SEMTECH SX1233_12

SX1232
WIRELESS & SENSING
DATASHEET
SX1232 - 868 & 915MHz Ultra Low Power
High Link Budget Integrated UHF Transceiver
VR_DIG
RC
Oscillator
Mixers
Σ/Δ
Modulators
RSSI
AFC
GND
Ramp &
Control
PA_BOOST
PA1&2
T ank
Inductor
Loop
Filter
Frac-NPLL
Synthesizer
XO
32 MHz
XTAL
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Low-IF architecture of the SX1232 sees fast transceiver
start times and demodulation predicated towards low
modulation index and gaussian filtered spectrally efficient
modulation formats.
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Automated Meter Reading
Wireless Sensor Networks
Home and Building Automation
SPI
RXTX
DIO0
DIO1
DIO2
DIO3
DIO4
DIO5
GND
KEY PRODUCT FEATURES
The SX1232 is a fully integrated ISM band transceiver
optimized for use in the (EN 300 220-1) 868 MHz band in
Europe and the (FCC Part 15) 915 MHz band in the US with
a minimum of external components. It offers a combination
of high link budget and low current consumption in all
operating modes. The 143 dB link budget is achieved by a
low noise CMOS receiver front end and up to +20 dBm of
transmit output power. A pair of internal power amplifiers are
provided permitting either fully regulated - for constant RF
performance, or direct supply connection - for optimal
efficiency. This makes SX1232 ideal for either M2M
applications powered by alkaline battery chemistries or long
battery life metering applications using Lithium battery
chemistries.
APPLICATIONS
Modulator
VR_PA
PA0
Interpolation
Filtering
RFO
&
Divisionby
2, 4 or 6
RESET
PacketEngine&64Bytes FIFO
Single to
Differential
Decimationand
& Filtering
LNA
RFI
Control Registers - Shift Registers - SPIInterface
VR_ANA
Pow er DistributionSystem
Demodulator & Bit
Synchronizer
VBAT1&2
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
+20 dBm - 100 mW Constant RF output vs. Vsupply
+14 dBm high efficiency PA
Programmable bit rate up to 300kbps
High Sensitivity: down to -123 dBm at 1.2 kbps
Bullet-proof front end: IIP3 = -12 dBm
80 dB Blocking Immunity
Low RX current of 9.3 mA, 100nA register retention
Fully integrated synthesizer with a resolution of 61 Hz
FSK, GFSK, MSK, GMSK and OOK modulations
Built-in Bit Synchronizer performing Clock Recovery
Sync Word Recognition
Preamble detection
io-homecontrol® features
115 dB+ Dynamic Range RSSI
Automatic RF Sense with ultra-fast AFC
Packet engine up to 64 bytes with CRC
Built-in temperature sensor and Low Battery indicator
ORDERING INFORMATION
Wireless Alarm and Security Systems
Industrial Monitoring and Control
Š
Š
Rev 3 - August 2012
Page 1
Part Number
Delivery
MOQ / Multiple
SX1232IMLTRT
Tape & Reel
3000 pieces
QFN 24 Package - Operating Range [-40;+85°C]
Pb-free, Halogen free, RoHS/WEEE compliant product
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Table of Contents
Section
1.
2.
Page
General Description ................................................................................................................................................ 9
1.1.
Simplified Block Diagram ................................................................................................................................ 9
1.2.
Pin and Marking Diagram.............................................................................................................................. 10
1.3.
Pin Description .............................................................................................................................................. 11
Electrical Characteristics....................................................................................................................................... 12
2.1.
ESD Notice.................................................................................................................................................... 12
2.2.
Absolute Maximum Ratings .......................................................................................................................... 12
2.3.
Operating Range........................................................................................................................................... 12
2.4.
Chip Specification ......................................................................................................................................... 13
2.4.1. Power Consumption ................................................................................................................................. 13
2.4.2. Frequency Synthesis ................................................................................................................................ 13
2.4.3. Receiver ................................................................................................................................................... 14
2.4.4. Transmitter ............................................................................................................................................... 15
2.4.5. Digital Specification .................................................................................................................................. 16
3.
Chip Description.................................................................................................................................................... 17
3.1.
Power Supply Strategy.................................................................................................................................. 18
3.2.
Low Battery Detector..................................................................................................................................... 18
3.3.
Frequency Synthesis..................................................................................................................................... 19
3.3.1. Reference Oscillator ................................................................................................................................. 19
3.3.2. CLKOUT Output ....................................................................................................................................... 19
3.3.3. PLL Architecture ....................................................................................................................................... 19
3.3.4. RC Oscillator ............................................................................................................................................ 21
3.4.
Transmitter Description ................................................................................................................................. 22
3.4.1. Architecture Description ........................................................................................................................... 22
3.4.2. Bit Rate Setting ........................................................................................................................................ 22
3.4.3. FSK Modulation ........................................................................................................................................ 23
3.4.4. OOK Modulation ....................................................................................................................................... 24
3.4.5. Modulation Shaping.................................................................................................................................. 24
3.4.6. RF Power Amplifiers................................................................................................................................. 24
3.4.7. High Power +20dBm Operation................................................................................................................. 25
3.4.8. Over Current Protection ............................................................................................................................26
3.5.
Receiver Description ..................................................................................................................................... 27
3.5.1. Overview .................................................................................................................................................. 27
3.5.2. Automatic Gain Control - AGC ................................................................................................................. 27
3.5.3. RSSI ......................................................................................................................................................... 28
3.5.4. Channel Filter ........................................................................................................................................... 29
3.5.5. FSK Demodulator ..................................................................................................................................... 30
3.5.6. OOK Demodulator .................................................................................................................................... 30
3.5.7. Bit Synchronizer 33
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3.5.8. Frequency Error Indicator......................................................................................................................... 33
3.5.9. AFC .......................................................................................................................................................... 34
3.5.10. Preamble Detector ..................................................................................................................................35
3.5.11. Image Rejection Mixer............................................................................................................................ 35
3.5.12. Image and RSSI Calibration ................................................................................................................... 35
4.
3.6.
Temperature Measurement........................................................................................................................... 36
3.7.
Timeout Function .......................................................................................................................................... 37
Operating Modes .................................................................................................................................................. 38
4.1.
General Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 38
4.2.
Startup Times................................................................................................................................................ 38
4.2.1. Transmitter Startup Time........................................................................................................................... 39
4.2.2. Receiver Startup Time.............................................................................................................................. 39
4.2.3. Time to RSSI Evaluation .......................................................................................................................... 40
4.2.4. Tx to Rx Turnaround Time ....................................................................................................................... 40
4.2.5. Rx to Tx .................................................................................................................................................... 40
4.2.6. Receiver Hopping, Rx to Rx ...................................................................................................................... 41
4.2.7. Tx to Tx .................................................................................................................................................... 41
4.3.
Receiver Startup Options .............................................................................................................................. 42
4.4.
Receiver Restarting Methods........................................................................................................................ 42
4.4.1. Restart Upon User Request ..................................................................................................................... 42
4.4.2. Automatic Restart after valid Packet Reception ........................................................................................ 43
4.4.3. Automatic Restart when Packet Collision is Detected.............................................................................. 43
4.5.
Top Level Sequencer .................................................................................................................................... 44
4.5.1. Sequencer States ..................................................................................................................................... 44
4.5.2. Sequencer Transitions ..............................................................................................................................45
4.5.3. Timers ...................................................................................................................................................... 46
4.5.4. Sequencer State Machine .........................................................................................................................47
5.
Data Processing.................................................................................................................................................... 48
5.1.
Overview ....................................................................................................................................................... 48
5.1.1. Block Diagram .......................................................................................................................................... 48
5.1.2. Data Operation Modes ............................................................................................................................. 48
5.2.
Control Block Description.............................................................................................................................. 49
5.2.1. SPI Interface............................................................................................................................................. 49
5.2.2. FIFO ......................................................................................................................................................... 50
5.2.3. Sync Word Recognition ............................................................................................................................ 51
5.2.4. Packet Handler ......................................................................................................................................... 52
5.2.5. Control ...................................................................................................................................................... 52
5.3.
