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Ring LLC Solar Pathlight Teardown & Specs Analysis: Inside FCC ID 2AEUPRBPS001

The Solar Pathlight by Ring LLC is a smart outdoor lighting solution designed to enhance home security and curb appeal while leveraging advanced wireless connec

Introduction

The Solar Pathlight by Ring LLC is a smart outdoor lighting solution designed to enhance home security and curb appeal while leveraging advanced wireless connectivity and sustainable energy. As part of the Ring ecosystem, this device integrates seamlessly with the Ring app and other smart home products to provide automated, app-controlled illumination for walkways, gardens, and driveways.

With FCC certification under FCC ID 2AEUPRBPS001, the Ring Solar Pathlight meets stringent US regulatory standards for radio frequency (RF) emissions, making it legal for sale and operation in the United States. This certification not only underscores the product’s compliance and safety but also reflects a commitment to robust wireless performance and reliable operation in diverse environments.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the Solar Pathlight’s key features, technical specifications, wireless technology, and internal components. We’ll also explore regulatory insights from its FCC filing and examine how its engineering choices translate to real-world benefits. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, engineer, or curious homeowner, this teardown and analysis offers a comprehensive look at what powers one of the most popular smart pathlights on the market.

Key Features & Specifications

The Ring Solar Pathlight stands out in the smart lighting sector by combining energy efficiency, intelligent automation, and robust wireless connectivity. Below are its key features and technical specifications, along with their practical implications:

Key Features

  • Solar Powered
    Harnesses solar energy for eco-friendly, cost-effective operation, reducing reliance on mains electricity and minimizing environmental impact.

  • Works with Ring Bridge for App and Device Integration
    Requires the Ring Bridge to connect to the Ring app and other Ring smart devices, enabling centralized control and automation within the broader Ring ecosystem.

  • Motion Sensing Performance
    Integrated motion sensors trigger the pathlight when movement is detected, improving security and convenience. The manufacturer recommends spacing pathlights 5–7 feet apart to optimize sensor coverage and illumination.

  • Micro USB Charging
    In addition to solar charging, the device supports micro USB charging, ensuring quick and reliable recharging when needed.

  • Works with Ring App
    Allows users to set up, monitor, and control the pathlight remotely via the Ring app, offering features such as scheduling, brightness adjustment, and motion alerts.

  • Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery
    Equipped with a high-quality lithium-ion battery for reliable, long-lasting power storage. This battery is designed for repeated charging cycles and stable performance.

Technical Specifications

  • Battery Safety
  • Do not heat above 60°C
  • Lithium-ion chemistry
  • Avoid short circuit, crushing, incineration, or disassembly

  • Charging Interface

  • Micro USB charging port (in addition to solar charging)

  • Wireless Connectivity

  • Bluetooth present (specific details not provided, but enables device setup and communication with Ring Bridge)

  • Construction and Durability

  • Designed for outdoor use, with robust insulation and weatherproofing for reliable operation in various climates

Practical Benefits

  • Energy Efficiency: Solar charging and LED technology keep energy consumption low.
  • Smart Automation: Motion sensing and app integration enable intelligent scheduling and real-time alerts.
  • Flexible Installation: Wireless design and rechargeable battery allow for easy placement without wiring.
  • Safety and Compliance: Built-in safeguards protect the battery and circuitry, ensuring safe operation outdoors.

These features make the Ring Solar Pathlight an excellent choice for homeowners seeking smart, sustainable, and secure outdoor lighting.

Operating Frequencies

The Ring Solar Pathlight (FCC ID 2AEUPRBPS001) operates on the following RF bands, as specified in its FCC filing:

Frequency Range (GHz) Output Power (mW) FCC Rule Part
2.402–2.48 4 15CCC
2.402–2.48 4 15CCC
2.402–2.48 4 15C

These frequency bands fall within the 2.4 GHz ISM spectrum, commonly used for Bluetooth, Zigbee, and other short-range wireless protocols. The output power of 4 mW ensures compliance with FCC Part 15 rules, balancing sufficient range for home automation with low RF emissions for safety and coexistence with other wireless devices.

Technology Deep Dive

At the heart of the Ring Solar Pathlight’s connectivity is its operation in the 2.4 GHz ISM band—shared by popular standards such as Bluetooth and Zigbee. The inclusion of Bluetooth (as noted in the technical specs) enables initial device setup and communication with the Ring Bridge, which acts as a hub for integration with the Ring app and broader smart home platforms.

