Redpine Signals RS9110-N-11-02/03 Wireless Modules
Electronic Components / Scrap Gold-Bearing Modules · Redpine Signals Inc., a silicon-solutions company acquired by Silicon Labs in 2020. They were leaders in low-power Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Pattern: RS9110 Connect-i-on series; industrialized wireless connectivity modules.
Type
Electronic Components / Scrap Gold-Bearing Modules
Maker
Redpine Signals Inc., a silicon-solutions company acquired by Silicon Labs in 2020. They were leaders in low-power Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Material
Fiberglass (FR-4 substrate), copper circuitry, and gold plating (ENIG or Hard Gold flash). These contain virtually no silver; their value is in the gold-plated contact pads and internal gold bonding wires.
Dimensions
Approximately 22mm x 28mm per module; weight is negligible per unit (approx. 2-3 grams).
Description
This is a collection of decommissioned or surplus wireless networking modules. Unlike antique silver, these represent industrial electronic waste. While they feature gold-plated contact points, they lack any silver content or artisan craftsmanship associated with silversmithing.
Key Features
Gold-plated castellated edges for soldering; integrated MAC/Baseband processors; Redpine Signals proprietary labeling.
Material & Composition
Fiberglass (FR-4 substrate), copper circuitry, and gold plating (ENIG or Hard Gold flash). These contain virtually no silver; their value is in the gold-plated contact pads and internal gold bonding wires.
Finish & Decoration
Green solder mask finish with gold-plated surface mount pads and shielding labels. Industrial aesthetic with no decorative silver elements.
Hallmarks & Stamps
FCC ID: XF6-RS9110N1102; Manufacturer logo (Redpine Signals); CE certification mark; Part Number (P/N) and Serial Number (S/N) labels.
Construction Details
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) on multi-layer Printed Circuit Boards (PCB). Machine-manufactured using automated pick-and-place and reflow soldering.
Functional Features
Integrated 802.11b/g/n connectivity, TCP/IP stack, and embedded antenna/shielding capabilities for M2M communication.
Handle & Grip Details
None; these are designed for internal installation within electronic devices.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision machine-etched circuitry; high-density SMT layout. No evidence of hand-wrought craftsmanship.
Authentication Indicators
Manufacturer labels match known FCC filings for Redpine Signals RS9110 series; typical industrial PCB construction.
Origin & Manufacturing
Designed in San Jose, California/Hyderabad, India; manufactured in various high-tech facilities across Asia (typically China or Taiwan).
Era & Period
Modern Information Age (circa 2010s); specifically the 'Internet of Things' (IoT) expansion era.
Age Estimate
Circa 2011-2015 based on the RS9110 part numbering and Moore's Law progression.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift from manual craftsmanship to the digital 'E-waste' economy; highlights the global reliance on precious metals for data transmission rather than display.
Condition Notes
Bulk/Loose; some appear used or desoldered. Surface tarnish is absent as gold does not oxidize, but physical scratches on the substrate are visible.
Value Estimate
Negligible as functional units (obsolete technology); as 'gold scrap,' the value is roughly $1.00 - $3.00 per pound of similar high-grade boards.
Care & Maintenance
Store in anti-static bags (ESD bags) if functional; if intended for scrap, store in any dry container. Avoid acids or harsh abrasives which strip the thin gold plating.
Similar Pieces
Espressif ESP8266 modules, TI CC3200 SimpleLink modules. These are functional competitors, not stylistic ones.
Interesting Facts
Redpine Signals was the first company to launch an ultra-low-power single-stream 802.11n chipset in 2008. These modules were precursors to modern smart-home connectivity.