Digi XBee® 3 Zigbee

RF Module

Migration Guide
Contents

Introduction ........................................................................................................... 3

What’s new ............................................................................................................. 3

Specification considerations ................................................................................. 3

Part number migration guide ................................................................................ 5

Legacy part number migration .................................................................................................... 5
Micro form factor - New to XBee 3 ............................................................................................... 5

Pin signals ............................................................................................................... 6

Configuration ......................................................................................................... 6

Digi XBee 3 Zigbee 3.0 functional migration considerations ............................... 6

Hardware and I/O considerations ............................................................................................... 6
UART considerations .................................................................................................................... 7
Sleep considerations.................................................................................................................... 8
RF considerations......................................................................................................................... 8
Zigbee network considerations ................................................................................................... 9
Security considerations ............................................................................................................... 10
Firmware update considerations ................................................................................................ 11
Security......................................................................................................................................... 13
Other considerations ................................................................................................................... 13

Future updates ..................................................................................................... 13

Digi XBee 3 Zigbee Migration Guide 2

Introduction

Introduction
Digi has updated and ported its XBee Zigbee firmware from the XBee/XBee-PRO ZB (S2C) hardware
based on the SiLabs EM357 SoC, to the Digi XBee 3 (Micro) hardware based on the SiLabs EFR32 SoC.
This guide will assist you with migration to the new platform. While basic functionality and
communication are similar and compatible, there are some differences to consider. This newer
platform provides several major advantages over the existing platform, which we describe in this guide,
along with other migration considerations.

What’s new
The Digi XBee 3 Zigbee 3.0 introduces some new features such as:
 Addition of the "Micro" (MMT) form factor
 Built on the latest Zigbee 3.0 specifications
 Capable of firmware migration to Zigbee, DigiMesh™ or Digi 802.15.4 protocols
 New, reliable and secure, firmware over-the-air (FOTA) update process based on the ZCL OTA
update standard
 Lower operating receive current
 Power on channel 26 is increased on the PRO and power cap on channel 26 is removed for non-
PRO
 Improved RF sensitivity and output power without the need for boost mode
 Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) support for configuration, data transmission, and beaconing
 Supports MicroPython and a file system with OTA update support
 Support for I2C through MicroPython
 SRP authenticated remote access (Secure Session)

Specification considerations
Specification comparison between the legacy XBee/XBee-PRO ZB (S2C) and the new Digi XBee 3 Zigbee
3.0.
Low-Power (non-PRO) variant
Considerations Legacy XBee ZB New Digi XBee 3 Comments
(S2C) Zigbee
Indoor/urban range Up to 60 m (200 ft) Up to 60 m (200 ft) Same
Outdoor RF line-of Up to 1200 m (4000 ft) Up to 1200 m (4000 ft) Same
sight
Transmit power 6.3 mW (+8 dBm), 6.3 mW (+8 dBm) No power cap on channel 26
output boost mode
3.1 mW (+5 dBm),
normal mode
Channel 26 max
power is +3 dBm

