The N710AP-ZB is a high-performance Zigbee USB Dongle designed to function as a robust Zigbee Coordinator, Router, or Gateway for PC-based applications. It integrates Texas Instruments' powerful CC2538 wireless microcontroller (ARM Cortex-M3) with the CC2592 RF range extender, delivering an outstanding +22 dBm output power for extended network coverage. This compact, feature-rich dongle provides a complete, plug-and-play solution for developing, testing, and deploying Zigbee networks, bridging the gap between USB hosts and 2.4 GHz Zigbee mesh networks.
High-Power Zigbee Networking: The CC2592 front-end amplifies the CC2538's signal to +22 dBm, creating a strong central node with superior range and network penetration for reliable mesh formation.
Powerful Processing Core: Features the CC2538's ARM Cortex-M3 MCU with up to 512KB Flash and 32KB RAM, capable of running full-featured Zigbee PRO stacks (like Z-Stack) and handling complex gateway logic.
Integrated Developer Convenience: Includes onboard User bicolor LED and Function Button for easy status indication and manual control during development and testing.
Dual Interface & Programmability: Provides a standard USB 2.0 interface for seamless PC connection and a full JTAG debug interface (via exposed pads) for direct firmware programming and debugging using TI tools like XDS110 or XDS100v3.
Complete Gateway Solution: An ideal, ready-to-use hardware platform for building Zigbee network sniffers, protocol analyzers, smart home hubs, or industrial gateways.
Technical Specifications
Category
Parameter
Specification
RF & Protocol
Wireless Standard
Zigbee 3.0 / IEEE 802.15.4
Frequency Range
2400 – 2480 MHz
Max. Output Power
+22 dBm
Data Rate
250 kbps
Antenna Interface
IPEX Connector (for external antenna)
Core Hardware
Main IC
CC2538 (ARM Cortex-M3) + CC2592 (RF PA)
MCU Core
ARM® Cortex®-M3
Flash Memory
512 KB (on CC2538)
RAM
32 KB (on CC2538)
Peripherals on Dongle
USB 2.0, User LED, Push Button
Electrical & Physical
Supply Voltage
5V via USB
RX Current
35 mA (typical)
Operating Temperature
-30°C to +75°C
Dimensions
62 x 18 x 7 mm
Package
USB Dongle Form Factor
Applications
Zigbee Network Gateway/Hub: Central controller for smart home, building automation, or industrial monitoring systems.
Development & Debugging Tool: Sniffing Zigbee network traffic, prototyping applications, and over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Protocol Analyzer: Capturing and analyzing Zigbee packets for network optimization and troubleshooting.
PC Peripheral for IoT: Adding Zigbee connectivity to PCs for data logging, visualization, or control applications.
Router Node in Large Networks: Extending Zigbee mesh network coverage in large facilities.
Development & Firmware Programming
The N710AP-ZB is designed for deep development access:
USB Connectivity: Presents as a serial (CDC) or custom USB device for immediate use with host software.
JTAG Programming: Exposed debug pads allow direct connection to a TI debugger (e.g., XDS110) for flashing firmware using TI Flash Programmer 2 or IAR Embedded Workbench.
Software Support: Compatible with TI's Z-Stack for CC2538, enabling development of compliant Zigbee coordinators, routers, or end devices.
Support: Technical support via email, forum, and documentation
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use this as both a coordinator and a sniffer? A: Yes, with appropriate firmware. The hardware supports both roles, though not simultaneously.
Q: What antennas are compatible? A: Any 2.4GHz antenna with IPEX (U.FL) connector. We recommend our 2.4GHz Dipole Antenna for optimal performance.
Q: Is external power required? A: No, the dongle is powered entirely through USB. Ensure your USB port can provide 500mA.
Q: Can I develop custom firmware? A: Absolutely! Full JTAG access and TI toolchain support enable complete custom firmware development.
Q: What Zigbee stacks are supported? A: Primarily Texas Instruments Z-Stack, but community ports of other stacks are available.
Why Choose the N710AP-ZB Dongle?
The N710AP-ZB transcends a simple adapter by offering gateway-grade RF performance, substantial processing power, and full developer access in a convenient USB format. It eliminates the hardware design hurdles for creating a powerful Zigbee gateway, allowing developers and integrators to focus immediately on application software and network deployment. Whether for prototyping, testing, or deployment as a core network component, the N710AP-ZB delivers a reliable and capable foundation.
For technical documentation (datasheet, debug guide), software resources, and purchasing information, please visit our website or contact our sales team.
Need More Processing Power & Advanced Protocol Support? The N710AP-ZB provides a cost-optimized, high-performance foundation for 2.4 GHz Zigbee applications. If your project requires future-proof support for ecosystems like Matter and Thread, significantly greater processing power for complex gateway logic, or capabilities for advanced application development, explore our enhanced solutions built on next-generation wireless SoCs.
Large Memory, Pure Zigbee Powerhouse • 512KB Flash for the most complex Zigbee gateway firmware • +22 dBm output for maximum network coverage & reliability
Multi-Protocol & Performance Leap • Multi-protocol radio: Unlocks Thread & BLE ecosystems • Processor Upgrade: Arm® Cortex®-M4F core for superior performance • Memory Boost: 704KB Flash for advanced applications
The Ultimate Future-Proof Form Factor • Matter-Ready: Seamless integration into the Matter smart home ecosystem • Top-Tier Specs: 1MB Flash, 256KB RAM, with advanced security (TrustZone) • Latest Bluetooth: BLE 5.3 for enhanced connectivity
Multi-Protocol Development & Mainstream Smart Home Hubs • Thread/Zigbee/BLE protocol development & testing • Prototyping for mainstream smart home hubs • High-performance network sniffer & analyzer
Building for Future Ecosystems & High-End Solutions • Matter over Thread smart home primary gateway • High-end commercial IoT edge device • Projects with stringent requirements for security, performance, and future compatibility
Choose the N710BP-ZB if your project is a pure Zigbee application and you need a "final form" Zigbee Coordinator/Gateway with ample memory, high output power, and proven reliability, without paying for unused multi-protocol features.
Choose the N722AP if you are a developer or integrator who needs a versatile, cost-effective multi-protocol tool for evaluating Thread, Zigbee, and BLE, prototyping, or building mainstream smart home hubs.
Choose the N726AP if your goal is to develop future-proof Matter-enabled products, build high-end commercial IoT solutions, or need top-tier processing power, memory, and security features to support the most complex application logic.