Operating at 2.4 GHz offers several advantages:
Robust Range: This frequency band provides reliable signal propagation for typical residential outdoor installations, ensuring coverage across walkways and gardens.
Low Power Consumption: The modest 4 mW output is optimized for battery-powered devices, supporting long runtimes while minimizing interference.
Interference Mitigation: Careful PCB layout, antenna design, and RF shielding (as observed in the internal analysis) help the Solar Pathlight perform reliably even in environments crowded with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee signals.

The device’s use of a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, micro USB charging, and efficient power management ICs further enhance its suitability for continuous outdoor operation. Internal documentation confirms that the engineering team employed best practices in grounding, shielding, and modular design, reflecting a mature, production-ready IoT lighting product.

In-Depth Internal Component Analysis / Teardown

A detailed examination of the Solar Pathlight’s internal hardware reveals a sophisticated blend of wireless technology, power management, and robust construction—each element contributing to its reliable operation and smart capabilities.

Main PCB with SoC, Power Management, and Antennas

A comprehensive view of the main PCB shows a thoughtful layout balancing wireless performance, power regulation, and modularity. The most prominent IC, likely a microcontroller or SoC in a QFP/QFN package, orchestrates system control and wireless communication. Nearby, a SOIC-8 device serves probable power management duties, ensuring stable operation from both solar and USB inputs. Two distinct PCB trace antennas—one a planar inverted-F design—are strategically placed for optimal RF performance, hinting at diversity or dual-band operation. The presence of a metal shield over sensitive RF components, extensive ground pours, and multiple wire-to-board connectors for battery, solar panel, and LEDs all underscore a design tailored for outdoor reliability and regulatory compliance. This integration enables seamless connectivity and robust, energy-efficient performance in the field.

Main PCB with SoC, RF shield, and dual trace antennas.
Main PCB with SoC, RF shield, and dual trace antennas.

PCB with RF Section Exposed, Power, and Sensor Interfaces

With the EMI shield removed, the PCB’s analog, digital, and RF domains are clearly partitioned, revealing a central controller flanked by support ICs. The large PCB trace antenna and a secondary antenna offer robust wireless communication, likely in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. Multiple wire-to-board connectors facilitate modular assembly, linking the main board to batteries, solar panels, and external sensors or LEDs. The presence of a daughterboard—possibly for ambient light or motion sensing—demonstrates the system’s expandability. Power regulation is handled by substantial capacitors and inductors, supporting the moderate current demands of high-efficiency LEDs. The robust separation of circuit domains, careful grounding, and modular connectors reflect a mature design philosophy, ensuring reliable wireless performance and ease of assembly or repair.

PCB with RF section, main controller, and exposed trace antennas.
PCB with RF section, main controller, and exposed trace antennas.

Round PCB with Integrated Antenna and Battery Compartment

This round PCB layout is optimized for space and function, integrating RF, power, and control circuitry. The prominent meandered trace antenna facilitates reliable 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity (Bluetooth or Zigbee), while a large copper pour ensures efficient power distribution and EMI control. The cylindrical battery compartment, insulated with Kapton tape, houses a rechargeable cell, supporting the device’s solar-powered autonomy. Wired connections for power and LED control, absence of FPC connectors, and robust component selection underscore the product’s suitability for outdoor use. The design’s compactness, efficient use of PCB real estate, and attention to insulation and grounding make it both cost-effective and durable.

Round PCB with trace antenna and integrated battery compartment.
Round PCB with trace antenna and integrated battery compartment.

Enclosure Interior Showing PCB, Antenna, and Power Section

Inside the enclosure, the PCB showcases a clear separation between RF, power, and control domains. The main wireless SoC sits adjacent to a meandered PCB trace antenna, ensuring minimal signal loss and optimal RF performance. Multiple wires connect the PCB to the battery, solar panel, and LEDs, highlighting the modular, serviceable design. Power management components—including capacitors, inductors, and a yellow-wrapped protection device—underscore the focus on safety and efficiency. The visible crystal oscillator provides a stable clock for wireless communication. Overall, the build quality and partitioning of subsystems ensure reliable, energy-efficient operation in harsh outdoor environments.

PCB inside enclosure with integrated antenna and power section.
PCB inside enclosure with integrated antenna and power section.

Close-up of LoRa Transceiver and RF Section

A detailed close-up reveals the Semtech LLCC68 LoRa transceiver, a key component enabling long-range, low-power wireless communication for mesh networking or device-to-hub links. Surrounding the chip are precision RF passives and a crystal oscillator, all arranged within a carefully demarcated RF block. The wide PCB trace antenna is optimized for sub-GHz LoRa applications and is directly connected to the RF section to minimize loss. Evidence of removed shielding and strategic via placement demonstrates a strong focus on EMI containment and signal integrity. This section is critical for extending the Solar Pathlight’s range and reliability within a smart home mesh network.