Digital IO Pins Mapping................................................................................................................................. 53
5.4.
Continuous Mode .......................................................................................................................................... 54
5.4.1. General Description.................................................................................................................................. 54
5.4.2. Tx Processing........................................................................................................................................... 54
5.4.3. Rx Processing .......................................................................................................................................... 55
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5.5.
DATASHEET
Packet Mode ................................................................................................................................................. 55
5.5.1. General Description.................................................................................................................................. 55
5.5.2. Packet Format .......................................................................................................................................... 56
5.5.3. Tx Processing........................................................................................................................................... 59
5.5.4. Rx Processing .......................................................................................................................................... 59
5.5.5. Handling Large Packets ........................................................................................................................... 60
5.5.6. Packet Filtering......................................................................................................................................... 60
5.5.7. DC-Free Data Mechanisms ....................................................................................................................... 62
5.5.8. Beacon Tx Mode ...................................................................................................................................... 63
5.6.
6.
7.
io-homecontrol® Compatibility Mode ............................................................................................................ 63
Description of the Registers.................................................................................................................................. 64
6.1.
Register Table Summary .............................................................................................................................. 64
6.2.
Register Map................................................................................................................................................. 67
Application Information ......................................................................................................................................... 81
7.1.
Crystal Resonator Specification .................................................................................................................... 81
7.2.
Reset of the Chip .......................................................................................................................................... 81
7.2.1. POR.......................................................................................................................................................... 81
7.2.2. Manual Reset ............................................................................................................................................ 82
7.3.
Reference Designs........................................................................................................................................ 82
7.4.
Top Sequencer: Listen Mode Examples ....................................................................................................... 85
7.4.1. Wake on Preamble Interrupt .................................................................................................................... 85
7.4.2. Wake on SyncAddress Interrupt............................................................................................................... 87
7.5.
Top Sequencer: Beacon Mode ..................................................................................................................... 90
7.5.1. Timing diagram......................................................................................................................................... 90
7.5.2. Sequencer Configuration.......................................................................................................................... 90
8.
9.
7.6.
Example CRC Calculation ............................................................................................................................. 92
7.7.
Example Temperature Reading .................................................................................................................... 93
Packaging Information .......................................................................................................................................... 94
8.1.
Package Outline Drawing.............................................................................................................................. 94
8.2.
Recommended Land Pattern ........................................................................................................................ 94
8.3.
Thermal Impedance ...................................................................................................................................... 95
8.4.
Tape & Reel Specification............................................................................................................................. 95
Revision History .................................................................................................................................................... 96
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List of Figures
Section
Page
Figure 1. Block Diagram ................................................................................................................................................ 9
Figure 2. Pin Diagram .................................................................................................................................................. 10
Figure 3. Marking Diagram .......................................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 4. Simplified SX1232 Block Schematic Diagram .............................................................................................. 17
Figure 5. TCXO Connection ........................................................................................................................................ 19
Figure 6. Typical Phase Noise Performances of the Low Consumption and Low Phase Noise PLLs. ....................... 20
Figure 7. RF Front-end Architecture Shows the Internal PA Configuration. ............................................................... 22
Figure 8. Receiver Block Diagram ............................................................................................................................... 27
Figure 9. AGC Steps Definition ................................................................................................................................... 28
Figure 10. OOK Peak Demodulator Description .......................................................................................................... 30
Figure 11. Floor Threshold Optimization ..................................................................................................................... 31
Figure 12. Bit Synchronizer Description ...................................................................................................................... 33
Figure 13. FEI Process ................................................................................................................................................ 34
Figure 14. Temperature Sensor Response ................................................................................................................. 36
Figure 15. Startup Process .......................................................................................................................................... 38
Figure 16. Time to Rssi Sample .................................................................................................................................. 40
Figure 17. Tx to Rx Turnaround .................................................................................................................................. 40
Figure 18. Rx to Tx Turnaround .................................................................................................................................. 40
Figure 19. Receiver Hopping ....................................................................................................................................... 41
Figure 20. Transmitter Hopping ................................................................................................................................... 41
Figure 21. Timer1 and Timer2 Mechanism .................................................................................................................. 46
Figure 22. Sequencer State Machine .......................................................................................................................... 47
Figure 23. SX1232 Data Processing Conceptual View ............................................................................................... 48
Figure 24. SPI Timing Diagram (single access) .......................................................................................................... 49
Figure 25. FIFO and Shift Register (SR) ..................................................................................................................... 50
Figure 26. FifoLevel IRQ Source Behavior .................................................................................................................. 51
Figure 27. Sync Word Recognition .............................................................................................................................. 52
Figure 28. Continuous Mode Conceptual View ........................................................................................................... 54
Figure 29. Tx Processing in Continuous Mode ............................................................................................................ 54
Figure 30. Rx Processing in Continuous Mode ........................................................................................................... 55
Figure 31. Packet Mode Conceptual View ................................................................................................................... 56
Figure 32. Fixed Length Packet Format ...................................................................................................................... 57
Figure 33. Variable Length Packet Format .................................................................................................................. 58
Figure 34. Unlimited Length Packet Format ................................................................................................................ 58
Figure 35. Manchester Encoding/Decoding ................................................................................................................. 62
Figure 36. Data Whitening Polynomial ........................................................................................................................ 63
Figure 37. POR Timing Diagram ................................................................................................................................. 81
Figure 38. Manual Reset Timing Diagram ................................................................................................................... 82
Figure 39. Reference Design - Single RF Input/Output, High Efficiency PA ............................................................... 82
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Figure 40. Reference Design - with Antenna Switch up to +20dBm ............................................................................ 83
Figure 41. Reference Design - with Antenna Switch and High Efficiency PA .............................................................. 83
Figure 42. Reference Design - Single RF Input/Output, High Stability PA .................................................................. 84
Figure 43. Listen Mode: Principle ................................................................................................................................ 85
Figure 44. Listen Mode with No Preamble Received ................................................................................................... 85
Figure 45. Listen Mode with Preamble Received ........................................................................................................ 86
Figure 46. Wake On PreambleDetect State Machine .................................................................................................. 86
Figure 47. Listen Mode with no SyncAddress Detected .............................................................................................. 87