Digi XBee 3 Zigbee Migration Guide 3

Specification considerations

Considerations Legacy XBee ZB New Digi XBee 3 Comments

(S2C) Zigbee
Receive sensitivity -102 dBm, boost -103 dBm Comparable to boost mode
mode
-100 dBm, normal
mode
Operating current 45 mA (+8 dBm, boost 40 mA @ +3.3V, Lower operating current vs boost
(transmit) mode) +8dBm mode
33 mA (+5 dBm,
normal mode)
Operating current 31 mA (boost mode) 17 mA Improved
(receive) 28 mA (normal mode)
Supply voltage 2.1 – 3.6 V 2.1 – 3.6 V Same
FCC ID MCQ-S2C MCQ-XBEE3 Customer will need to change the
label on the end product to show
the appropriate regulatory ID for
the XBee 3
Industry Canada 1846A-XBS2C 1846A-XBEE3
(IC) ID
High-Power (PRO) variant
Considerations Legacy XBee-PRO ZB New Digi XBee 3 Comments
(S2C) Zigbee Pro
Indoor/urban range Up to 90 m (300 ft) Up to 90 m (300 ft) Same
Outdoor RF line-of Up to 3200 m (2 mi) Up to 3200 m (2 mi) Same
sight
Transmit power 63 mW (+18 dBm) 79 mW (+19 dBm) Power on channel 26 is increased
output Channel 26 max Channel 26 max
power is +1 dBm power is +8 dBm
Receive sensitivity -101 dBm -103 dBm Better sensitivity
Operating current 120 mA @ 3.3 V, +18 135 mA @ +3.3 V, +19 Comparable
(transmit) dBm dBm
Operating current 31 mA (Boost mode) 17 mA Improved
(receive) 28 mA (Normal mode)
Supply voltage 2.7 – 3.6 V 2.1 - 3.6 V Larger voltage range
FCC ID MCQ-PS2C MCQ-XBEE3 Customer will need to change the
label on the end product to show
the appropriate regulatory ID for
the XBee 3
Industry Canada 1846A-PS2CSM 1846A-XBEE3
(IC) ID

Digi XBee 3 Zigbee Migration Guide 4

Part number migration guide

Part number migration guide

The following table shows which Digi XBee 3 Zigbee 3.0 module to migrate to depending on which
XBee/XBee-PRO ZB (S2C) module you are currently using.
For the latest list of available XBee 3 Zigbee modules, see the XBee 3 Zigbee Part Numbers & Accessories
page

Legacy part number migration

Legacy part number Description Migrate to
XB24CZ7SIT-004 XBee 3, 2.4 GHz ZB 3.0, SMA Ant, TH MT XB3-24Z8ST-J
XB24CZ7UIT-004 XBee 3, 2.4 GHz ZB 3.0, U.FL Ant, TH MT XB3-24Z8UT-J
XB24CZ7PIT-004 XBee 3, 2.4 GHz ZB 3.0, PCB Ant, TH MT XB3-24Z8PT-J
XBP24CZ7SIT-004 XBee 3 PRO, 2.4 GHz ZB 3.0, SMA Ant, TH MT XB3-24Z8ST
XBP24CZ7UIT-004 XBee 3 PRO, 2.4 GHz ZB 3.0, U.FL Ant, TH MT XB3-24Z8UT
XBP24CZ7PIT-004 XBee 3 PRO, 2.4 GHz ZB 3.0, PCB Ant, TH MT XB3-24Z8PT
XB24CZ7RIS-004 XBee 3, 2.4 GHz ZB 3.0, RF Pad Ant, SMT XB3-24Z8RS-J
XB24CZ7UIS-004 XBee 3, 2.4 GHz ZB 3.0, U.FL Ant, SMT XB3-24Z8US-J
XB24CZ7PIS-004 XBee 3, 2.4 GHz ZB 3.0, PCB Ant, SMT XB3-24Z8PS-J
XBP24CZ7RIS-004 XBee 3 PRO, 2.4 GHz ZB 3.0, RF Pad Ant, XB3-24Z8RS
SMT
XBP24CZ7UIS-004 XBee 3 PRO, 2.4 GHz ZB 3.0, U.FL Ant, SMT XB3-24Z8US
XBP24CZ7PIS-004 XBee 3 PRO, 2.4 GHz ZB 3.0, PCB Ant, SMT XB3-24Z8PS

Micro form factor - New to XBee 3

Part number Description
XB3-24Z8RM-J XBee 3, 2.4 GHz ZB 3.0, RF Pad Ant, MMT
XB3-24Z8UM-J XBee 3, 2.4 GHz ZB 3.0, U.FL Ant, MMT
XB3-24Z8CM-J XBee 3, 2.4 GHz ZB 3.0, Chip Ant, MMT
XB3-24Z8RM XBee 3 PRO, 2.4 GHz ZB 3.0, RF Pad Ant, MMT
XB3-24Z8UM XBee 3 PRO, 2.4 GHz ZB 3.0, U.FL Ant, MMT
XB3-24Z8CM XBee 3 PRO, 2.4 GHz ZB 3.0, Chip Ant, MMT

