Overview

The NRF24L01 is a highly integrated, ultra-low power 2.4GHz transceiver module designed for wireless communication applications. It’s one of the most popular RF modules for Arduino and microcontroller projects due to its low cost, ease of use, and excellent range.

The module features:

• Operating frequency: 2.4 - 2.5GHz ISM band
• Data rates: 250Kbps / 1Mbps / 2Mbps (configurable)
• Maximum output power: 0dBm
• Operating voltage: 1.9V - 3.6V (module power)
• Maximum operating current: 12.3mA (transmitting)
• Standby current: 22µA
• Logic inputs: 5V tolerant
• Communication range: Up to 100m in open space (standard version)
• 125 independent channels
• Up to 6 addresses per channel (multi-device network capability)
• SPI interface for communication
• Built-in CRC error detection
• Automatic retransmission
• Low power consumption ideal for battery-powered projects
• On-board PCB antenna

Pinout

The NRF24L01 has 8 pins:

Pin	Name	Description
1	GND	Ground (0V)
2	VCC	Power supply (1.9V - 3.6V) - Use 3.3V
3	CE	Chip Enable (digital input) - Activates RX/TX mode
4	CSN	Chip Select Not (SPI chip select, active low)
5	SCK	SPI Clock (SPI clock input)
6	MOSI	SPI Data Input (Master Out Slave In)
7	MISO	SPI Data Output (Master In Slave Out)
8	IRQ	Interrupt Request (output, optional - can detect events)

ESPHome Limitations

⚠️ Note: The NRF24L01 is not currently supported by ESPHome’s built-in components.