Possible for multi-protocol nRF51 to support zigbee or other wireless standards?

[helpme]

Since nRF51 is multi-protocol, why don't Nordic provide support for Zigbee? This way, customers can simply buy one single chip and have several standards supported. Are there engineering reasons why Zigbee cannot be supported? Why is ANT supported and not some other wireless standards?

[MartinBL]

Hi,

Yes, it is due to engineering reasons. The radio in our chips use Gaussian Frequency Shift Keying (GFSK) modulation and Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology. Zigbee utilize Phase Shift Keying (PSK) or Offset Qquadrature Phase-Shift Keying (OQPSK) modulation and Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS).

[helpme]

Thanks. Clear answer. I guess any proprietary wireless protocol implemented on top of nRF51 will have to use the same radio and baseband as BLE, right? Suppose someone wants to do just that. Which document should he refer to?

[MartinBL]

1. Yes, that is true.
2. I'm not sure if I understand your question. Nordic provides two proprietary protocols that we call Enhanced ShockBurst (ESB) and Gazelle. Both are compatible with e.g. our old nRF24 chips. ESB is documented here and Gazelle here. We have examples in our SDK.