JN5179/001Z - 512KB Flash ZigBee 3.0 Wireless MCU | NXP
MPN: JN5179/001Z ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.25 | $4.25 |
| 10 | $3.8 | $38.00 |
| 100 | $3.35 | $335.00 |
| 500 | $2.95 | $1,475.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.6 | $2,600.00 |
| 3,000 | $2.25 | $6,750.00 |
JN5179/001Z Overview
A wireless microcontroller (wireless MCU) is a single-die System-on-Chip that combines an MCU core, on-chip non-volatile memory, RF transceiver, and baseband/MAC accelerators. It sits inside the IoT/connectivity hierarchy: wireless MCU -> RF transceiver + microcontroller -> SoC -> semiconductor. By collapsing PHY + MAC + application CPU + memory into one device, the JN5179/001Z eliminates external radio chips and lets engineers run a Thread/ZigBee stack directly on the same die that runs application logic.
Key features include the ARM Cortex-M3 core with programmable clock speeds for active and sleep modes, +10 dBm output power with on-chip PA, -96.5 dBm receiver sensitivity for link-budget headroom in indoor mesh networks, 512 kB embedded Flash for full ZigBee 3.0 / Thread stack plus application code, and hardware AES-128 accelerators for secure commissioning. The 4 kB EEPROM simplifies persistent network parameter storage (channel, PAN ID, security keys).
Architecturally, the JN5179/001Z uses a single-die 2.4 GHz radio with a dedicated IEEE 802.15.4 baseband, a Cortex-M3 core running up to 32 MHz, and integrated DC-DC and LDO blocks that keep deep-sleep current in the microamp range. This combination lets battery-powered nodes run for years on two AA cells when firmware is written with sleep-friendly APIs.
Typical applications include ZigBee 3.0 Smart Home lighting (bulbs, switches, dimmers, occupancy sensors), Thread border routers and Matter-over-Thread endpoints, ZigBee Smart Energy thermostats, and industrial 802.15.4 mesh sensors. Designers favour the JN5179 because NXP provides a certified ZigBee 3.0 stack plus reference designs, shortening time-to-market.
When designing with this part, allocate the 512 kB Flash carefully between NXP's ZigBee stack (~250 kB typical) and application code. Decouple AVDD/DVDD/PAVDD pins individually per the datasheet, and use a pi-network antenna match for the differential RFIO port. The /001Z suffix denotes tape-and-reel packing (1,000 per reel), MSL-3 handling required.
This page synthesises distributor pricing, same-brand NXP drop-in alternatives (JN5189/88T, JN5179-001-M13Z), and practical RF/antenna design notes that go beyond the datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for JN5179/001Z — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with JN5179/001Z (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Frequency Band, Mounting Type, Package, Product Type, Protocol.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
JN5179-001-M13Z
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
JN5179/001
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
JN5178/001Z
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
JN5174/001Z
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
JN5189/001Z
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
JN5179/001Z Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | RF Transceiver + MCU (Wireless MCU) |
| Protocol | IEEE 802.15.4 / ZigBee 3.0 / Thread |
| Frequency Band | 2.4 GHz to 2.485 GHz (ISM) |
| CPU Core | ARM Cortex-M3 |
| Flash Memory | 512 kB |
| RAM | 32 kB |
| EEPROM | 4 kB |
| TX Output Power | +10 dBm (max) |
| RX Sensitivity | -96.5 dBm |
| Package | 40-pin HVQFN (QFN-40) Exposed Pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (SMD) |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel, 1,000 per reel |
| MSL Level | 3 |
| Peak Reflow Temperature | 260 C |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Series | JN517X (variants: JN5174, JN5178, JN5179) |
JN5179/001Z Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | ANT — Differential RF I/O to antenna matching network |
| Pin 2 | RFIO_P — Positive differential RF port |
| Pin 3 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 4 | VDDPA — PA supply voltage |
| Pin 5 | AVDD — Analog supply voltage |
| Pin 6 | VCC — Core 1.2 V (internally regulated) |
| Pin 7 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 8 | VCC_RF — RF supply voltage |