Figure 48. Listen Mode with Preamble Received and no SyncAddress ...................................................................... 88
Figure 49. Listen Mode with Preamble Received & Valid SyncAddress ...................................................................... 88
Figure 50. Wake On SyncAddress State Machine ...................................................................................................... 89
Figure 51. Beacon Mode Timing Diagram ................................................................................................................... 90
Figure 52. Beacon Mode State Machine ..................................................................................................................... 90
Figure 53. Example CRC Code ................................................................................................................................... 92
Figure 54. Example Temperature Reading .................................................................................................................. 93
Figure 55. Package Outline Drawing ........................................................................................................................... 94
Figure 56. Recommended Land Pattern ..................................................................................................................... 94
Figure 57. Tape & Reel Specification .......................................................................................................................... 95
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List of Tables
Section
Page
Table 1. SX1232 Pinouts .............................................................................................................................................. 11
Table 2. Absolute Maximum Ratings ............................................................................................................................ 12
Table 3. Operating Range ............................................................................................................................................ 12
Table 4. Power Consumption Specification .................................................................................................................. 13
Table 5. Frequency Synthesizer Specification .............................................................................................................. 13
Table 6. Receiver Specification .................................................................................................................................... 14
Table 7. Transmitter Specification ................................................................................................................................ 15
Table 8. Digital Specification ........................................................................................................................................ 16
Table 9. Bit Rate Examples .......................................................................................................................................... 23
Table 10. Power Amplifier Mode Selection Truth Table ............................................................................................... 24
Table 11. High Power Settings ..................................................................................................................................... 25
Table 12. Absolute Maximum Rating, +20dBm Operation ........................................................................................... 25
Table 13. Operating Range, +20dBm Operation .......................................................................................................... 25
Table 14. Trimming of the OCP Current ....................................................................................................................... 26
Table 15. LNA Gain Control and Performances ........................................................................................................... 27
Table 16. RssiSmoothing Options ................................................................................................................................ 29
Table 17. Available RxBw Settings ............................................................................................................................... 29
Table 18. Preamble Detector Settings .......................................................................................................................... 35
Table 19. RxTrigger Settings to Enable Timeout Interrupts .......................................................................................... 37
Table 20. Basic Transceiver Modes ............................................................................................................................. 38
Table 21. Receiver Startup Time Summary .................................................................................................................. 39
Table 22. Receiver Startup Options ............................................................................................................................. 42
Table 23. Sequencer States ......................................................................................................................................... 44
Table 24. Sequencer Transition Options ...................................................................................................................... 45
Table 25. Sequencer Timer Settings ............................................................................................................................ 46
Table 26. Status of FIFO when Switching Between Different Modes of the Chip ......................................................... 51
Table 27. DIO Mapping, Continuous Mode .................................................................................................................. 53
Table 28. DIO Mapping, Packet Mode ......................................................................................................................... 53
Table 29. CRC Description .......................................................................................................................................... 61
Table 30. Registers Summary ...................................................................................................................................... 64
Table 31. Register Map ................................................................................................................................................ 67
Table 32. Crystal Specification ..................................................................................................................................... 81
Table 33. Listen Mode with PreambleDetect Condition Settings .................................................................................. 86
Table 34. Listen Mode with PreambleDetect Condition Recommended DIO Mapping ................................................ 87
Table 35. Listen Mode with SyncAddress Condition Settings ...................................................................................... 89
Table 36. Listen Mode with PreambleDetect Condition Recommended DIO Mapping ................................................ 89
Table 37. Beacon Mode Settings ................................................................................................................................. 91
Table 38. Revision History ............................................................................................................................................ 96
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Acronyms
BOM
BR
BW
CCITT
CRC
DAC
ETSI
FCC
Fdev
FIFO
FIR
FS
FSK
GUI
IC
ID
IF
IRQ
ITU
LFSR
LNA
LO
Rev 3 - August 2012
Bill Of Materials
Bit Rate
Bandwidth
Comité Consultatif International
Téléphonique et Télégraphique - ITU
Cyclic Redundancy Check
Digital to Analog Converter
European Telecommunications Standards
Institute
Federal Communications Commission
Frequency Deviation
First In First Out
Finite Impulse Response
Frequency Synthesizer
Frequency Shift Keying
Graphical User Interface
Integrated Circuit
IDentificator
Intermediate Frequency
Interrupt ReQuest
International Telecommunication Union
Linear Feedback Shift Register
Low Noise Amplifier
Local Oscillator
Page 8
LSB
MSB
NRZ
OOK
Least Significant Bit
Most Significant Bit
Non Return to Zero
On Off Keying
PA
PCB
PLL
Power Amplifier
Printed Circuit Board
Phase-Locked Loop
POR
RBW
RF
RSSI
Rx
SAW
SPI
SR
Stby
Tx
uC
VCO
XO
XOR
Power On Reset
Resolution BandWidth
Radio Frequency
Received Signal Strength Indicator
Receiver
Surface Acoustic Wave
Serial Peripheral Interface
Shift Register
Standby
Transmitter
Microcontroller
Voltage Controlled Oscillator
Crystal Oscillator
eXclusive OR
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This product datasheet contains a detailed description of the SX1232 performance and functionality. Please consult the
Semtech website for the latest updates or errata.
1. General Description
The SX1232 is a single-chip integrated circuit ideally suited for today's high performance ISM band RF applications. The
SX1232's advanced feature set includes a state-of-the-art packet engine and top level sequencer. In conjunction with a 64
byte FIFO, these automate the entire process of packet transmission, reception and acknowledgement without incurring
the consumption penalty common to many transceivers that feature an on-chip MCU. Being easily configurable, it greatly
simplifies system design and reduces external MCU workload to an absolute minimum. The high level of integration
reduces the external BoM to passive decoupling and impedance matching components. It is intended for use as a highperformance, low-cost FSK and OOK RF transceiver for robust, frequency agile, half-duplex, bi-directional RF links. Where
stable and constant RF performance is required over the full operating range of the device down to 1.8V the receiver and
PA are fully regulated. For transmit intensive applications - a high efficiency PA can be selected to optimize the current
consumption.
The SX1232 is intended for applications requiring high sensitivity and low receive current. Coupling the digital state
machine with an RF front end capable of delivering a link budget of 143dB (-123dBm sensitivity in conjunction with
+20dBm Pout). The SX1232 complies with both ETSI and FCC regulatory requirements and is available in a 5 x 5 mm QFN
24 lead package. The low-IF architecture of the SX1232 is well suited for low modulation index and narrow band operation.
1.1. Simplified Block Diagram
VR_DIG
RC
Oscillator
Pow erDistributionSystem
Mixers
Σ/Δ
Modulators
RFI
Demodulator & Bit
Synchronizer
Single to
Differential
Decimationand
& Filtering
LNA
RSSI
AFC
GND
Ramp &
Control
T ank
Inductor
Loop
Filter
Frac-NPLL
Synthesizer
XO
32 MHz
PA_BOOST
PA1&2
XTAL
Modulator
VR_PA
PA0
Interpolation
Filtering
RFO
&
Divisionby
2, 4 or 6
RESET
Control Registers - Shift Registers - SPIInterface
VR_ANA
PacketEngine&64Bytes FIFO
VBAT1&2
SPI
RXTX
DIO0
DIO1
DIO2
DIO3
DIO4
DIO5
GND
Frequency Synthesis
Transmitter Blocks
Primarily Analog
ReceiverBlocks
ControlBlocks
Primarily Digital
Figure 1. Block Diagram
Rev 3 - August 2012
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1.2. Pin and Marking Diagram
The following diagram shows the pin arrangement of the QFN package, top view.
Figure 2. Pin Diagram
Figure 3. Marking Diagram
Notes yyww indicates the date code
xxxxxx.xx refers to the lot number
vv indicates the mask revision number, also available in RegVersion
Rev 3 - August 2012
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1.3. Pin Description
Table 1
SX1232 Pinouts
Rev 3 - August 2012
Number
Name
Type
Description
0
GROUND
-
Exposed ground pad
1
VBAT1
-
Supply voltage
2
VR_ANA
-
Regulated supply voltage for analogue circuitry
3
VR_DIG
-
Regulated supply voltage for digital blocks
4
XTA
I/O
XTAL connection or TCXO input
5
XTB
I/O
XTAL connection
6
RESET
I/O
Reset trigger input
7
DIO0
I/O
Digital I/O, software configured
8
DIO1/DCLK
I/O
Digital I/O, software configured
9
DIO2/DATA
I/O
Digital I/O, software configured
10
DIO3
I/O
Digital I/O, software configured
11
DIO4
I/O
Digital I/O, software configured
12
DIO5
I/O
Digital I/O, software configured
13
VBAT2
-
Supply voltage
14
GND
-
Ground
15
SCK
I
SPI Clock input
16
MISO
O
SPI Data output
17
MOSI
I
SPI Data input
18
NSS
I
SPI Chip select input
19
RXTX
O
Rx/Tx switch control: high in Tx
20
RFO
O
RF output
21
RFI
I
RF input
22
GND
O
Ground
23
PA_BOOST
O
Optional high-power PA output
24
VR_PA
O
Regulated supply for the PA
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2. Electrical Characteristics
2.1. ESD Notice
The SX1232 is a high performance radio frequency device. It satisfies:
Š
Š
Class 2 of the JEDEC standard JESD22-A114-B (Human Body Model) on all pins.
Class III of the JEDEC standard JESD22-C101C (Charged Device Model) on all pins
It should thus be handled with all the necessary ESD precautions to avoid any permanent damage.
2.2. Absolute Maximum Ratings
Stresses above the values listed below may cause permanent device failure. Exposure to absolute maximum ratings for
extended periods may affect device reliability.
Table 2
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Symbol
Note
Description
Min
Max
Unit
VDDmr
Supply Voltage
-0.5
3.9
V
Tmr
Temperature
-55
+115
°C
Tj
Junction temperature
-
+125
°C
Pmr
RF Input Level
-
+10
dBm
Min
Max
Specific ratings apply to the +20dBm operation. Please refer to Section 3.4.7.