Close-up of LoRa transceiver and PCB trace antenna.
Close-up of LoRa transceiver and PCB trace antenna.

Bluetooth SoC Section with Integrated Antenna

Another detailed section highlights the Nordic nRF52832 SoC, a powerful ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller with integrated Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio. The meandered PCB trace antenna, precisely matched to the SoC, ensures reliable BLE connectivity for device setup and control via the Ring Bridge. Supporting components—including a Schottky diode for power protection and a 32 MHz crystal for accurate timing—demonstrate careful attention to low-power, high-efficiency operation. Multiple labeled connectors and test points facilitate manufacturing and debugging. This section is central to the Solar Pathlight’s ability to communicate with the Ring ecosystem and deliver smart control features.

Bluetooth SoC, crystal oscillator, and trace antenna for BLE connectivity.
Bluetooth SoC, crystal oscillator, and trace antenna for BLE connectivity.

LED and Sensor Board with Power Management

A focused view of the LED and sensor subsystem reveals a robust arrangement for high-brightness, energy-efficient lighting. The main PCB hosts a SOIC-8 power management or LED driver IC, feeding a metal-core board populated with four high-power LEDs—an arrangement that ensures excellent thermal management for long outdoor lifespans. A connected daughterboard likely houses a phototransistor or IR sensor for dusk/dawn or motion detection. Large, well-labeled connectors and test points facilitate assembly and diagnostics, while the absence of visible RF components suggests that wireless communication is handled on other PCB sections. This modular approach allows flexible upgrades and reliable integration with the system’s wireless and power domains.

LED array with dedicated power management and sensor daughterboard.
LED array with dedicated power management and sensor daughterboard.

Regulatory Insights & FCC Filing

FCC ID 2AEUPRBPS001 certifies the Ring Solar Pathlight’s compliance with US regulations for electromagnetic interference and RF emissions, as mandated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This certification is essential for legal sale and operation in the United States, ensuring the device does not interfere with other wireless communications and meets safety standards for consumer electronics.

The FCC filing for this product includes a comprehensive set of documentation:
Test reports: Validate RF exposure, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and emissions compliance.
Internal and external photographs: Offer insight into the device’s construction and component layout.
User manual: Provides detailed instructions for installation, setup, and safety, including battery handling precautions and integration with the Ring app and Bridge.
Block diagrams and schematics: Outline the device’s internal architecture and signal flow, supporting regulatory review and future troubleshooting.

Key insights from the documentation highlight the manufacturer’s emphasis on safety and responsible use. The user manual delivers step-by-step setup instructions and underscores the importance of adhering to battery safety guidelines—such as avoiding excessive heat and improper handling. Collectively, the FCC filing documents demonstrate Ring LLC’s commitment to delivering a reliable, compliant, and user-friendly smart lighting solution.

Potential Use Cases & Target Audience

The Ring Solar Pathlight, with its smart features and robust construction, caters to a variety of practical scenarios:

  • Homeowners Seeking Enhanced Security:
    The motion-activated lighting and app-based alerts provide an effective deterrent against intruders, illuminating paths and driveways automatically when movement is detected.

  • Eco-Conscious Consumers:
    Those looking to reduce their environmental footprint benefit from solar-powered operation, efficient LED lighting, and rechargeable batteries, all designed for longevity and minimal maintenance.

  • Smart Home Enthusiasts:
    Users invested in the Ring ecosystem or broader smart home platforms can leverage seamless integration, automating outdoor lighting schedules, linking with cameras or alarms, and managing everything through a single app.

These scenarios illustrate the pathlight’s versatility, making it suitable for a range of outdoor lighting needs—from safety and security to energy savings and smart automation.

Conclusion

The Ring Solar Pathlight (FCC ID 2AEUPRBPS001) exemplifies the marriage of smart technology, sustainable power, and robust engineering. Its FCC certification underscores its compliance with US regulatory standards, guaranteeing safe and reliable operation. A deep dive into its internal components reveals a sophisticated design optimized for wireless connectivity, efficient power management, and durability. Whether for security, convenience, or eco-friendly illumination, the Solar Pathlight stands as a leading choice in the smart outdoor lighting market, offering advanced features and seamless integration for today’s connected homes.

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