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As of 2025-07-24

General Questions about the TWELITE Series

Questions regarding the TWELITE Series in general

This page summarizes frequently asked questions about the TWELITE Series in general.

General

What applications is TWELITE suitable for?

TWELITE is specialized for efficiently transmitting data up to several dozen bytes, such as sensor measurements.

Unlike Bluetooth or Zigbee, TWELITE does not establish a connection; it communicates in broadcast mode by matching the frequency channel like a transceiver. This allows you to start transmitting immediately after powering on. You can also create a transmit-only device for ultra-low power operation by not performing any power-consuming receive processing.

The IEEE 802.15.4 packets used by TWELITE have a maximum size of 128 bytes. However, only several dozen bytes are available for data due to auxiliary information (for example, Serial Communication App allows 80 bytes).

What applications is TWELITE not suitable for?

For continuous data transmission exceeding several dozen bytes, such as images or audio, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is more suitable than TWELITE.

When sending continuous data, you need to split the data into packets with TWELITE. If some of these split packets are lost, you must handle the missing data, so protocols like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi that establish a connection before sending data are more appropriate.

For long-distance transmission of large continuous data like images in locations without access points, standards that support high-speed communication such as LTE-m are more suitable. In recent years, satellite communication may also be an option.

Hardware

What is the difference between the BLUE and RED Series?

Basically, the only difference is the transmit output power.

They can communicate with each other. The receive performance is almost the same for both.

What semiconductor is mounted on the TWELITE Series?

TWELITE BLUE Series: NXP JN5164
TWELITE RED Series: NXP JN5169

What is the power consumption?

It depends on the application.

The operating voltage of the TWELITE main unit is 3.3V (2.0-3.6V), and the current consumption is as stated in the data sheet:

Maximum during transmission: 15.3mA (BLUE) / 23.3mA (RED)
Maximum during reception: 17.0mA (BLUE) / 14.7mA (RED)
Normal sleep: 1.5uA (BLUE/RED)

In practice, the power consumption of sensors and other devices is added, and it is also affected by whether you use the TWELITE’s wireless reception function and how frequently you transmit.

For example, TWELITE ARIA can operate with a CR2032 coin cell by operating as transmit-only. Assuming a CR2032 coin cell capacity of 220mAh and a transmission interval of 5 seconds, you can achieve about one year of battery life.

Magnetic/Humidity/Temperature Sensor Tag TWELITE ARIA

What is the connector type for the coaxial connector type?

The coaxial connector (u.FL) mounted on modules of the coaxial connector type is I-PEX 20441-001E-01. The 4pads type is adopted to suppress misalignment during mounting.

Can I use the module without connecting an antenna to the coaxial connector?

If you do not connect an antenna to the coaxial connector, communication performance will be significantly reduced.

In general, communication may be possible within about 1 meter, but communication over several meters is difficult.

However, the construction design certification includes the state with no antenna connected, so there is no legal issue.

What happens with unconnected input/output pins?

Normally, unconnected input/output pins are pulled up internally by a resistor (about 50kΩ) inside the semiconductor.

Is the output push-pull?

Yes.

How much current can be drawn from the output pin?

As stated in the data sheet, the maximum is 4mA (when the supply voltage is 2.7-3.6V).

Is a capacitor required when connecting a switch to the reset pin?

It is not required, but you may install one if you wish.

What are the requirements for electrical reset?

For reset operation, provide a pulse width of at least 1us. Startup usually takes 180us (communication starts after initialization processing).

For details, refer to the data sheet of the mounted semiconductor.

TWELITE BLUE (JN5164) (p.62)
TWELITE RED (JN5169) (p.63)

Can I do potting?

Normally, there is no problem with hardware performance.

We cannot guarantee legal interpretations, but we have heard that there is generally no problem if the technical conformity mark cannot be confirmed due to potting.

How many times can the built-in flash memory be written?

At least 100,000 times, typically 1,000,000 times.