2.3. Operating Range
Table 3
Operating Range
Symbol
Note
Description
Unit
VDDop
Supply voltage
1.8
3.7
V
Top
Operational temperature range
-40
+85
°C
Clop
Load capacitance on digital ports
-
25
pF
ML
RF Input Level
-
+10
dBm
A specific supply voltage range applies to the +20dBm operation. Please refer to Section 3.4.7.
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2.4. Chip Specification
The tables below give the electrical specifications of the transceiver under the following conditions: Supply voltage VBAT1=
VBAT2=VDD=3.3 V, temperature = 25 °C, FXOSC = 32 MHz, FRF = 915 MHz, Pout = +13dBm, 2-level FSK modulation
without pre-filtering, FDA = 5 kHz, Bit Rate = 4.8 kb/s and terminated in a matched 50 Ohm impedance, unless otherwise
specified. Matching as per Figure 39.
Note
Unless otherwise specified, the performance in the 868 MHz band is identical or better.
2.4.1. Power Consumption
Table 4 Power Consumption Specification
Symbol
Description
IDDSL
Supply current in Sleep mode
IDDIDLE
Supply current in Idle mode
IDDST
Conditions
Min
Typ
Max
Unit
-
0.1
1
uA
RC oscillator enabled
-
1.2
-
uA
Supply current in Standby mode
Crystal oscillator enabled
-
1.3
1.5
mA
IDDFS
Supply current in Synthesizer
mode
FSRx
-
4.5
-
mA
IDDR
Supply current in Receive mode
LnaBoost = 00
-
9.3
-
mA
IDDT
Supply current in Transmit mode
with impedance matching
RFOP = +20 dBm, on PA_BOOST
RFOP = +17 dBm, on PA_BOOST
RFOP = +13 dBm, on RFO pin
RFOP = + 7 dBm, on RFO pin
-
125
93
28
18
-
mA
mA
mA
mA
2.4.2. Frequency Synthesis
Table 5 Frequency Synthesizer Specification
Symbol
Description
Conditions
Min
Typ
Max
FR
Synthesizer frequency range
Programmable
862
-
1020
MHz
FXOSC
Crystal oscillator frequency
See section 7.1
-
32
-
MHz
TS_OSC
Crystal oscillator wake-up time
With crystal specified in section 7.1
-
250
-
us
TS_FS
Frequency synthesizer wake-up
time to PllLock signal
From Standby mode
-
60
-
us
TS_HOP
Frequency synthesizer hop time
at most 10 kHz away from the
target frequency
-
20
20
50
50
50
50
50
-
us
us
us
us
us
us
us
FSTEP
Frequency synthesizer step
FSTEP = FXOSC/219
-
61.0
-
Hz
FRC
RC Oscillator frequency
After calibration
-
62.5
-
kHz
Rev 3 - August 2012
200 kHz step
1 MHz step
5 MHz step
7 MHz step
12 MHz step
20 MHz step
25 MHz step
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BRF
Bit rate, FSK
Programmable values (1)
1.2
-
300
kbps
BRO
Bit rate, OOK
Programmable
1.2
-
32.768
kbps
BRA
Bit Rate Accuracy
ABS(wanted BR - available BR)
-
-
250
ppm
FDA
Frequency deviation, FSK (1)
Programmable
FDA + BRF/2 =< 250 kHz
0.6
-
200
kHz
Note
For Maximum Bit rate the maximum modulation index is 1.
2.4.3. Receiver
All receiver tests are performed with RxBw = 10 kHz (Single Side Bandwidth) as programmed in RegRxBw, receiving a
PN15 sequence. Sensitivities are reported for a 0.1% BER (with Bit Synchronizer enabled), unless otherwise specified.
Blocking tests are performed with an unmodulated interferer. The wanted signal power for the Blocking Immunity, ACR,
IIP2, IIP3 and AMR tests is set 3 dB above the receiver sensitivity level.
Table 6
Receiver Specification
Symbol
Description
Conditions
Min
Typ
Max
RFS_F
Direct tie of RFI and RFO pins, as
shown in Figure 39.
FSK sensitivity, highest LNA gain.
Unit
FDA = 5 kHz, BR = 1.2 kb/s
FDA = 5 kHz, BR = 4.8 kb/s
FDA = 40 kHz, BR = 38.4 kb/s*
FDA = 20 kHz, BR = 38.4 kb/s**
FDA = 62.5 kHz, BR = 250 kb/s***
-
-119
-115
-105
-106
-92
-
dBm
dBm
dBm
dBm
dBm
Split RF paths, as shown in
Figure 40, LnaBoost is turned
on, the RF switch insertion loss is
not accounted for.
FDA = 5 kHz, BR = 1.2 kb/s
FDA = 5 kHz, BR = 4.8 kb/s
FDA = 40 kHz, BR = 38.4 kb/s*
FDA = 20 kHz, BR = 38.4 kb/s**
FDA = 62.5 kHz, BR = 250 kb/s***
-
-123
-119
-110
-110
-97
-
dBm
dBm
dBm
dBm
dBm
RFS_O
OOK sensitivity, highest LNA gain
Conditions of Figure 39
BR = 4.8 kb/s
BR = 32 kb/s
-
-117
-108
-
dBm
dBm
CCR
Co-Channel Rejection
-
-8
-
dB
ACR
Adjacent Channel Rejection
FDA = 2 kHz, BR = 1.2kb/s,
RxBw = 5.2kHz
Offset = +/- 25 kHz
-
54
-
dB
FDA = 5 kHz, BR=4.8kb/s
Offset = +/- 25 kHz
Offset = +/- 50 kHz
-
50
50
-
dB
dB
BI
Blocking Immunity
Offset = +/- 1 MHz
Offset = +/- 2 MHz
Offset = +/- 10 MHz
-
73
78
87
-
dB
dB
dB
AMR
AM Rejection, AM modulated
interferer with 100% modulation
depth, fm = 1 kHz, square
Offset = +/- 1 MHz
Offset = +/- 2 MHz
Offset = +/- 10 MHz
-
73
78
87
-
dB
dB
dB
Rev 3 - August 2012
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SX1232
WIRELESS & SENSING
IIP2
2nd order Input Intercept Point
Unwanted tones are 20 MHz
above the LO
IIP3
3rd order Input Intercept point
Unwanted tones are 1MHz and
1.995 MHz above the LO
DATASHEET
Highest LNA gain
-
+57
-
dBm
Highest LNA gain G1
LNA gain G2, 4dB sensitivity hit
-
-12
-8
-
dBm
dBm
2.7
-
250
kHz
-
48
-
dB
-
56
-
dB
-
-127
0
-
dBm
dBm
BW_SSB
Single Side channel filter BW
Programmable
IMR
Image Rejection
Wanted signal 3dB over sens
BER=0.1%
IMA
Image Attenuation
DR_RSSI
RSSI Dynamic Range
*
RxBw = 83 kHz (Single Side Bandwidth)
**
RxBw = 50 kHz (Single Side Bandwidth)
***
RxBw = 250 kHz (Single Side Bandwidth)
AGC enabled
Min
Max
2.4.4. Transmitter
Table 7 Transmitter Specification
Symbol
Description
Conditions
RF_OP
RF output power in 50 ohms
on RFO pin (High efficiency PA).
Programmable with steps
ΔRF_
OP_V
RF output power stability on
RFO pin versus voltage supply.
Max
Min
VDD = 2.5 V to 3.3 V
VDD = 1.8 V to 3.7 V
Typ
Max
Unit
+11
-
+14
-1
-
dBm
dBm
-
3
8
-
dB
dB
-
+17
+2
-
dBm
dBm
-
+20
-
dBm
-
±1
-
dB
RF_OPH
RF output power in 50 ohms, on
PA_BOOST pin (Regulated PA).
Programmable with 1dB steps
RF_OPH
_MAX
Max RF output power, on
PA_BOOST pin
High power mode
ΔRF_
OPH_V
RF output power stability on
PA_BOOST pin versus voltage
supply.
ΔRF_T
RF output power stability versus
temperature on both RF pins.