Digi XBee 3 Zigbee Migration Guide 5

Pin signals

Pin signals
The Digi XBee 3 Zigbee 3.0 is available in three different form factors, Surface Mount (SMT), Through
Hole (TH), and the newly introduced XBee 3 Micro (MMT). The SMT and TH versions are pin compatible
with existing XBee/XBee-PRO ZB (S2C) SMT and TH hardware. This hardware is drop-in replaceable. In
order to fit all necessary pin connections on the XBee 3 Micro, three pins on the SMT were removed and
the remaining pins were shifted. These pins were unused on the SMT module. These pins were unused
on the SMT module. See the XBee 3 Hardware Reference Manual for more information.

Configuration
Using XCTU, you can load the appropriate firmware to fit your current needs within the regulatory
guidance of the region of deployment. See the XBee 3 Zigbee User Guide for more information.

Digi XBee 3 Zigbee 3.0 functional migration considerations

The following enhancements have been made to the Digi XBee Zigbee firmware for the XBee 3 platform:

Hardware and I/O considerations

Pin signals
Digi XBee 3 is available in three different form factors: Surface Mount (SMT), Through Hole (TH), and the
newly introduced XBee 3 Micro (MMT).
The SMT and TH versions are pin compatible with existing XBee/XBee-PRO (S2C) SMT and TH
hardware. This hardware is drop-in replaceable.
In order to fit all necessary pin connections on the XBee 3 Micro, three pins on the SMT were removed
and the remaining pins have been shifted. These pins were unused on the SMT module. See the XBee 3
Hardware Reference Manual for more information.

ADC voltage reference and resolution

The default ADC voltage reference changed from 1.2 V to 1.25 V. The ADC internal voltage reference can
be set to 1.25 V, 2.5 V or VDD using the AV command.
The VREF pin from the XBee Series 1 is not supported by the XBee 3 hardware and has been removed
from the Micro (MMT) form factor.
The ADCs on the XBee 3 are 10-bit when sampled from the XBee application (IS, IR, IC), if sampled
through MicroPython, the resolution is increased to 12-bit.

Overvoltage detection
An overvoltage 0x8A modem status frame with a 0x0D status byte will warn the user of VCC input
voltages exceeding the maximum rated 3.6 Volts with a 0.1 Volt margin. API mode (AP set to 1 or 2) must
be enabled to see this status message. When an overvoltage occurs the module will continue to operate
with the RF power limited to max value of PL = 3 to meet FCC requirements.

Module temperature
The TP command (module temperature) is available on both Pro and Non-Pro variants. On the S2C, this
command was only available on the PRO variant.

Digi XBee 3 Zigbee Migration Guide 6

Digi XBee 3 Zigbee 3.0 functional migration
considerations

Boot time
The boot time of the XBee 3 Zigbee module has increased compared to the previous XBee S2C Zigbee.
This is due to enhanced functionality compared to the previous hardware platform as well as a secure
boot operation.
Measured time from power-on to CTS asserting:
 XBee S2C Zigbee: ~75 ms
 XBee 3 Zigbee: ~290 ms

PWM output
The RSSI PWM period on the S2C was 200 µS, this has been changed to match other XBee firmwares and
now outputs a signal with a 64 µS period. The M0 and M1 commands can be used to output a fixed duty
cycle PWM signal on P0 and P1 if configured as a PWM output.

SPI pins - non-peripheral behavior

On the SMT and Micro (MMT) form factors, the SPI lines (P5, P6, P7, P8, P9) can now be set as digital
output High and Low.

