250KBPS);
  radio.openWritingPipe(address);
  radio.stopListening(); // TX mode
}

void loop() {
  const char text[] = "Hello Atoms!";
  radio.write(&text, sizeof(text));
  delay(1000);
}

NRF24L01 vs NRF24L01+PA+LNA

Feature	Standard	PA+LNA Version
TX Power	0dBm	+20dBm
RX Sensitivity	-82dBm	-95dBm
Range (open)	~100m	~1000m
Current (TX)	11.3mA	115mA
Antenna	PCB trace	External SMA
Size	15x29mm	24x40mm

⚠️ Important Notes

• Power supply is critical — use 3.3V ONLY, never 5V on VCC
• High current draw — 115mA peak, use dedicated 3.3V regulator
• Add 10μF + 100nF capacitor between VCC and GND — prevents brownout
• SPI pins are 5V tolerant — works directly with 5V Arduino SPI
• Keep antenna away from metal objects and WiFi sources
• Use channel away from WiFi — channels 1–13 overlap with WiFi 2.4GHz
• Recommended channels: 90–125 (less interference from WiFi)
• Do not use Arduino 3.3V pin — insufficient current, use external regulator

Power Supply Recommendation