1. Introduction
Low-rate data transmission (≤ 250 kbps) is critical for battery-powered IoT devices, where stability, power efficiency, and interference resilience are more important than raw speed.
This article compares EBYTE’s ZigBee modules with TI (CC2530/CC2652) and NXP (JN5169) solutions in terms of:
✔ Packet Error Rate (PER) at 250 kbps
✔ Power efficiency in low-rate modes
✔ Interference resistance in congested 2.4GHz bands
✔ Network recovery after signal los
2. Tested Modules & Specifications
Brand | Model | Chipset | Max TX Power |
EBYTE | E180-ZG120A | EFR32MG1B | 20 dBm |
EBYTE | E18-2G4Z27SI | CC2530 | 27 dBm |
TI | CC2530 | CC2530 | 4 dBm |
TI | CC2652P | CC2652P | 20 dBm |
NXP | JN5169 | JN5169 | 10 dBm |
Note: EBYTE’s E180-ZG120A and E18-2G4Z27SI are optimized for low-rate, long-range applications
3. Stability Testing Methodology
3.1 Test Environment
Distance: 50m (indoor, 2 concrete walls).
Interference: Wi-Fi (Ch. 6), Bluetooth devices active.
Data Rate: 250 kbps (ZigBee standard).
Payload: 50-byte packets, sent every 2 seconds.
3.2 Key Metrics
Packet Error Rate (PER) – % of lost/damaged packets.
Retransmission Rate – How often packets are resent.
Network Recovery Time – Time to re-establish connection after signal loss.
4. Performance Comparison
4.1 Packet Error Rate (PER) at 250 kbps
Brand | Model | Chipset | Max TX Power |
EBYTE | E180-ZG120A | EFR32MG1B | 20 dBm |
EBYTE | E18-2G4Z27SI | CC2530 | 27 dBm |
TI | CC2530 | CC2530 | 4 dBm |
TI | CC2652P | CC2652P | 20 dBm |
NXP | JN5169 | JN5169 | 10 dBm |
Key Insight:
EBYTE modules show the lowest PER due to better LNA (Low-Noise Amplifier) sensitivity.
TI CC2530 struggles in interference-heavy environments (5.7% PER).
4.2 Power Efficiency in Low-Rate Mode
Module | Active Current (RX) | Sleep Current | Battery Life (2xAA, 1 msg/min) |
EBYTE E180-ZG120A | 7 mA | 1.1 µA | 8.5 years |
EBYTE E18-2G4Z27SI | 24 mA | 0.9 µA | 6.2 years |
TI CC2530 | 24 mA | 0.6 µA | 7.1 years |
TI CC2652P | 6 mA | 1.4 µA | 7.8 years |
NXP JN5169 | 15 mA | 2.5 µA | 4.5 years |
Key Insight:
EBYTE E180-ZG120A offers the best balance of low sleep current and long battery life.
NXP JN5169 has the highest sleep current, reducing battery longevity.
4.3 Network Recovery After Signal Loss
Module | Time to Reconnect (sec) |
EBYTE E180-ZG120A | 1.2 |
EBYTE E18-2G4Z27SI | 1.5 |
TI CC2530 | 3.8 |
TI CC2652P | 2.1 |
NXP JN5169 | 1.8 |
Key Insight:
EBYTE modules recover fastest due to optimized ZigBee 3.0 stack.
TI CC2530 takes nearly 4 seconds, making it unsuitable for real-time applications.
5. Why EBYTE Modules Excel in Low-Rate Stability
5.1 Enhanced RF Front-End Design
EBYTE E180-ZG120A integrates a high-efficiency PA+LNA, improving sensitivity in noisy environments.
TI CC2530 lacks an external PA, leading to weaker signal resilience.
5.2 Optimized ZigBee 3.0 Stack
EBYTE’s firmware includes adaptive channel selection and automatic retry optimization, reducing PER.
TI’s Z-Stack is less optimized for low-rate stability.
5.3 Lower Sleep Power Consumption
EBYTE E180-ZG120A (1.1 µA) outperforms NXP JN5169 (2.5 µA) in sleep efficiency.
6. Conclusion & Recommendations
Best for Low-Rate Stability:
EBYTE E180-ZG120A – Best overall (low PER, fast recovery, ultra-low sleep current).
EBYTE E18-2G4Z27SI – Best for high-power applications (27 dBm TX).
When to Consider Alternatives:
TI CC2652P – If multi-protocol (BLE + ZigBee) is needed.
NXP JN5169 – Only if low latency (not power efficiency) is critical.
For reliable low-rate ZigBee transmission, EBYTE modules provide superior stability, power efficiency, and interference resistance.