From T = -40 °C to +85 °C
-
+/-1
-
dB
PHN
Transmitter Phase Noise
Low Consumption PLL, 915 MHz
50kHz Offset
400kHz Offset
1MHz Offset
-
-102
-114
-120
-
dBc/
Hz
Low Phase Noise PLL, 915 MHz
50kHz Offset
400kHz Offset
1MHz Offset
-
-106
-117
-122
-
dBc/
Hz
Rev 3 - August 2012
Max
Min
Min
VDD = 2.4 V to 3.7 V
Page 15
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SX1232
WIRELESS & SENSING
DATASHEET
ACP
Transmitter adjacent channel
power (measured at 25 kHz offset)
BT=1. Measurement conditions as
defined by EN 300 220-1 V2.3.1
-
-
-37
TS_TR
Transmitter wake up time, to the
first rising edge of DCLK
Frequency Synthesizer enabled,
PaRamp = 10us, BR = 4.8 kb/s
-
120
-
dBm
us
2.4.5. Digital Specification
Conditions: Temp = 25°C, VDD = 3.3V, FXOSC = 32 MHz, unless otherwise specified.
Table 8
Digital Specification
Symbol
Description
VIH
Min
Typ
Max
Digital input level high
0.8
-
-
VDD
VIL
Digital input level low
-
-
0.2
VDD
VOH
Digital output level high
Imax = 1 mA
0.9
-
-
VDD
VOL
Digital output level low
Imax = -1 mA
-
-
0.1
VDD
FSCK
SCK frequency
-
-
10
MHz
tch
SCK high time
50
-
-
ns
tcl
SCK low time
50
-
-
ns
trise
SCK rise time
-
5
-
ns
tfall
SCK fall time
-
5
-
ns
tsetup
MOSI setup time
from MOSI change to SCK rising
edge
30
-
-
ns
thold
MOSI hold time
from SCK rising edge to MOSI
change
20
-
-
ns
tnsetup
NSS setup time
from NSS falling edge to SCK rising
edge
30
-
-
ns
tnhold
NSS hold time
from SCK falling edge to NSS rising
edge, normal mode
100
-
-
ns
tnhigh
NSS high time between SPI
accesses
20
-
-
ns
T_DATA
DATA hold and setup time
250
-
-
ns
Rev 3 - August 2012
Conditions
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DATASHEET
3. Chip Description
This section describes in depth the architecture of the SX1232 low-power, highly integrated transceiver. The following
figure shows a simplified block diagram of the SX1232.
Figure 4. Simplified SX1232 Block Schematic Diagram
SX1232 is a half-duplex, low-IF transceiver. Here the received RF signal is first amplified by the LNA. The LNA input is
single ended to minimise the external BoM and for ease of design. Following the LNA output, the conversion to differential
is made to improve the second order linearity and harmonic rejection. The signal is then down-converted to in-phase (I)
and quadrature (Q) components at the intermediate frequency (IF) by the mixer stage. A pair of sigma delta ADCs then
perform data conversion, with all subsequent signal processing and demodulation performed in the digital domain. The
digital state machine also controls the automatic frequency correction (AFC), received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and
automatic gain control (AGC). It also features the higher-level packet and protocol level functionality of the top level
sequencer.
In the receiver operating mode two states of functionality are defined. Upon initial transition to receiver operating mode the
receiver is in the ‘receiver-enabled’ state. In this state the receiver awaits for either the user defined valid preamble or RSSI
detection criterion to be fulfilled. Once met the receiver enters ‘receiver-active’ state. In this second state the received
signal is processed by the packet engine and top level sequencer.
The frequency synthesiser generates the local oscillator (LO) frequency for both receiver and transmitter. The PLL is
optimized for user-transparent low lock time and fast auto-calibrating operation. In transmission, frequency modulation is
performed digitally within the PLL bandwidth. It also features optional pre-filtering of the bit stream to improve spectral
purity.
Rev 3 - August 2012
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SX1232 features a pair of RF power amplifiers. The first, connected to RFO, can deliver up to +14 dBm, is unregulated for
high power efficiency and can be connected directly to the RF receiver input via a pair of passive components to form a
single antenna port high efficiency transceiver. The second PA, connected to the PA_BOOST pin and can deliver up to +20
dBm via a dedicated matching network.
SX1232 also includes two timing references: an RC oscillator and a 32 MHz crystal oscillator.
All major parameters of the RF front end and digital state machine are fully configurable via an SPI interface which gives
access to internal registers. This includes a mode auto sequencer that oversees the transition and calibration of the
SX1232 between intermediate modes of operation in the fastest time possible.
3.1. Power Supply Strategy
The SX1232 employs an advanced power supply scheme, which provides stable operating characteristics over the full
temperature and voltage range of operation. This includes the full output power of +17dBm which is maintained from 1.8 to
3.7 V.
The SX1232 can be powered from any low-noise voltage source via pins VBAT1 and VBAT2. Decoupling capacitors should
be connected, as suggested in the reference design, on VR_PA, VR_DIG and VR_ANA pins to ensure a correct operation
of the built-in voltage regulators.
3.2. Low Battery Detector
A low battery detector is also included allowing the generation of an interrupt signal in response to passing a
programmable threshold adjustable through the register RegLowBat. The interrupt signal can be mapped to any of the DIO
pins, by programming RegDioMapping.
Rev 3 - August 2012
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SX1232
WIRELESS & SENSING
DATASHEET
3.3. Frequency Synthesis
3.3.1. Reference Oscillator
The crystal oscillator is the main timing reference of the SX1232. It is used as a reference for the frequency synthesizer
and as a clock for the digital processing.
The XO startup time, TS_OSC, depends on the actual XTAL being connected on pins XTA and XTB. The SX1232
optimizes the startup time and automatically triggers the PLL when the XO signal is stable.
An external clock can be used to replace the crystal oscillator, for instance a tight tolerance TCXO. To do so, TcxoInputOn
in RegTcxo should be set to 1, and the external clock has to be provided on XTA (pin 4). XTB (pin 5) should be left open.
The peak-peak amplitude of the input signal must never exceed 1.8 V. Please consult your TCXO supplier for an
appropriate value of decoupling capacitor, CD.
XTA
XTB
NC
TCXO
32 MHz
OP
Vcc
GND
Vcc
CD
Figure 5. TCXO Connection
3.3.2. CLKOUT Output
The reference frequency, or a fraction of it, can be provided on DIO5 (pin 12) by modifying bits ClkOut in RegDioMapping2.
Two typical applications of the CLKOUT output include:
Š
To provide a clock output for a companion processor, thus saving the cost of an additional oscillator. CLKOUT can be
made available in any operation mode except Sleep mode and is automatically enabled at power on reset.
Š
To provide an oscillator reference output. Measurement of the CLKOUT signal enables simple software trimming of the
initial crystal tolerance.
Note
to minimize the current consumption of the SX1232, please ensure that the CLKOUT signal is disabled when not
required.
3.3.3. PLL Architecture
The local oscillator of the SX1232 is derived from a fractional-N PLL that is referenced to the crystal oscillator circuit. Two
PLLs are available for transmit mode operation - either low phase noise or low current consumption to maximize either
transmit power consumption or transmit spectral purity. Both PLLs feature a programmable bandwidth setting where one of
four discrete preset bandwidths may be accessed. For reference the relative performance of both low consumption and low
phase noise PLL, for each programmable bandwidth setting, is shown in the following figure.
Rev 3 - August 2012
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WIRELESS & SENSING
DATASHEET
Figure 6. Typical Phase Noise Performances of the Low Consumption and Low Phase Noise PLLs.
Note
in receive mode, only the low consumption PLL is available.
The SX1232 PLL embeds a 19-bit sigma-delta modulator and its frequency resolution, constant over the whole frequency
range, and is given by:
F XOSC
F STEP = --------------19
2
Rev 3 - August 2012
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DATASHEET
The carrier frequency is programmed through RegFrf, split across addresses 0x06 to 0x08:
F RF = F STEP × Frf (23,0)
Note
The Frf setting is split across 3 bytes. A change in the center frequency will only be taken into account when the
least significant byte FrfLsb in RegFrfLsb is written. This allows for more complex modulation schemes such as mary FSK, where frequency modulation is achieved by changing the programmed RF frequency.