| Pin 9 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 10 | VDD — I/O supply 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Pin 11 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 12 | RESETn — Active-low reset input |
| Pin 13 | JTMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 14 | JTCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 15 | JTDI — JTAG test data input |
| Pin 16 | JTDO — JTAG test data output |
| Pin 17 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 18 | P0_0 — GPIO / DIO (digital I/O) |
| Pin 19 | P0_1 — GPIO / DIO |
| Pin 20 | P0_2 — GPIO / DIO |
| Pin 21 | P0_3 — GPIO / DIO |
| Pin 22 | P0_4 — GPIO / DIO / ADC input |
| Pin 23 | P0_5 — GPIO / DIO / ADC input |
| Pin 24 | P0_6 — GPIO / DIO |
| Pin 25 | P0_7 — GPIO / DIO |
| Pin 26 | P1_0 — GPIO / DIO |
| Pin 27 | P1_1 — GPIO / DIO |
| Pin 28 | P1_2 — GPIO / DIO |
| Pin 29 | P1_3 — GPIO / DIO |
| Pin 30 | P1_4 — GPIO / DIO |
| Pin 31 | P1_5 — GPIO / DIO |
| Pin 32 | P1_6 — GPIO / DIO |
| Pin 33 | P1_7 — GPIO / DIO |
| Pin 34 | P2_0 — GPIO / DIO / peripheral function |
| Pin 35 | P2_1 — GPIO / DIO / peripheral function |
| Pin 36 | P2_2 — GPIO / DIO / peripheral function |
| Pin 37 | P2_3 — GPIO / DIO / peripheral function |
| Pin 38 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 39 | VDD — I/O supply 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Pin 40 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet); also serves as exposed thermal pad land |
Typical Applications
JN5179/001Z is suitable for 6 applications: ZigBee 3.0 Smart Lighting Bulbs, Thread / Matter-over-Thread Endpoints, ZigBee Smart Energy Thermostats, Industrial 802.15.4 Mesh Sensors, Wireless Battery-Connected Switches, ZigBee Range Extenders / Repeaters.
ZigBee 3.0 Smart Lighting Bulbs
The NXP JN5179/001Z fits ZigBee 3.0 Smart Lighting bulbs because its +10 dBm TX power provides link-budget headroom for the bulb inside a metal socket, while its -96.5 dBm RX sensitivity captures weak commissioning packets from a remote bridge. The 512 kB Flash holds NXP's certified ZigBee 3.0 stack plus dimming/firmware-over-the-air logic, and the 4 kB EEPROM stores the ZigBee NWK key persistently across power cycles. Compared to a discrete MCU + radio solution, the JN5179/001Z shrinks BOM and lets the bulb wake on a button-press or ZigBee cluster command while drawing single-digit microamps in deep sleep. The 40-pin HVQFN exposed pad also dissipates heat from the integrated PA efficiently at full TX.
Recommended
Thread / Matter-over-Thread Endpoints
The NXP JN5179/001Z is widely used in Thread Border Router endpoints and early Matter-over-Thread devices because its ARM Cortex-M3 core runs the OpenThread stack plus application code within the 512 kB Flash budget. The 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 radio provides native Thread compatibility, and the 4 kB EEPROM stores the Thread Network Key and Mesh-Local EID prefixes. For Matter-over-Thread designers, the JN5179's hardware AES-128 accelerator speeds commissioning, while the -96.5 dBm sensitivity supports large multi-node Thread meshes. Engineers preferring ongoing software support should evaluate the JN5189 successor (Cortex-M4, larger memory) for new designs.
Recommended
ZigBee Smart Energy Thermostats
The NXP JN5179/001Z is suitable for ZigBee Smart Energy thermostats and HVAC controllers where the +10 dBm output power guarantees reliable mesh relay through walls, and the -96.5 dBm RX sensitivity maintains the link back to the energy gateway. The 512 kB Flash holds the SE 1.x stack plus thermostat scheduling logic, while the 32 kB RAM supports concurrent screen UI and ZigBee stack buffers. The hardware AES-128 accelerator accelerates the Smart Energy key establishment. Compared to a Wi-Fi-only thermostat, the ZigBee mesh topology means each JN5179/001Z node extends the network, reducing gateway count.
Recommended
Industrial 802.15.4 Mesh Sensors
The NXP JN5179/001Z enables industrial-grade 802.15.4 mesh sensors for condition monitoring, leak detection, and predictive maintenance in factories. The -96.5 dBm RX sensitivity supports long-range links across factory floors, while the integrated PA delivers +10 dBm for the reverse path. The 512 kB Flash fits customer wireless M-Bus or 802.15.4g profiles plus sensor data buffering, and the 4 kB EEPROM stores calibration constants. The exposed-pad 40-pin HVQFN provides thermal headroom for the PA at continuous TX duty cycles typical in industrial nodes.
