XBee Maxstream Module Types

Two versions are available from MaxStream: XBee and XBee PRO. Both versions are functionally identical and pin compatible. The only difference is the transmit power, which is 1 mW maximum for the XBee and 63 mW maximum for the XBee PRO. Of course, transmit power is an important factor because the range of the ultimate product depends on it, but it is certainly not the only thing you have to take into account. Another consideration that is at least as important is that higher transmit power means higher current consumption. A transmit power of 1 mW already costs around 45 mA, while 63 mW from the antenna translates into a tidy 270 mA from the power source. A further consideration is compliance with legal requirements. The maximum radiated power is regulated by law, and in Europe the applicable limit is 10 mW. To make it possible to comply with this requirement, MaxStream has implemented a configuration parameter in the XBee that can be used to set the transmit power.

XBee is available with three different types of antenna.