NRF24L01 to PIC16LF88

Wireless & IoT
1

I was wanting to connect the NRF24L01 to a PIC16F88 and then I found out the wireless transciever module from spark is using the 16LF88. My question is which version to is being used? The 16LF88-I/SS or 16LF88-I/SO. Also does any one know the connections to hook the two together(the NRF and the pic). I have successfully connected the NRF to an 18F pic just not the 16L. Any advice would be great.

2

The nRF24L01 has 5V tolerant inputs. I use it with standard 18F4520 chips at 3V without any problems, although the LF version should really be used.

Here are the connections I use with a 16F88:

;IRQ - RA0, input (pin 17)

;CE - RB0, output (pin 6)

;MISO/SDI - RB1, input (pin 7)

;MOSI/SDO - RB2, ouput (pin 8 )

;CSN - RB3, output (pin 9)

;SCK - RB4, output (pin 10)

The standard 16F88 works OK at 3V, as well.

Leon

3

Thanks for the input…So essentially you can use any pins you want with the exception of special designated pins (programming, etc.) to connect to the nrf you just need to assign them as input or output? Also do you know the difference between the 16F88 and the 16LF88 ???

4

You need to use the correct pins if you are using hardware SPI, it doesn’t matter with software SPI. The LF version is selected for low-voltage operation, the chips are identical.

Leon

5

One last question do you know what the pin connections would be to PIC16F688 microcontroller?

6

Sorry, I’ve not used it. You need to get the SPI pins from the data sheet.

Here is my schematic for the 16F88:

http://www.leonheller.com/Designs/MiRF_V2_sch.gif

Leon

7

Wow thanks for the help.