Can RN41 bluetooth module works with Arduino Uno?

Projects General Guidance
1

I was successfully use HC05 bluetooth module and arduino uno using http://www.instructables.com/id/Cheap-2-Way-Bluetooth-Connection-Between-Arduino-a/?ALLSTEPS guidance. However, the transmission range can't meet my project requirement. Therefore, i would like to try RN41XVC-I/RM http://www.mouser.com/catalog/specsheets/Datasheet-RN41XV-RN42XV-ds-v1%200r1.pdf to replace HC05 bluetooth module.

The propose connection for RN41 and Arduino Uno is as below:
RN41 TX -----> Arduino Uno RX (Pin 0)
RN41 RX -----> Arduino Uno TX (Pin 1) ....... Voltage divider needed?
RN41 GND -----> Arduino GND pin
RN41 Vcc -----> Arduino 3.3V pin

Honestly, I am weak in circuit connection. Is my propose connection works? If not, can anyone provide suggestion or guidance for me? Thank you for further help.

Reference guide for RN41 : http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/bluetooth_cr_UG-v1.0r.pdf

2

Yes RN41 can work. You need to reduce the voltage levels 74HC4050 works great for that. No voltage divider needed, and your signals stay sharp. You will need 3.3V supply for the RN41, check what it needs, the 150mA from the Uno regulator may not be enough.

3

Thanks for the reply. May i know what is the purpose of 74HC4050 in this case? Where should i connect the 74HC4050 output to?

4

Power HC4050 with 3.3V, use as 5V to 3.3V level converter for RN41 inputs.

5

Is it the connection should be as follow?

RN41 TX ---input--->HC4050 ---output---> Arduino Uno RX (Pin 0)
RN41 RX ---input--->HC4050 ---output---> Arduino Uno TX (Pin 1)
RN41 GND -----> Arduino GND pin
RN41 Vcc -----> Arduino 3.3V pin

Please correct me if i am wrong. Thank you.

6

Flip the 2nd line -
RN41 TX >---input to HC4050 > output---> Arduino Uno RX (Pin 0)
RN41 RX <---output from HC4050 < input---< Arduino Uno TX (Pin 1)

7

Thank you CrossRoads for the correction. Can i use MM74HC4050N to reduce voltage level? The datasheet is http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/88886.pdf

For now, my idea for the overall connection is as follow:
RN41 TX >---input to HC4050 > output---> Arduino Uno RX (Pin 0)
RN41 RX <---output from HC4050 < input---< Arduino Uno TX (Pin 1)
RN41 GND -----> Arduino GND pin
RN41 Vcc -----> Arduino 3.3V pin
MM74HC4050N Vcc -----> 3.3V
MM74HC4050N GND -----> GND

Do i still need other hardware component other than HC4050? Or do i still miss anything?

8

0.1uF cap from HC4050 VCC to Gnd.