DRF2659C RS485 to ZigBee Wireless Module – CC2630 Mesh Network, 1.6km Long Range

Product Description

DRF2659C RS485 to ZigBee Wireless Module – CC2630 Mesh Network, 1.6km Long Range

The DRF2659C RS485 to ZigBee wireless module is designed for long-range wireless serial communication, industrial monitoring, automation, remote data acquisition and Modbus RTU / RS485 networking applications.

Built around the Texas Instruments CC2630 wireless MCU, the module converts RS485 serial data into ZigBee wireless communication and supports transparent data transmission, allowing existing RS485 equipment to communicate wirelessly without changing the original communication protocol.

The module supports Coordinator and Router operating modes, automatic network joining, dynamic routing and ZigBee Mesh networking. With the supplied antenna, wireless transmission distance can reach up to approximately 1.6 km under suitable open, line-of-sight conditions.

Key Features

• RS485 to ZigBee wireless communication
• TI CC2630 wireless MCU
• 2.4GHz ZigBee Mesh networking
• Wireless transmission distance up to 1.6 km in suitable open environments
• Supports Coordinator and Router modes
• Transparent serial data transmission
• Automatic network joining
• Automatic and dynamic routing
• Supports networks with up to 200 routing levels
• Suitable for Modbus RTU and other RS485 serial applications
• Configurable serial baud rate
• External SMA antenna interface
• Wide DC 5–28V input
• Industrial aluminum-alloy enclosure
• RESET and function/KEY controls
• LED operating-status indication
• Available with optional ABS insulating mounting plate
• Optional 63 mm DIN-rail mounting clip

ZigBee Mesh Networking

The module can establish a standard ZigBee Mesh network consisting of a Coordinator and one or more Router nodes.

Router nodes can automatically join the network and participate in routing. If an existing communication path becomes unavailable, the network can dynamically search for another available routing path.

This makes the module suitable for distributed industrial systems where multiple RS485 devices need to communicate over a wireless network.

Transparent RS485 Data Transmission

The DRF2659C supports transparent wireless transmission of serial data. Data received through the RS485 interface can be transmitted through the ZigBee network without requiring the connected equipment to change its original serial communication protocol.

It can therefore be used with many existing RS485 systems, including Modbus RTU devices, industrial sensors, meters, controllers and monitoring equipment.

The module also supports network communication modes including broadcast and point-to-point transmission.

Coordinator & Router Modes

Each ZigBee network requires one Coordinator to establish and manage the network.

Additional modules can operate as Routers, extending network coverage and providing communication paths between devices.

Modules are normally configured according to the required network role. Please contact us if you need assistance selecting the appropriate configuration for your application.

CC2630 Wireless MCU

The module uses the TI CC2630, a low-power 2.4GHz wireless microcontroller designed for ZigBee and other IEEE 802.15.4-based applications.

Its architecture provides dedicated processing resources for application and wireless communication tasks, helping provide stable operation in multi-node industrial wireless networks.

Long-Range Wireless Communication

Maximum transmission distance can reach approximately 1.6 km in an open environment with suitable antennas and clear line of sight.

Actual communication range depends on installation conditions, antenna orientation, obstacles, electromagnetic interference, surrounding structures and network configuration.

For indoor or industrial installations, actual range may therefore be shorter.

Network Management & Configuration

Compatible configuration software can be used to configure and monitor the ZigBee network.

Depending on firmware and software version, supported functions may include:

• Coordinator/Router configuration
• Network node monitoring
• Signal-strength monitoring
• Routing relationship visualization
• Serial communication parameter configuration
• Node parameter configuration
• Network troubleshooting and maintenance

Technical Specifications

Upgraded Insulating Mounting Plate

Configurations with the mounting plate include an ABS insulating plate designed to provide additional electrical isolation between the metal module enclosure and the installation surface.

Mounting plate specifications:

• Material: ABS
• Thickness: approximately 3.5–4 mm
• Mounting-hole spacing: approximately 63 mm
• Compatible with a standard 63 mm DIN-rail clip

The upgraded design also improves mechanical mounting between the module enclosure and mounting plate.

The manufacturer states that the upgraded circuit provides improved protection against accidental incorrect voltage connection, with ports including the RS485 interface designed to withstand up to 60V misconnection voltage.

Note: The ABS mounting plate may be manufactured using 3D printing and may have minor surface marks or burrs. These do not normally affect installation or operation.

Available Options

1. Rod Antenna + ABS Mounting Plate
Module with adhesive-style external antenna and ABS insulating mounting plate.

2. Suction-Cup Antenna + ABS Mounting Plate
Module with suction-cup external antenna and ABS insulating mounting plate.

3. Rod Antenna + ABS Mounting Plate + DIN-Rail Clip
Module with adhesive-style antenna, insulating mounting plate and 63 mm DIN-rail mounting clip.

4. Suction-Cup Antenna + ABS Mounting Plate + DIN-Rail Clip
Module with suction-cup antenna, insulating mounting plate and 63 mm DIN-rail mounting clip.

Typical Applications

Suitable applications include industrial automation, Modbus RTU wireless links, RS485 sensor networks, environmental monitoring, remote meter reading, industrial data acquisition, street-lighting control, equipment monitoring, building automation and distributed control systems.

Package Contents

Package contents depend on the selected configuration:

• 1 × DRF2659C RS485 to ZigBee wireless module
• 1 × Selected antenna
• 1 × ABS mounting plate
• 1 × DIN-rail clip if the DIN-rail configuration is selected

Connection cables, USB-to-RS485 adapters and other accessories are not included unless specifically stated.

Important Notes

Wireless range is affected by antenna type, installation environment, obstacles, interference and network configuration. The stated 1.6 km range should be treated as a maximum open-environment transmission distance rather than a guaranteed distance in every installation.

For a ZigBee network, at least one module must operate as the Coordinator. Additional modules can be configured as Routers. If you are building a multi-module network and are unsure which configuration you need, please contact us before ordering.