UART considerations
UART parity
The XBee 3 802.15.4 supports the following serial communication parity bit modes:
 No parity bit (NB = 0)
 Even parity bit (NB = 1)
 Odd parity bit (NB = 2)
Support for mark parity has been removed.

Expanded baud rate

The XBee S2C only supported standard baud rates up to 230400. For the XBee 3, standard UART baud
rates 460800 (BD = 0x9) and 921600 (BD = 0xA) have been added.
When setting a custom baud rate, BD now accepts a value up to 0x0EC400 (967680 baud).

Maximum payload command (NP)

The XBee 3 has expanded support for the NP command compared to previous XBee Zigbee modules.
When operating in Transparent Mode (AP = 0), the NP command returns the maximum size of a non-
fragmented payload based on current configuration (EE, DH+DL, and TO are considered). On the S2C,
NP would return a fixed 84-bytes, which represents an encrypted unicast. In other operating modes (API
and MicroPython), NP returns a fixed 255 byte maximum.

Serial break upon boot

If a serial break signal is sent during boot or reset, the module will enter command mode. If the module
is configured for API operation, modem status API frames are suppressed and will not be output.
The CTS line will assert while in serial-break initiated command mode even if CTS is disabled (D7 = 0).
Previously, CTS would remain disabled when entering command mode via a serial-break.

Digi XBee 3 Zigbee Migration Guide 7

Digi XBee 3 Zigbee 3.0 functional migration
considerations

Sleep considerations
Cyclic Sleep with Pin Wake
The behavior of Cyclic sleep with pin wake (SM = 5) has been updated for XBee 3. While nDTR is
deasserted (high), the module will operate in a cyclic sleep pattern. If nDTR is asserted (low), the
module will wake and remain awake until the pin is deasserted. If nDTR is deasserted momentarily, the
module will minimally wake for a period defined by the ST parameter.

Sleep Request operation

When configured for pin sleep (SM = 1) or cyclic sleep with pin wake (SM = 5), the
DIO8/DTR/sleep_request (D8) line can only be used to control sleep when configured as a peripheral
(D8 = 1). On the S2C, the D8 line could be used for sleep control regardless of the pin's configuration
(e.g. DTR could still be used, even if the line is disabled).

RF considerations
Expanded channel selection
The IEEE 802.15.4 standard allows for 16 channels to be used for communication: from 2.405 GHz
(Channel 11) through 2.480 GHz (Channel 26). On the previous XBee-PRO S2 and S2B, the range of
available channels (via the SC and CH commands) was restricted on the PRO variant. This restriction is
alleviated on the S2C and XBee 3, all 16 channels are available for use regardless of the variant.

Expanded power cap on channel 26

The power cap on IEEE 802.15.4 channel 26 has been increased on XBee 3 and restrictions on the
coordinator have been alleviated.
On the XBee S2C, output power on channel 26 is capped to +3 dBm for all device roles. Additionally,
Including channel 26 in the scan channel mask (SC) of the coordinator would reduce the output power
on all channels to +3 dBm.
The power cap on channel 26 of the XBee 3 is increased to +8 dBm. Including channel 26 in the scan
channel mask has no impact to other channels. The default value for SC is 0x7FFF (Channels 11 through
25).

Display output power and boost mode

The PP AT Command will return the operating power level of the device in dBm based on the current
operating configuration. On the previous S2C, PP would return the maximum power at PL = 4,
regardless of the configuration and was only useful in identifying whether the module is a Pro or Non-
PRO variant.
Boost Mode (PM) is no longer available, as both the Pro and Non-PRO variants of the XBee 3 hardware
have enhanced output power and receive sensitivity.