Is an RTC (real-time clock) included?

There is no real-time clock function on the main unit.

Is there 3DCAD data for the product?

No, unfortunately not.

The rendered images on the web page are created using 3DCG software and cannot be used for design.

What are the dot-like patterns that appear on the surface of the main unit’s shield can?

Discoloration may be seen when the oxide film on the surface is scratched, similar to stainless steel bowls or pans.

Wireless Communication

What frequency band does it use?

2.4GHz.

Can I change the channel?

You can use all 16 channels from 11 (2405MHz) to 26 (2480MHz) (in Japan).

Is it Zigbee compatible?

It is not Zigbee compliant.

While TWELITE conforms to the IEEE 802.15.4 standard like Zigbee, it uses its own simple and easy-to-use TWELITE NET protocol stack on the upper layers, not the Zigbee protocol stack.

Are there any license fees like Bluetooth?

No. When selling products equipped with TWELITE, you do not need our permission or to purchase a license.

What is the communication range?

It is greatly affected by the surrounding environment, settings, installation location, and antenna type, so it is difficult to give a definitive answer.

In some cases it may be 10m, in others up to 1km. Unfortunately, you will need to try it in your actual environment to confirm.

As a general guideline, in typical urban areas with a clear line of sight, the communication distance may be about 100m for the BLUE series and about 200m for the RED series.

In our reinforced concrete office, we have achieved about 20m even through 1–2 walls (using a high-output RED series on the transmitting side).

What is the maximum number of simultaneous connections?

Basically, TWELITE does not establish connections and communicates in broadcast mode like a transceiver. Therefore, there is no logically defined maximum number of connections, and you can increase the number of devices as long as they do not physically interfere.

However, with existing firmware like the “Extremely Simple! Standard App” (App_Twelite), the maximum logical device ID for Child devices is 100. Also, if the transmission interval of transmitters is short, the number of usable devices decreases. As a guideline, if the transmission interval is T seconds, we recommend about T/0.1 as the maximum number of transmitters (about T/0.4 when using Repeaters).

Countermeasures for transmission interference and transmission intervals

In firmware such as TWELITE CUE and ARIA, the actual transmission interval is randomized within ±10% of the set value to prevent all devices from transmitting at exactly the same timing. Also, the IEEE 802.15.4 layer that handles packet transmission and reception has a carrier sense function to help avoid transmission interference.

The time required to transmit a single packet is about 5–6ms. However, since retransmitting two or more times is generally recommended, it takes at least about 15ms. The recommended minimum transmission interval of 100ms above is set with a margin for reliability.

What is the practical communication speed?

Assuming one-to-one communication and ideal conditions with highly optimized firmware, the speed is about 40kbps.

It takes about 5.3ms from when one TWELITE processes a packet transmission request to when the other TWELITE processes the received packet data. The maximum data that can fit in one packet is about 80 bytes (for the Serial Communication App).

For practical reliability, it is generally recommended to retransmit packets at least twice (i.e., transmit each packet three times in total). Therefore, it takes about 16ms to transmit one packet, resulting in a practical speed of approximately 1000/16*80*8 = 40000 = 40kbps.

How can I avoid interference with Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi and IEEE 802.15.4 both use the 2.4GHz band, so radio interference can occasionally occur. If you can change the frequency channel on the Wi-Fi side, set the TWELITE frequency channel as far apart as possible from Wi-Fi.

Reference material

For details on channel relationships and interference countermeasures, the semiconductor manufacturer provides the following document:

Co-existence of IEEE 802.15.4 at 2.4 GHz

What devices can cause radio interference?

Any device using the 2.4GHz ISM band may cause interference, including:

TWELITE devices set to the same frequency channel
Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11.b/g/n) routers, PCs, smartphones, and similar devices
Bluetooth input devices, sensors, etc.
Smart home devices using Thread/Matter (Zigbee-based)
Xbee (especially S1)
2.4GHz wireless microphones
Mouse or keyboard receivers (e.g., Unifying receivers)
Microwave ovens and other products using microwaves located nearby

Devices such as 5GHz Wi-Fi equipment, low-power transceivers (400MHz), and LoRaWAN devices (920MHz) are not affected, but many communication devices can cause interference.

