For more than three decades, Digi International has been at the forefront of wireless innovation, helping businesses across industries connect and scale their operations. With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), the need for reliable, low-power, and secure wireless communication has never been greater.
Enter Digi XBee® 3 BLU, the newest addition to Digi’s proven XBee ecosystem, delivering the latest Bluetooth Low Energy 5.4 capabilities in a compact, industrial-grade module for connected products — with provisioning, edge processing, and mobile management capabilities for industrial, healthcare, retail, and smart building applications.
Best of all, it's easy to manage via the Digi XBee Mobile App.
Why Bluetooth Low Energy Matters for IoT
Bluetooth Low Energy has become the protocol of choice for developers who need to balance efficiency, range, and security, with the ability to perform rapid local provisioning and testing. With Bluetooth Low Energy 5.4, IoT applications now gain:
- Periodic Advertising with Response (PAwR) for efficient bi-directional communication across large-scale device networks
- Encrypted advertising data for secure transmission
- LE GATT security enhancements for stronger device authentication
- Advertising coding selection for optimizing throughput or range based on application needs
These improvements are unlocking new possibilities in industrial automation, healthcare, retail, logistics, and smart home applications.
Introducing Digi XBee 3 BLU
Digi XBee 3 BLU is more than just a Bluetooth module — it’s a flexible, pre-certified, and developer-friendly platform that simplifies design, accelerates deployment, and ensures scalability.
Key highlights include:
- Industrial-grade durability with a wide operating temperature range (-40 ºC to 85 ºC)
- Regulatory pre-certifications (FCC, CE, ISED, ETSI) for faster global deployment
- Multiple antenna options (U.FL, RF Pad, Chip, and PCB) to suit diverse designs
- Integrated MicroPython programmability, enabling edge intelligence and local data processing
- Over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates: Easily update devices in the field with secure, over-the-air firmware upgrades — minimizing downtime and service costs
- Low-power operation, maximizing battery life for field devices
Who Benefits from Digi XBee 3 BLU?
Digi XBee BLU is designed for fast integration by professionals in a range of use cases:
- IoT developers and engineers: Rapid prototyping, edge computing support, and streamlined integration
- Product managers and system integrators: Future-proof connectivity, seamless interoperability, and reduced deployment complexity
- Procurement specialists: Cost-effective, reliable, and pre-certified solutions that speed time-to-market while minimizing certification costs
Transforming Industries with Reliable Bluetooth Low Energy Connectivity
Digi XBee 3 BLU empowers organizations across industries:
- Industrial automation: Predictive maintenance, machine-to-machine communication, and wireless configuration
- Healthcare: Secure, low-power communication for wearables and patient monitoring devices
- Retail and logistics: Inventory management, beacon-based engagement, and precise asset tracking
- Smart devices: Wearables, sensors, and home automation systems that demand long battery life and seamless connectivity
Getting Started
With Digi XBee 3 BLU, developers, engineers, and product leaders gain a robust, scalable, and secure Bluetooth Low Energy 5.4 solution backed by Digi’s extensive ecosystem and decades of wireless expertise. Whether enabling smarter factories, connected healthcare, or the next generation of smart devices, Digi XBee 3 BLU sets a new benchmark for industrial-grade Bluetooth Low Energy technology.
The Digi XBee 3 BLU Developer Kit is the best way to get your hands on the module, and everything else you need for rapid testing, prototyping and deployment. Check it out, or contact a Digi expert at www.digi.com/contactus.
What Is Digi XBee BLU?
Digi XBee 3 BLU is a compact, industrial-grade Bluetooth Low Energy 5.4 module that enables secure, low-power, and flexible wireless communication for a wide range of IoT applications. It’s part of Digi’s proven XBee ecosystem — offering a complete platform for rapid development, deployment, and scalability.
How does Bluetooth Low Energy support IoT applications?
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is designed to deliver reliable wireless communication while consuming minimal power. This makes it perfect for battery-powered IoT devices that need to run for long periods without maintenance. With Bluetooth Low Energy 5.4, developers gain improved range, security, and efficiency, along with features like:
- Periodic Advertising with Response (PAwR) for scalable, two-way communication
- Encrypted advertising data for enhanced security
- LE GATT security upgrades for stronger device authentication
- Adaptive coding options to optimize throughput or range
What are the key benefits of using Digi XBee 3 BLU?
Digi XBee 3 BLU supports today’s demanding wireless communications requirements in the following ways:
- Low power, high efficiency: Ideal for devices that need long battery life.
- Pre-certified design: Regulatory approvals (FCC, CE, ISED, ETSI) accelerate time-to-market.
- Industrial-grade durability: Operates in extreme temperatures (-40 ºC to 85 ºC).
- Flexible integration: Multiple antenna options and standard XBee footprint for drop-in compatibility.
- Edge intelligence: Built-in MicroPython enables local data processing without an external MCU.
- OTA updates: Secure, over-the-air firmware updates for easy maintenance and scalability.
How does Digi XBee 3 BLU support rapid development and prototyping?
The Digi XBee 3 BLU ecosystem includes a developer kit with all necessary tools to quickly prototype and test applications. Combined with MicroPython programmability, developers can run local scripts, process sensor data, or handle logic at the edge — minimizing cloud dependencies and simplifying design cycles.
Which industries can benefit from Digi XBee 3 BLU?
Digi XBee 3 BLU supports a wide range of industrial and commercial IoT use cases, including:
- Industrial automation: Wireless sensor networks, predictive maintenance, and machine configuration
- Healthcare: Low-power, secure communication for medical devices and wearables
- Retail and logistics: Beacon-enabled asset tracking and inventory management
- Smart buildings and homes: Lighting, security, and environmental monitoring systems
What makes Digi XBee 3 BLU more than a standard Bluetooth module?
Beyond connectivity, Digi XBee 3 BLU delivers a complete platform with built-in intelligence, secure OTA management, and an extensive support ecosystem. It integrates seamlessly with Digi software tools for provisioning, diagnostics, and deployment — ensuring your IoT solution is scalable and future-ready.
Is Digi XBee 3 BLU easy to integrate into existing designs?
Yes. The Digi XBee 3 BLU shares the same standard XBee footprint as other Digi XBee modules, allowing drop-in compatibility with existing hardware. This makes it simple to add Bluetooth capabilities to existing XBee-based designs or transition from other wireless technologies.
What are the security features of Digi XBee 3 BLU?
Security is built into the module at multiple levels:
- Encrypted advertising data for secure broadcast communication
- Enhanced pairing and authentication via LE GATT security features
- Secure firmware updates and Digi’s trusted wireless stack for long-term reliability
How does Digi XBee 3 BLU contribute to sustainability and efficiency?
With its low power consumption and efficient Bluetooth Low Energy 5.4 features, Digi XBee 3 BLU extends device lifespan and reduces maintenance frequency. This not only cuts operational costs but also supports environmentally responsible design through reduced energy use and fewer battery replacements.
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