LQI calculations
Modules prior to the XBee3 use a different scale to represent LQI (Link Quality Indicator). On the S2C,
the LQI curve is more flat and trends towards the top of the scale; where the LQI curve on the XBee 3 is
linear and lower scale. As a result, if operating in a network with a mixture of XBee 3 and S2C modules,
the S2C modules will have higher priority when determining route costs.
An LQI compatibility mode was introduced in XBee 3 Zigbee version 1009, which can optionally have the
XBee 3 operate with a similar LQI curve as the S2C. C8 bit 4 (C8 | 0x10) on XBee 3 enables the LQI

Digi XBee 3 Zigbee Migration Guide 8

Digi XBee 3 Zigbee 3.0 functional migration
considerations

compatibility mode. Networks that contain a mix of XBee3 Zigbee and legacy XBee Zigbee modules
should enable this feature.
Enabling or disabling LQI compatibility causes all current parameters to be written to persistent storage
and the module restarts; this is equivalent to issuing WR and FR commands. No modem status is
generated, however CTS will also de-assert during this period, so flow control is advised. If hardware
flow control is not being used, a 1 second delay after exiting Command mode (or applying changes if
using API) may be necessary to avoid data loss.

Zigbee network considerations

The Digi XBee 3 Zigbee 3.0 module was designed to provide support for the Zigbee 3.0 specification.
Some of the default configurations have changed to comply with Zigbee 3.0 requirements. See the XBee
3 Zigbee User Guide for details.

End Device timeout

On the S2C, the parent node determines how long an end device exists in the child timeout table. The
timeout value was based on the SP and SN parameters on the parent node.
With XBee 3, the end device controls this timeout value. A new ET command (which is only set on an
End Device) sets the child table timeout when it joins its parent. The timeout is a minimum of 2 minutes,
but can be set as long as 273 hours.

Out-of-band commissioning
Install Codes are supported on XBee 3. In order to read the install code from a module, query the I?
command. This install code can be used during out-of-band commissioning by deriving a join key based
on install code. See the user guide for more information and examples.
Enable Joiner Global Link Key (DC bit 0) has been removed for Zigbee 3.0 security, and this bit now
enables deriving a link key based on the install code for joining devices.
When operating with a centralized trust center, the KT command lets you set the Trust Center link key
registration timeout. This dictates how long an entry will persist in the transient link key table.

Network Manager
In a Distributed Trust Center configuration (EO=0), the coordinator role is deprecated. The network is
formed by a router, but it will operate as a 'Network Manager'; in most circumstances, this device role is
equivalent to a coordinator and can be treated as such.
If operating with a Distributed Trust Center, when a joining device sends a Device Announce, the
network manager (CE = 1) will respond by broadcasting a Manager Update. This broadcast is what the
joining device uses to correlate the reserved 0 address to the network manager's actual address.

Device Options
The options in the DO and DC commands have been rearranged or deprecated. DC is now primarily
focused on the behavior of joining devices. Refer to the release notes or command options in XCTU for
more information.
The DO command now defaults to 0x40 to enable a high RAM concentrator for use with source routing.
Use this setting for networks of 40 nodes or less. When using Many-to-One and Source routing
(AR<0xFF), routes will be stored on the module instead of requiring the use of an external micro to store
route records. Concentrator mode is only enabled when AR is set to less than 0xFF; to disable
concentrator mode and revert to AODV routing, set AR = 0xFF.

Digi XBee 3 Zigbee Migration Guide 9

Digi XBee 3 Zigbee 3.0 functional migration
considerations

PAN ID conflict
The CR command is used to determine how many PAN ID conflicts must be detected in a 1 minute
period before a new PAN will be formed. On XBee 3, the ability to disable PAN ID change due to a
conflict has been added. Setting CR=0 on XBee 3 will still cause a PAN ID conflict to be detected (a 0x42
modem status will be emitted if this occurs), but a PAN ID change will not be triggered. On S2C, setting
CR=0 would use the default value of 3 instead.

Security considerations
Digi makes it easy to find the right level of security for your specific application, ranging from a
completely open and unencrypted network, to a high security model with out-of-band commissioning.
The Zigbee 3.0 standard default requires a higher security model than what is currently default on the
XBee/XBee-PRO ZB (S2C). In order to better support Zigbee 3.0, the default configurations have
changed.