However, since the time required to send or receive a single packet is only a few milliseconds, the simple communication method means that as long as the channel is briefly available, communication may succeed. Obstacles such as walls, ceilings, metal machinery, or noise generated by them often have a greater impact on communication than interference from other wireless devices.

Is it impossible to communicate at exhibition venues?

Exhibition venues (for electronics) are among the harshest communication environments we know.

At exhibition venues, the 2.4GHz band is flooded with an extraordinary amount of noise. TWELITE, which does not have frequency hopping, may sometimes work when Bluetooth and other devices cannot, but basically, all devices may become unable to communicate.

When we exhibit, we either use a simple RF shield box for demonstrations or show video demonstrations instead.

Is there wireless packet compatibility between series?

Yes, there is compatibility. For example, a packet sent by a TWELITE BLUE can be received by a TWELITE RED.

What is the typical amount of energy required for a single transmission?

Regardless of the supply voltage, at least about 100uC of electric charge is required per transmission.

Can the device wake from sleep upon packet reception?

No, it cannot. To receive a packet, the CPU must be awake and the receiver circuit must be enabled.

Can Repeaters operate intermittently?

No, they cannot. Repeaters must operate continuously to wait for incoming packets.

Repeaters require a power supply that can always provide at least about 20mA of current. Power sources such as TWE-EH SOLAR or CR2032 coin cell batteries cannot drive Repeaters.

Why is received data output only once when using a Repeater?

The Parent discards any duplicate packets it receives, keeping only the first one. Therefore, data output is limited to a single occurrence per packet.

How can I verify that repeating is working?

In a Simple Network, you cannot determine from the data itself whether a packet was relayed by a specific Repeater.

Simple method using a microwave oven

A microwave oven, which uses microwaves, can function as a simple RF shield box.

Place the transmitter inside the microwave and close the lid, press the Repeater against the microwave, and keep the receiver at a distance. This creates a situation where communication cannot succeed without relying on the Repeater. If communication stops when the Repeater is turned off, you can confirm that the Repeater is functioning as expected.

Is it always better to add more Repeaters?

No.

Since the communication method does not use routing, adding too many Repeaters can greatly increase the number of packets on the network, reducing reliability. When using Repeaters, we recommend gradually increasing the number of devices with repeating functionality to find the optimal configuration.

Can the number of repeating hops be increased to more than three?

It is possible to increase the number of repeat hops by modifying the TWELITE firmware, but this is not recommended as it can lead to an excessive number of packets. For long-distance communication, using an existing network is generally preferable.

How to connect to a LAN

For example, by using TWELITE SPOT and a wireless LAN router, you can send data received by a TWELITE Parent to a LAN.

Alternatively, although this tends to increase power consumption, you can insert a USB-type MONOSTICK into a small PC such as a Raspberry Pi and send the received data to the LAN.

USB Stick MONOSTICK

Can a Parent be connected to a PLC?

We have not confirmed this ourselves.

While some work may be required, it is technically possible

Packets sent by Child devices in the TWELITE series can be received not only by MONOSTICK, but also by products such as TWELITE DIP or TWELITE UART with Parent or Repeater firmware (App_Wings) written.

Devices that receive packets convert the received data to a hexadecimal string and output it via UART communication at 115200bps, 8-N-1. (See output details)

The TWELITE STAGE app on your PC simply interprets these strings to display the data. UART communication is compatible with RS-232C except for the voltage level.

Therefore, by using a commercially available UART (3.3V) / RS-232C conversion module to convert the voltage level of the Parent’s output, it should be possible to connect to the serial communication unit of a PLC.

However, you will need to implement a mechanism in the serial communication unit to interpret the Parent’s output strings.

