Ai-Thinker NF-04 BK2425 2.4GHz Wireless Transceiver Module

The Ai-Thinker NF-04 is a compact 2.4GHz wireless transceiver module based on the BK2425 RF chip. It uses a DIP-8 through-hole format, onboard PCB antenna, and four-wire SPI host interface for embedded products that need a simple low-power 2.4GHz data link.

According to the official NF-04 specification, the module supports GFSK modulation, 2Mbps / 1Mbps / 250kbps data rates, 128 RF channels, up to 4dBm transmit power, and -96dBm receive sensitivity at 250kbps. It operates from 1.9V to 3.6V and uses a 2.4GHz to 2.525GHz adjustable frequency range with 1MHz steps.

For related OpenELAB wireless modules and accessories, compare the Ai-Thinker NF-01-S Si24R1 2.4GHz Module, Ai-Thinker NF-03 Si24R1 2.4GHz Module, NRF24L01 2.4GHz Wireless Module, NRF24L01+PA+LNA RF Transceiver Module, and Nano IO Shield with NRF24L01 Socket.

Technical Specifications

Integration Notes & Hardware Guidance

• Power Supply – Keep VCC within 1.9V to 3.6V. Voltage above the rated range can damage the module.
• Ripple Control – Use a low-ripple supply and reserve filtering with ceramic capacitance, tantalum capacitance, or inductance as needed.
• Grounding – Use careful single-point grounding for the module ground reference and separate noisy circuit grounds where possible.
• Antenna Clearance – Keep the onboard PCB antenna exposed and away from metal shells, relays, and nearby components that can reduce RF performance.
• Interference Planning – If other wireless modules are installed in the same product, plan frequency use and shielding to reduce harmonic and intermodulation interference.
• Crystal Placement – Increase distance from nearby crystal oscillators to reduce unwanted interference near the RF module.
• SPI Routing – Keep CSN, CE, MOSI, MISO, SCK, and IRQ traces short and confirm host IO voltage compatibility before production.
• CE and IRQ Review – Drive CE from a host GPIO where possible, and consider connecting IRQ to an external interrupt pin for faster event handling.
• Assembly Handling – Follow ESD precautions and avoid reflow or wave soldering because the official FAQ warns that those processes can damage the module.

Packing List

• 1 x Ai-Thinker NF-04 2.4GHz BK2425 Wireless Transceiver Module

FAQ

Q: Which RF chip does NF-04 use?
A: The official specification lists the BK2425 RF chip.

Q: What interface does the module use?
A: NF-04 uses a four-wire SPI interface with CSN, MOSI, MISO, and SCK, plus CE and IRQ control pins.

Q: What data rates are supported?
A: The official specification lists 2Mbps, 1Mbps, and 250kbps data rate support.

Q: What frequency range does it cover?
A: The module operates from 2.4GHz to 2.525GHz with 1MHz adjustable channel spacing.

Q: What is the supported supply voltage?
A: The supported range is 1.9V to 3.6V. Keep the supply stable and below 3.6V to avoid module damage.

Q: Does NF-04 support RSSI?
A: The official parameter table says RSSI is not supported and lists simple packet-loss counting instead.

Q: How is NF-04 different from the Si24R1 versions?
A: NF-04 uses the BK2425 RF chip, lists 128 RF channels, and provides a 120m unobstructed reference test range in the official specification.