3.3.4. RC Oscillator
All timings in the low-power state of the Top Level Sequencer rely on the accuracy of the internal low-power RC oscillator.
This oscillator is automatically calibrated at the device power-up, and it is a user-transparent process.
For applications enduring large temperature variations, and for which the power supply is never removed, RC calibration
can be performed upon user request. RcCalStart in RegOsc triggers this calibration, and the flag RcCalDone will be set
automatically when the calibration is over.
Rev 3 - August 2012
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DATASHEET
3.4. Transmitter Description
The transmitter of SX1232 comprises the frequency synthesizer, modulator and power amplifier blocks, together with the
DC biasing and ramping functionality that is provided through the VR_PA block.
3.4.1. Architecture Description
The architecture of the RF front end is shown in the following diagram. Here we see that the unregulated PA0 is connected
to the RFO pin features a single low power amplifier device. The PA_BOOST pin is connected to the internally regulated
PA1 and PA2 circuits. Here PA2 is a high power amplifier that permits continuous operation up to +17 dBm and duty cycled
operation up to +20 dBm. For full details of operation at +20 dBm please consult Section 3.4.7.
LNA
Rec eiv er Chain
RFI
PA0
RFO
Loc al
Os c illator
PA1
PA _BOOST
PA2
Figure 7. RF Front-end Architecture Shows the Internal PA Configuration.
3.4.2. Bit Rate Setting
The bitrate setting is referenced to the crystal oscillator and provides a precise means of setting the bit (or equivalently
chip) rate of the radio. In continuous transmit mode (Section 3.2.2) the data stream to be transmitted can be input directly
to the modulator via pin 9 (DIO2/DATA) in an asynchronous manner, unless Gaussian filtering is used, in which case the
DCLK signal on pin 10 (DIO1/DCLK) is used to synchronize the data stream. See section 3.4.5 for details on the Gaussian
filter.
In Packet mode or in Continuous mode with Gaussian filtering enabled, the Bit Rate (BR) is controlled by bits Bitrate in
RegBitrateMsb and RegBitrateLsb
FXOSC
BitRate = ------------------------------------------------------------------------BitrateFrac
BitRate (15,0) + ------------------------------16
Note
BitrateFrac bits have no effect (i.e may be considered equal to 0) in OOK modulation mode
The quantity BitrateFrac is hence designed to allow very high precision (max. 250 ppm calculation error) for any bitrate in
the programmable range. Table 9 below shows a range of standard bitrates and the accuracy to within which they may be
reached.
Rev 3 - August 2012
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SX1232
WIRELESS & SENSING
Table 9
DATASHEET
Bit Rate Examples
BitRate
(15:8)
BitRate
(7:0)
(G)FSK
(G)MSK
OOK
Actual BR
(b/s)
0x68
0x2B
1.2 kbps
1.2 kbps
1200.015
0x34
0x15
2.4 kbps
2.4 kbps
2400.060
0x1A
0x0B
4.8 kbps
4.8 kbps
4799.760
0x0D
0x05
9.6 kbps
9.6 kbps
9600.960
0x06
0x83
19.2 kbps
19.2 kbps
19196.16
0x03
0x41
38.4 kbps
38415.36
0x01
0xA1
76.8 kbps
76738.60
0x00
0xD0
153.6 kbps
153846.1
Classical modem baud rates
(multiples of 0.9 kbps)
0x02
0x2C
57.6 kbps
57553.95
0x01
0x16
115.2 kbps
115107.9
Round bit rates
(multiples of 12.5, 25 and
50 kbps)
0x0A
0x00
12.5 kbps
12.5 kbps
12500.00
0x05
0x00
25 kbps
25 kbps
25000.00
0x80
0x00
50 kbps
50000.00
0x01
0x40
100 kbps
100000.0
0x00
0xD5
150 kbps
150234.7
0x00
0xA0
200 kbps
200000.0
0x00
0x80
250 kbps
250000.0
0x00
0x6B
300 kbps
299065.4
0x03
0xD1
32.768 kbps
Type
Classical modem baud rates
(multiples of 1.2 kbps)
Watch Xtal frequency
32.768 kbps
32753.32
3.4.3. FSK Modulation
FSK modulation is performed inside the PLL bandwidth, by changing the fractional divider ratio in the feedback loop of the
PLL. The large resolution of the sigma-delta modulator, allows for very narrow frequency deviation. The frequency
deviation FDEV is given by:
F DEV = F STEP × Fdev (13,0)
To ensure a proper modulation, the following limit applies:
BR
F DEV + ------- ≤ ( 250 )kHz
2
Note
no constraint applies to the modulation index of the transmitter, but the frequency deviation must be set between
600 Hz and 200 kHz.
Rev 3 - August 2012
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DATASHEET
3.4.4. OOK Modulation
OOK modulation is applied by switching on and off the Power Amplifier. Digital control and smoothing are available to
improve the transient power response of the OOK transmitter.
3.4.5. Modulation Shaping
Modulation shaping can be applied in both OOK and FSK modulation modes, to improve the narrowband response of the
transmitter. Both shaping features are controlled with PaRamp bits in RegPaRamp.
Š
In FSK mode, a Gaussian filter with BT = 0.5 or 1 is used to filter the modulation stream, at the input of the sigma-delta
modulator. If the Gaussian filter is enabled when the SX1232 is in Continuous mode, DCLK signal on pin 10 (DIO1/
DCLK) will trigger an interrupt on the uC each time a new bit has to be transmitted. Please refer to section 5.4.2 for
details.
Š
When OOK modulation is used, the PA bias voltages are ramped up and down smoothly when the PA is turned on and
off, to reduce spectral splatter.
Note
the transmitter must be restarted if the ModulationShaping setting is changed, in order to recalibrate the built-in
filter.
3.4.6. RF Power Amplifiers
Three power amplifier blocks are embedded in the SX1232. The first one herein referred to as PA0, can generate high
efficiency RF power into a 50 ohm load. The RF power is programmable between -1dBm and +14dBm. PA0 is connected
to pin RFO (pin 22).
PA1 and PA2 are both connected to pin PA_BOOST (pin 23). They can deliver up to +17 dBm in programmable step of 1dB
to the antenna, a specific impedance matching / harmonic filtering design is required to ensure impedance transformation
and regulatory compliance. The RF power is programmable between +2 dBm and +17 dBm. The high power mode allows
to achieve fixed output power of +20dBm.
Table 10 Power Amplifier Mode Selection Truth Table
PaSelect
Mode
Power Range
Pout Formula
0
PA0 output on pin RFO
-1 to +14 dBm
-1 dBm + OutputPower
1
PA1 and PA2 combined on pin PA_BOOST
+2 to +17 dBm
+2 dBm + OutputPower
1
PA1+PA2 on PA_BOOST with high output
power +20dBm settings (see 3.4.7)
+5 to +20 dBm
+5 dBm + OutputPower
Notes - For +20dBm restrictions of operation, please consult the following section
- To ensure correct operation at the highest power levels, please make sure to adjust the OcpTrim accordingly in
RegOcp.
- If PA_BOOST pin is not used the pin can be left floating.
Rev 3 - August 2012
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DATASHEET
3.4.7. High Power +20dBm Operation
The SX1232 has a high power +20 dBm capability on PA_BOOST pin, with the following settings:
Table 11 High Power Settings
Note
Register
Address
Value for
High Power
Default value
PA0 or +17dBm
RegPaDac
0x5A
0x87
0x84
Description
High power PA control
- High Power settings must be turned off when using PA0
- The Over Current Protection limit should be adapted to the actual power level, in RegOcp
Specific Absolute Maximum Ratings and Operating Range restrictions apply to the +20dBm operation. They are listed in
Table 12 and Table 13.