Configuration

When using multiple Child devices with one Parent, is it sufficient to change only the logical device ID of each Child?

Yes.

How should I configure settings when using multiple groups of Parents and Children at the same time?

Assign a different frequency channel and Application ID to each group.

The frequency channel separates networks physically, while the Application ID separates them logically. The maximum number of groups separated by channel is 16. If the frequency channel is the same, data from devices with different Application IDs will not be received, but the packets themselves may still interfere with each other.

What does the retransmission count in Interactive Mode mean?

In a Simple Network, the retransmission count refers to the number of additional packets sent when transmitting a packet.

For example, if you set the retransmission count to 3, the packet will actually be sent 4 times in total.

Set an appropriate retransmission count if the transmission interval allows

If you do not use retransmissions, even in ideal communication environments, about 10% of packets are empirically lost.

Assuming a 10% packet loss rate with zero retransmissions, the theoretical packet loss rate with two retransmissions is 0.1^3=0.001, so 99.9% of packets should be delivered reliably.

Increasing the retransmission count improves reliability, but setting it too high can increase channel occupancy time and power consumption. If your transmission interval allows (several seconds or more), we recommend setting the retransmission count to 2 or 3.

If you want to always obtain the latest data continuously, such as when implementing a remote control, it is generally better to set the retransmission count to zero and shorten the transmission interval, rather than increasing the retransmission count.

In the case of a Repeater Network

In a Repeater Network, the retransmission count indicates the maximum number of additional packets sent when an ACK from the MAC layer cannot be confirmed.

Does the transmit power setting affect the receiving side as well?

The transmit power setting only affects the transmitting device.

How can I improve the reliability of transmission and reception?

In addition to setting an appropriate retransmission count (see above), you can further improve reliability by retransmitting packets at different times.

The more times you transmit, the higher the chance of successful delivery. However, simply increasing the retransmission count may not prevent packet loss due to temporary noise or obstacles.

By implementing a mechanism that stores packets in a queue and retransmits them after a certain amount of time has passed, you can reduce the impact of temporary noise or obstacles.

Certification, Authorization, and Export Regulations

Can I use a third-party antenna with TWELITE?

Please contact us. If the antenna is already listed on our official antenna list, you may be able to use it immediately.

Do I need to obtain certification when integrating TWELITE into an enclosure?

The TWELITE Series has already obtained technical conformity certification (construction design certification). You do not need to obtain certification yourself. However, you must ensure that the technical conformity mark is visible.

You must use either our dedicated TWELITE Series antenna or the designated antenna pattern.

Must the technical conformity mark be displayed when integrating into an enclosure?

For products incorporating a TWELITE module that has received construction design certification, you may display the technical conformity mark using the registration number of the TWELITE module.

How can I check information about the technical conformity certification?

You can search for registration information for construction design certification on the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications website.

Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications: Search for Devices Certified for Technical Standards

For the TWELITE BLUE Series, enter the number 007-AB0031. For the TWELITE RED Series, enter 007-AF0062.

How can I check FCC information?

You can search for registration information in the United States on the FCC website.

FCC OET Authorization Search

For the TWELITE BLUE Series, enter Grantee Code 2AINN.

Is certification required when using overseas?

Please contact us. The requirements vary by country and region.

① Countries or regions where certification of standalone wireless modules is recognized

In countries and regions like Japan, the United States, and Canada, where certification of the wireless module itself is recognized, you can use TWELITE without performing certification procedures as long as you meet the usage conditions.

Only TWELITE BLUE supports the United States (FCC) and Canada (ISED/IC) (Single Modular Approval applies only to pattern and wire antennas; u.FL connector types are not supported for any series).

② Countries or regions where certification of some wireless modules is optional

In countries and regions such as China, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, where certification of short-range communication devices is optional if certain conditions are met, it may be possible to use TWELITE without certification procedures.