Recommended
Wireless Battery-Connected Switches
The NXP JN5179/001Z is well-suited to ZigBee 3.0 battery-backed wall switches, door/window sensors, and battery-powered scene controllers. The integrated DC-DC buck and LDO blocks drop deep-sleep current to single-digit microamps, enabling 5-10 year battery life on a single CR2477 coin cell. The 4 kB EEPROM preserves the ZigBee NWK key when the battery is replaced, and the +10 dBm TX power ensures reliable command delivery through brick walls. Compared to proprietary 433 MHz solutions, the ZigBee 3.0 mesh extends range and provides bidirectional feedback via the IEEE 802.15.4 stack.
Recommended
ZigBee Range Extenders / Repeaters
The NXP JN5179/001Z is a strong fit for mains-powered ZigBee 3.0 range extenders because the +10 dBm output power and -96.5 dBm RX sensitivity extend mesh coverage in large homes and warehouses. The 512 kB Flash stores NXP's certified ZigBee router stack plus extender logic, while 32 kB RAM holds routing tables. The 40-pin HVQFN exposed pad dissipates heat from sustained TX/RX duty cycles. For new designs the NXP JN5189/88T offers lower sleep current and ongoing software support, but existing JN5179/001Z designs remain valid for repeaters already in field deployment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for JN5179/001Z — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | JN5179-001-M13Z | JN5179/001 | JN5178/001Z | JN5174/001Z | JN5189/001Z |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 40-pin HVQFN (QFN-40) Exposed Pad | Module with U.FL (same silicon) | 40-pin HVQFN (QFN-40) - same | 40-pin HVQFN (QFN-40) - same | 40-pin HVQFN (QFN-40) - same | 40-pin HVQFN (QFN-40) - same |
| Flash Memory | 512 kB | 512 kB | 512 kB | 256 kB | 160 kB | 640 kB |
| RAM | 32 kB | 32 kB | 32 kB | 32 kB | 24 kB | 152 kB |
| EEPROM | 4 kB | 4 kB | 4 kB | 4 kB | 4 kB | 4 kB |
| TX Output Power | +10 dBm | +10 dBm (on-board antenna variant) | +10 dBm | +10 dBm | +10 dBm | +10 dBm |
| RX Sensitivity | -96.5 dBm | -96.5 dBm | -96.5 dBm | -96.5 dBm | -96.5 dBm | -100 dBm |
| CPU Core | ARM Cortex-M3 | ARM Cortex-M3 | ARM Cortex-M3 | ARM Cortex-M3 | ARM Cortex-M3 | ARM Cortex-M4 |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | Active (recommended for new designs) |
Key Differentiators
- Largest on-die memory in the JN517x family (vs JN5178/001Z)
- Recommended NXP successor with Cortex-M4 + larger memory (vs JN5189/001Z)
- Pre-certified module variant for faster certification (vs JN5179-001-M13Z)
Design Notes
Place a pi-network antenna matching circuit (two capacitors + one inductor) between the differential RFIO_P/RFIO_N pins and the 50-ohm antenna trace. Keep the differential pair length-matched to within 1 mm and avoid routing near digital clocks. Use NXP's JN-AN-1001 reference design as the matched-network starting point for the 2.4 GHz ISM band.
Decouple AVDD, VDDPA, VCC_RF, VDD, and the exposed thermal pad individually per the JN517X datasheet. Use a 10 uF bulk + 100 nF + 10 pF stack on each analog rail. Place the 100 nF within 2 mm of the pin and tie the thermal pad to a continuous ground pour to dissipate PA heat at +10 dBm TX.
Do not skip the 32.768 kHz external sleep oscillator when targeting low deep-sleep current; internal RC alone will not achieve the microamp sleep currents advertised for ZigBee 3.0 battery nodes. Also ensure firmware leaves 256 kB+ Flash free for the NXP ZigBee 3.0 stack (~250 kB) before pulling in the application image.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per NXP product page. AEC-Q100 not applicable (consumer-grade wireless MCU). NRND - no new software releases planned per NXP product page notice.