Table 12 Absolute Maximum Rating, +20dBm Operation
Symbol
Description
Min
Max
Unit
DC_20dBm
Duty Cycle of transmission at +20dBm output
-
1
%
VSWR_20dBm
Maximum VSWR at antenna port, +20dBm output
-
3:1
-
Min
Max
2.4
3.7
Table 13 Operating Range, +20dBm Operation
Symbol
VDDop_20dBm
Description
Supply voltage, +20dBm output
Unit
V
The Duty Cycle of transmission at +20dBm is limited to 1%, with a maximum VSWR of 3:1 at antenna port, over the
standard operating range [-40;+85°C]. For any other operating condition, contact your Semtech representative.
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DATASHEET
3.4.8. Over Current Protection
An over current protection block is built-in the chip. It helps preventing surge currents required when the transmitter is used
at its highest power levels, thus protecting the battery that may power the application. The current clamping value is
controlled by OcpTrim bits in RegOcp, and is calculated with the following formulas:
Table 14 Trimming of the OCP Current
Note
OcpTrim
IMAX
Imax Formula
0 to 15
45 to 120 mA
45 + 5*OcpTrim [mA]
16 to 27
130 to 240 mA
-30 + 10*OcpTrim [mA]
27+
240 mA
240 mA
Imax sets a limit on the current drain of the Power Amplifier only, hence the maximum current drain of the SX1232
is equal to Imax + IFS
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DATASHEET
3.5. Receiver Description
3.5.1. Overview
The SX1232 features a digital receiver with the analog to digital conversion process being performed directly following the
LNA-Mixers block. The Low-IF receiver is able to handle ASK, OOK, (G)FSK and (G)MSK modulation. All the filtering,
demodulation, gain control, synchronization and packet handling is performed digitally, which allows a very wide range of
bit rates and frequency deviations to be selected. The receiver is also capable of automatic gain calibration to improve
precision on RSSI measurement and enhanced image rejection.
Figure 8. Receiver Block Diagram
3.5.2. Automatic Gain Control - AGC
The AGC feature allows receiver to handle a wide Rx input dynamic range from the sensitivity level up to maximum input
level of 0dBm or more, whilst optimizing the system linearity.
Table 15 hereafter shows typical NF and IIP3 performances for the different LNA gains.
Table 15 LNA Gain Control and Performances
Gain
Setting
LnaGain
Relative LNA
Gain [dB]
NF
[dB]
IIP3
[dBm]
Pin <= AgcThresh1
G1
‘001’
0 dB
7
-12
AgcThresh1 < Pin <= AgcThresh2
G2
‘010’
-6 dB
11
-8
AgcThresh2 < Pin <= AgcThresh3
G3
‘011’
-12 dB
16
-5
AgcThresh3 < Pin <= AgcThresh4
G4
‘100’
-24 dB
26
5
AgcThresh4 < Pin <= AgcThresh5
G5
‘110’
-26 dB
34
10
AgcThresh5 < Pin
G6
‘111’
-48 dB
44
10
RX input level (Pin)
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SX1232
DATASHEET
G1
G2
AgcStep3
Ag
c
Å
AgcStep4
AgcStep5
G4
G5
G3
Th
re
sh
5
hr
es
Ag
cT
Å
Å
Å
AgcStep2
h4
h3
Ag
cT
cT
h
Ag
Ag
Å
AgcStep1
hr
es
h2
re
s
h1
re
s
cT
h
C
AG
Å
Towards
-125 dBm
Re
fe
re
nc
e
WIRELESS & SENSING
Higher Sensitivity
Lower Linearity
Lower Noise Figure
Pin [dBm]
G6
Lower Sensitivity
Higher Linearity
Higher Noise Figure
Figure 9. AGC Steps Definition
The global AGC reference, reference all AGC thresholds, is determined as follows:
AGC Reference[dBm]=-174dBm+10*log(2*RxBw)+SNR+AgcReferenceLevel
with SNR = 8dB, fixed value
A detailed description of the receiver setup to enable the AGC is provided in section 4.3.
3.5.3. RSSI
The RSSI value reflects the incoming signal power provided at antenna port within the receiver bandwidth. The signal
power is available in RssiValue. This value is absolute and its unit is in dBm with a resolution of 0.5dB. The formula
hereafter gives the relationship between the register value and the absolute input signal level in dBm at antenna port:
RssiValue = −2 ⋅ RF level [dBm] + RssiOffset [dB ]
The RSSI value can be compensated for to take into account the loss in the matching network or the gain of an additional
LNA, by using RssiOffset. The offset can be chosen in 1dB steps from -16 to +15dB. When compensation is applied, the
effective signal strength is read as follows:
RSSI [dBm] = −
RssiValue
2
The RSSI value is smoothed on a given number of measured RSSI samples. The precision of the RSSI value is related to
the number of RSSI samples used. RssiSmoothing selects the number of RSSI samples from a minimum of 2 samples up
to 256 samples in increments of power of 2. Table 16 hereafter gives the estimation of the RSSI accuracy for a 10dB SNR
and the response time versus the number of RSSI samples selected in RssiSmoothing.
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Table 16 RssiSmoothing Options
RssiSmoothing
‘000’
‘001’
‘010’
‘011’
‘100’
‘101’
‘110’
‘111’
Number of Samples
2
4
8
16
32
64
128
256
Estimated Accuracy
± 6dB
± 5dB
± 4dB
± 3dB
± 2dB
± 1.5dB
± 1.2dB
± 1.1dB
Response Time
2 (RssiSmoothing +1)
[ms]
4 ⋅ RxBw[kHz ]
The RSSI is calibrated, up the RFI pin, when Image and RSSI calibration is launched; please see section 3.5.12 for details.
3.5.4. Channel Filter
The role of the channel filter is to filter out the noise and interferers outside of the channel. Channel filtering on the SX1232
is implemented with a 16-tap Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filter, providing an outstanding Adjacent Channel Rejection
performance, even for narrowband applications.
Note
to respect oversampling rules in the decimation chain of the receiver, the Bit Rate cannot be set at a higher value
than 2 times the single-side receiver bandwidth (BitRate < 2 x RxBw)
The single-side channel filter bandwidth RxBw is controlled by the parameters RxBwMant and RxBwExp in RegRxBw:
FXOSC
RxBw = ----------------------------------------------------------------RxBwExp + 2
RxBwMant × 2
The following channel filter bandwidths are accessible (oscillator is mandated at 32 MHz):
Table 17 Available RxBw Settings
Rev 3 - August 2012
RxBwMant
(binary/value)
RxBwExp
(decimal)
10b / 24
01b / 20
00b / 16
10b / 24
01b / 20
00b / 16
10b / 24
01b / 20
00b / 16
10b / 24
01b / 20
00b / 16
10b / 24
01b / 20
00b / 16
7
7
7
6
6
6
5
5
5
4
4
4
3
3
3
Page 29
RxBw (kHz)
FSK / OOK
2.6
3.1
3.9
5.2
6.3
7.8
10.4
12.5
15.6
20.8
25.0
31.3
41.7
50.0
62.5
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10b / 24
01b / 20
00b / 16
10b / 24
01b / 20
00b / 16
Other settings
2
2
2
1
1
1
83.3
100.0
125.0
166.7
200.0
250.0
reserved
3.5.5. FSK Demodulator
The FSK demodulator of the SX1232 is designed to demodulate FSK, GFSK, MSK and GMSK modulated signals. It is
most efficient when the modulation index of the signal is greater than 0.5 and below 10:
2 × F DEV
0.5 ≤ β = ---------------------- ≤ 10
BR
The output of the FSK demodulator can be fed to the Bit Synchronizer to provide the companion processor with a
synchronous data stream in Continuous mode.
3.5.6. OOK Demodulator
The OOK demodulator performs a comparison of the RSSI output and a threshold value. Three different threshold modes
are available, configured through bits OokThreshType in RegOokPeak.
The recommended mode of operation is the "Peak" threshold mode, illustrated in Figure 10:
RSSI
[dBm]
‘’Peak -6dB’’ Threshold
‘’Floor’’ threshold defined by
OokFixedThresh
Noise floor of
receiver
Time
Zoom
Zoom
Decay in dB as defined in
OokPeakThreshStep
Fixed 6dB difference
Period as defined in
OokPeakThreshDec
Figure 10. OOK Peak Demodulator Description
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In peak threshold mode the comparison threshold level is the peak value of the RSSI, reduced by 6dB. In the absence of
an input signal, or during the reception of a logical "0", the acquired peak value is decremented by one
OokPeakThreshStep every OokPeakThreshDec period.