If using indicators such as EIRP or ERP, please pay attention to combinations of the main unit (especially the RED Series) and high-gain antennas (such as MW-A-BP01), as well as output settings.

③ Countries or regions that require certification for the final product

In most countries and regions, certification is required for the final product incorporating the wireless module. In other words, certification of the wireless module alone is not meaningful, and you will be required to prepare a new report for your product.

A typical example is the CE regulation in Europe. CE applies to the final product, so you need to create an EN report for the entire product.

In countries and regions outside Europe and the US, such as Southeast Asia, it is sometimes possible to use CE documentation prepared for Europe for certification procedures.

MONOSTICK BLUE is compliant with CE regulations as a final product.

Can the TWELITE RED Series be used overseas?

In most cases, the TWELITE RED Series does not meet overseas regulatory requirements.

Background on why we do not support FCC or CE for RED Series

Due to increased transmission output, spurious emissions—especially harmonics in the 5GHz and 7GHz bands—increase, making it difficult to meet emission regulations in many countries.

However, in some countries or regions where certification of wireless modules is optional, it may be possible to use the RED Series.

How is export control classification determined?

We cannot guarantee the validity of interpretations regarding legal regulations.

If you wish to obtain a parameter sheet prepared by us, please contact us. We consider TWELITE wireless modules and products incorporating them as subject to export control due to the inclusion of AES encryption circuits.

Are there exceptions or exemptions?

Since TWELITE wireless modules are developer parts that support firmware write, our interpretation regarding export exemptions for encryption products is as follows:

Cryptographic special notification: Since the way cryptographic keys and encryption are used can be “changed by the user (by designing and writing firmware),” this special exemption does not apply.
Free-of-charge exemption: Whether this applies is up to the customer’s judgment.
Small-quantity exemption: Whether this applies is up to the customer’s judgment.

We are not in a position to answer questions or requests for interpretation regarding exemptions.

What about final products incorporating the TWELITE Series?

Since TWELITE wireless modules are components, the determination of export control classification and applicability of exemptions for final products incorporating them is the responsibility of the customer.

Is there a wireless module without encryption functionality?

No, there is not.

What does RoHS compliance refer to?

It refers to (EU)2015/863 covering 10 substances.

Is it REACH compliant?

No, it is not.

Is it chemSHERPA compliant?

No, it is not, and there are no plans to comply.

Is it compliant with export regulations for country X?

Please contact us after confirming that our product is subject to regulation.

In recent years, we have seen trading companies inquire about export regulations unrelated to our products. Please be sure to confirm the relevant CN Code, etc., and provide evidence that an investigation by us is necessary when making such a request.

What is your policy regarding conflict minerals?

Please contact us with the model number.

We cannot guarantee the issuance of CMRT/EMRT.

Can you issue shipping inspection certificates or pass/fail certificates for products?

As a general rule, we do not issue such certificates.

Can you guarantee that software such as the TWELITE STAGE app does not infringe intellectual property?

We cannot guarantee this.

The TWELITE STAGE app and other software utilize numerous open-source software developed by an unspecified number of volunteers. As such software is ported and modified, it is fundamentally impossible to guarantee freedom from intellectual property infringement.

Writing

Are there tools specialized for writing?

For Windows, we provide TWELITE Programmer.

How can I write from the command line?

Although it is in beta, we provide the tweliter Python module.

It can also be used as a command-line tool.


pip install tweliter
tweliter dir/SomeApp_BLUE.bin

Others

On Windows, you can use the JN51xx Production Flash Programmer/JN-SW-4107 provided by the semiconductor manufacturer.
On macOS and Linux, you can use general utilities such as jenprog.

How can I create my own writing utility?

Not supported

For details about the writing protocol, please refer to the semiconductor manufacturer’s documentation.

JN51xx Boot Loader Operation

In addition to the implementation of the TWELITE STAGE app, you may find general implementations helpful.

pscholl/jenprog: simple Jennic programmer tool
grafalex82/jn51xx_flasher
- The tweliter Python module uses a modified version of this.