Join window is not persistently open

Zigbee 3.0 does not support an open joining model. To meet this requirement, the NJ command has a
new default setting of NJ=0xFE. This generous joining window still allows other devices to join to the
network, but the join window will close after 254s. The join window can be reopened again at any time
by pressing the commissioning button twice, or issuing a CB2 AT Command.
To keep the join window open indefinitely, you must explicitly set NJ = FF.

Join Window indicators

On the XBee 3, when the Zigbee Network Join Window is opened, the Associate LED will blink rapidly
(100ms blink rate) to indicate that joining is allowed. This can be useful when deploying networks to
identify if a join attempt will be successful. This can also be useful in visually identifying potential
vulnerabilities in a normally closed network (e.g. a device is erroneously allowing joining due to
misconfiguration or recent power cycle).
If the device is operating in API mode (AP = 1 or 2), Modem Statuses will be emitted when the join
window opens and closes:
 0x43 - Open Join Window
 0x44 - Closed Join Window

Centralized Trust Center

Once encryption is enabled via the EE=1 command, the level of security employed will primarily depend
on the EO setting. The Digi XBee 3 Zigbee 3.0 default for EO has changed to 2, which enables a
Centralized Trust Center for key management.
The default for XBee/XBee-PRO ZB (S2C) is EO=0, which is a Distributed Trust Center model.
XBee S2 and S2B modules have limited capabilities when used in a Centralized Trust Center network.
These legacy ZigBee modules are able to associate and join the secure network, but will not open the
join window to adjacent devices if the window was opened from the trust center. It's recommended to
utilize Distributed Trust Center if interoperating with S2 or S2B modules.

XBee Secure Session

Secure Session is an extension to Digi TrustFence that was introduced on XBee 3 Zigbee in version 1008.
Secure Session allows XBee modules to create an end-to-end communication channel that can be used
to securely send data and perform authorized remote configuration. Authentication is provided
through the SRP protocol, the same authentication method used by BLE. When a Secure Session is
successfully established, the SRP Client can send encrypted data packets (AES-128) to the SRP Server.

Digi XBee 3 Zigbee Migration Guide 10

Digi XBee 3 Zigbee 3.0 functional migration
considerations

See the user guide for more information on how to secure devices against insecure remote access.

Firmware update considerations

XBee file system
XBee 3 Zigbee RF Module firmware versions 1006 and later include support for storing files in internal
flash memory. Through the XBee application, the file system is accessed through the FS command,
however the file system is primarily used to support MicroPython applications. XCTU has full support for
local and remote file system access and can be used to generate and sign
FOTA (firmware over-the-air) updates are stored in the same memory location as the file system.
Initiating an OTA update will erase the contents of the file system. A bundled file system image can be
sent over the air using the same mechanism as FOTA updates; this should be utilized in order to restore
device operation after a firmware update is completed. In order to allow remote images to be
uploaded, a File system public key (FK command) must be set on the target device and the bundled
image signed before it can be validated and applied by the remote node. To ensure unauthorized code
cannot be arbitrarily uploaded to devices on the network, the FK command must be set locally.