Is there binary compatibility between series?

There is no binary file compatibility between the TWELITE BLUE and RED series.

For example, you can write a firmware binary file developed for TWELITE UART BLUE to TWELITE DIP BLUE, but you cannot write it to TWELITE DIP RED.

Can you customize firmware?

As a general rule, we do not accept customization requests.

Implementation

Is there a use-by date?

Some product data sheets may state: “Use the product within six months after delivery.” However, this note is intended for cases where a large number of solder-required products are purchased and kept in a warehouse. For prototypes and DIY projects, there is no need to be particularly concerned.

Software

How can I display Child device data as a graph?

For example, you can use the following approaches:

Local Usage

If you are receiving data with a MONOSTICK connected to a PC and want to display it directly:

Use the Graph feature of the TWELITE STAGE app
- In addition to displaying graphs, you can also utilize the data saved to SQLite
Create a Python script using the MWings library and pyplot

Remote Usage

If you want to send data from a PC with MONOSTICK or from TWELITE SPOT to a server and display it in a web browser:

Create a Python script using the MWings library and pyplot
- By using the JSON output feature, you can send data from a PC or Raspberry Pi to any service
Send data directly from TWELITE SPOT to a dedicated service
- You can utilize services such as ThingSpeak

Is Python supported?

You cannot develop firmware for TWELITE using Python.

The TWELITE main unit does not have the capability to run MicroPython or CircuitPython. Firmware development requires Arduino-style C++. For more, see Firmware Development.

However, we provide the MWings Python module for interpreting received data or composing data to be sent on a PC, Mac, or Raspberry Pi connected to MONOSTICK and similar devices (usage example).

PC / Mac:


pip install mwings

Raspberry Pi:


pip install mwingslite

The latter does not depend on numpy, omitting those features for lightweight operation.

Can you develop firmware on my behalf?

Regardless of project size, we do not accept requests for firmware development outsourcing.

Can you introduce a firmware development company?

Regardless of project size, we do not provide referrals to development companies.

If you contact a company specializing in bare-metal embedded software development in C/C++, they should be able to handle TWELITE firmware development.

Bare-metal embedded software development refers to firmware development for microcontrollers such as PIC, AVR, RX, RA, STM32, or LPC.

購入

販売店は？

取扱店は、販売店一覧をご覧ください。

MOQを超える大量注文の場合には、当社から直接購入することもできます。お問合せ - 見積受付窓口からお見積もりください。

Amazon において RED シリーズが BLUE シリーズよりも安いのはなぜ？

Amazon の販売価格は当社の希望小売価格と一致しない場合があります。希望小売価格は、REDシリーズのほうが高価です。

サポート

技術サポート契約とは？

技術サポート契約は、有償にてお客さまと当社の間で一年間に渡って締結する契約です。

主に TWELITE を使った製品の量産が確定したお客さまに対して、継続的なアドバイスによるサポートを実現する契約です。

量産が確定するまでの間は、技術サポート契約を結ぶことなくお問い合わせいただいても構いません。ただし、問い合わせに対する回答は確約いたしかねます。

NDA を締結するには？

簡易的な NDA については、技術サポート窓口へ問い合わせをいただいた段階から有効です。

任意の書式で締結を希望される場合は、その旨をお伝えください。

製品ロードマップ

TWELITE BLUE シリーズの生産終了予定は？

当社による生産終了の予定はありません。

ただし、使用している半導体（JN5164）の生産ステータスが NRND になった場合、当社製品も NRND を予告します。2024年現在は Active です。

TWELITE RED シリーズの生産終了予定は？

当社による生産終了の予定はありません。

ただし、使用している半導体（JN5169）の生産ステータスが NRND になった場合、当社製品も NRND を予告します。2024年現在は Active です。

TWELITE GOLD シリーズの発売時期は？

未定です。

革新的な機能の開発を行っています。しばらくお待ちください。