OTA firmware update process

The firmware update process has changed on the Digi XBee 3 Zigbee 3.0. The XBee/XBee-PRO ZB (S2C)
module required a source, updater, and target node. Under certain circumstances, nodes could be put
in bootloader mode, and were therefore unavailable on the network. Additionally, if the firmware
upload was interrupted at any point in the update process, the target module would then need to be
"recovered". This can be very taxing on a network, especially across multiple hops.
The FOTA update process for the Digi XBee 3 Zigbee 3.0 module is improved over the S2C. First, the
firmware update requires only the use of a server (node sending the firmware file), and a client node
(node receiving the firmware file). The firmware image is sent in blocks using standard Zigbee Cluster
Library (ZCL) frames as described in Zigbee document 07-5123-06 chapter 11. These frames are
supported using the 0x11 Explicit Transmit Frame. The client device never goes offline. The image is
simply stored in an internal flash slot of the module's memory. Note that this slot is utilized by the XBee
file system, the act of initiating an FOTA update will irreversibly erase the file system. Once the entire
firmware file has been uploaded, the client can switch to the new firmware image. If at any point in the
process the transfer was interrupted, the image will simply not pass a security check and the module
will not boot into the new image.
The radio serving up the firmware image can be either a Digi XBee 3 Zigbee 3.0 or XBee/XBee-PRO ZB
(S2C). However, since the XBee/XBee-PRO ZB (S2C) requires that another XBee/XBee-PRO ZB (S2C) be a
nearest neighbor to act as the updater node, there is some limitation as to how nodes can be updated
in a mixed network.
The image below describes how it is determined whether nodes in a mixed network arrangement can
be updated from a single firmware image server. The image server can be either Digi XBee 3 Zigbee 3.0

Digi XBee 3 Zigbee Migration Guide 11

Digi XBee 3 Zigbee 3.0 functional migration
considerations

or XBee/XBee-PRO ZB (S2C). S2C modules must be within range of another S2C module to be updated.
Update? S2C
YES! Update?
Micro Updater YES!
neighbors Updater
Update? neighbors
YES!
ZCL
Update? S2C
YES! Micro
Image Server
ZCL Update?
YES!
Micro ZCL

Update?
YES!
Updater
neighbors

S2C

Update?
NO
S2C
No S2C
neighbors

Update? Update?
YES! YES!
S2C S2C
Updater Updater
neighbor neighbor

Digi XBee 3 Zigbee Migration Guide 12

Future updates

Security
Bootloader update support
The bootloader of the XBee 3 can be updated in addition to the XBee application. The bootloader
update can be performed serially or over the air. When the bootloader is updated serially, the XBee
application is erased and must be reinstalled. If updating from bootloader version 118 or earlier to
version 166 or newer, the memory layout was updated in order to support the file system. In this
instance, device configuration will be lost. If running version 166 or newer, when performing a
bootloader update, the device configuration is retained. As long as the same firmware type (e.g. Zigbee
to Zigbee) is installed and ran after the bootloader update, the device configuration will be retained.
The bootloader version can be read using the VH command. If using XCTU to update your device, you
will be prompted to update the bootloader if an update is needed. The bootloader can never be
downgraded.
The bootloader can be updated over the air if the target device is running application version 1005 and
bootloader version 166. This is done by performing an FOTA update using a combined image that
contains the XBee application and bootloader; the image type for this is an *.otb file format.

Configuration retention with AT Command invoked bootloader

On the S2C, when using the %P AT command to invoke the bootloader, if a parameter value of 0x5441 is
not provided, then configuration is not retained through the subsequent update and the device will
boot into a factory default state. On XBee 3, the additional parameter is not required, and configuration
will always be retained if it is possible to do so.
Additionally, the %P command is now documented in the user guide. This command cannot be
executed remotely in order to avoid accidental soft-bricking of remote devices.

Other considerations
Custom defaults
The XBee 3 supports custom defaults. This allows you to specify the parameter values that are loaded
into configuration when defaults are restored using the RE command or 4-button presses of the
commissioning button.
On the S2C, in order to facilitate devices remaining on the network through the restoration of defaults,
the KY value is not restored when defaults are loaded (either through the RE command or
commissioning button [CB4]). In order to provide equivalent support on the XBee 3, it's encouraged to
save encryption keys as a custom default.

Enhanced XCTU support

To improve usability within XCTU, AT commands have been rearranged and additional categories have
been created.
Legacy X-CTU (5.2.8.10 and older) can be used for serial firmware updates only; no bootloader update
or module configuration is available.

Future updates
For the most up-to-date information on what features and enhancements have been added in the XBee
software, refer to the release notes that are included with each software update.

Digi XBee 3 Zigbee Migration Guide 13