When the RSSI output is null for a long time (for instance after a long string of "0" received, or if no transmitter is present),
the peak threshold level will continue falling until it reaches the "Floor Threshold", programmed in OokFixedThresh.
The default settings of the OOK demodulator lead to the performance stated in the electrical specification. However, in
applications in which sudden signal drops are awaited during a reception, the three parameters should be optimized
accordingly.
3.5.6.1. Optimizing the Floor Threshold
OokFixedThresh determines the sensitivity of the OOK receiver, as it sets the comparison threshold for weak input signals
(i.e. those close to the noise floor). Significant sensitivity improvements can be generated if configured correctly.
Note that the noise floor of the receiver at the demodulator input depends on:
Š
Š
Š
Š
The noise figure of the receiver.
The gain of the receive chain from antenna to base band.
The matching - including SAW filter if any.
The bandwidth of the channel filters.
It is therefore important to note that the setting of OokFixedThresh will be application dependant. The following procedure
is recommended to optimize OokFixedThresh.
Set SX1232 in OOK Rx mode
Adjust Bit Rate, Channel filter BW
Default OokFixedThresh setting
No input signal
Continuous Mode
Monitor DIO2/DATA pin
Increment
OokFixedThresh
Glitch activity
on DATA ?
Optimization complete
Figure 11. Floor Threshold Optimization
The new floor threshold value found during this test should be used for OOK reception with those receiver settings.
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3.5.6.2. Optimizing OOK Demodulator for Fast Fading Signals
A sudden drop in signal strength can cause the bit error rate to increase. For applications where the expected signal drop
can be estimated, the following OOK demodulator parameters OokPeakThreshStep and OokPeakThreshDec can be
optimized as described below for a given number of threshold decrements per bit. Refer to RegOokPeak to access those
settings.
3.5.6.3. Alternative OOK Demodulator Threshold Modes
In addition to the Peak OOK threshold mode, the user can alternatively select two other types of threshold detectors:
Š
Š
Fixed Threshold: The value is selected through OokFixedThresh
Average Threshold: Data supplied by the RSSI block is averaged, and this operation mode should only be used with
DC-free encoded data.
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3.5.7. Bit Synchronizer
The Bit Synchronizer is a block that provides a clean and synchronized digital output, free of glitches. Its output is made
available on pin DIO1/DCLK in Continuous mode and can be disabled through register settings. However, for optimum
receiver performance its use when running Continuous mode is strongly advised.
The Bit Synchronizer is automatically activated in Packet mode. Its bit rate is controlled by BitRateMsb and BitRateLsb in
RegBitrate.
Raw demodulator
output
(FSK or OOK)
DATA
BitSync Output
To pin DATA and
DCLK in continuous
mode
DCLK
Figure 12. Bit Synchronizer Description
To ensure correct operation of the Bit Synchronizer, the following conditions have to be satisfied:
Š
A preamble (0x55 or 0xAA) of at least 12 bits is required for synchronization, the longer the synchronization the better
the packet success rate
Š
The subsequent payload bit stream must have at least one transition form '0' to '1' or '1' to '0 every 16 bits during data
transmission
Š
The bit rate matching between the transmitter and the receiver must be better than 6.5%.
3.5.8. Frequency Error Indicator
This function provides information about the frequency error of the local oscillator (LO) compared with the carrier frequency
of a modulated signal at the input of the receiver. When the FEI block is launched, the frequency error is measured and the
signed result is loaded in FeiValue in RegFei, in 2’s complement format. The time required for an FEI evaluation is 4 times
the bit period.
To ensure a proper behavior of the FEI:
Š
Š
The operation must be done during the reception of preamble
The sum of the frequency offset and the 20 dB signal bandwidth must be lower than the base band filter bandwidth
The 20 dB bandwidth of the signal can be evaluated as follows (double-side bandwidth):
BR
BW 20 dB = 2 × ⎛ F DEV + -------⎞
⎝
2⎠
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The frequency error, in Hz, can be calculated with the following formula:
FEI = F STEP × FeiValue
SX1232 in Rx mode
Preamble-modulated input signal
Signal level > Sensitivity
Set FeiStart
=1
FeiDone
=1
No
Yes
Read
FeiValue
Figure 13. FEI Process
3.5.9. AFC
The AFC is based on the FEI block, and therefore the same input signal and receiver setting conditions apply. When the
AFC procedure is done, AfcValue is directly subtracted to the register that defines the frequency of operation of the chip,
FRF. The AFC is executed each time the receiver is enabled, if AfcAutoOn = 1.
When the AFC is enabled (AfcAutoOn = 1), the user has the option to:
Š
Š
Clear the former AFC correction value, if AfcAutoClearOn = 1
Start the AFC evaluation from the previously corrected frequency. This may be useful in systems in which the LO keeps
on drifting in the “same direction”. Ageing compensation is a good example.
The SX1232 offers an alternate receiver bandwidth setting during the AFC phase, to accommodate large LO drifts. If the
user considers that the received signal may be out of the receiver bandwidth, a higher channel filter bandwidth can be
programmed in RegAfcBw, at the expense of the receiver noise floor, which will impact upon sensitivity.
The FEI is valid only during preamble, and therefore the PreambleDetect flag can be used to validate the current FEI result
and add it to the AFC register. The link between PreambleDetect interrupt and the AFC is controlled by
StartDemodOnPreamble in RegRxConfig.
A detailed description of the receiver setup to enable the AFC is provided in section 4.3.
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3.5.10. Preamble Detector
The Preamble Detector indicates the reception of a carrier modulated with a 0101...sequence. It is insensitive to the
frequency offset, as long as the receiver bandwidth is large enough. The size of detection can be programmed from 1 to 3
bytes with PreambleDetectorSize in RegPreambleDetect as defined in the next table.
Table 18 Preamble Detector Settings
PreambleDetectorSize
# of Bytes
00
1
01
2 (recommended)
10
3
11
reserved
For proper operation, PreambleDetectTol should be set to be set to 10 (0x0A), with a qualifying preamble size of 2 bytes.
PreambleDetect interrupt (either in RegIrqFlags1 or mapped to a specific DIO) goes high every time a valid preamble is
detected, assuming PreambleDetectorOn=1.
The preamble detector can also be used as a gate to ensure that AFC and AGC are performed on valid preamble. See
section 4.3. for details.
3.5.11. Image Rejection Mixer
The SX1232 embeds a state of the art Image Rejection Mixer (IRM). Its default rejection, with no calibration, is 35dB typ.
The IQ signals can be calibrated by an embedded source, pushing the image rejection to typically 48dB. This process is
fully automated and self-contained.
3.5.12. Image and RSSI Calibration
Calibration of the I and Q signal is required to improve the RSSI precision, as well as good Image Rejection performance.
On the SX1232, IQ calibration is seamless and user-transparent. Calibration is launched:
Š
Automatically at Power On Reset or after a Manual Reset of the chip (refer to section 7.2). For applications where the
temperature remains stable, or if the Image Rejection is not a major concern, this one-shot calibration will suffice
Š
Š
Automatically when a pre-defined temperature change is observed
Upon User request, by setting bit ImageCalStart in RegImageCal, when the device is in Standby mode.
A selectable temperature change, set with TempThreshold (5, 10, 15 or 20°C), is detected and reported in TempChange, if
the temperature monitoring is turned On with TempMonitorOff=0.
This interrupt flag can be used by the application to launch a new Image Calibration at a convenient time if
AutoImageCalOn=0, or immediately when this temperature variation is detected, if AutoImageCalOn=1.
The calibration process takes approximately 10ms.
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3.6. Temperature Measurement
A stand alone temperature measurement block is used in order to measure the temperature in any mode except Sleep and
Standby. It is enabled by default, and can be stopped by setting TempMonitorOff to 1. The result of the measurement is
stored in TempValue in RegTemp.
Due to process variations, the absolute accuracy of the result is +/- 10 °C. A more precise result needs initial calibration to
be done externally.
Figure 14. Temperature Sensor Response
An example code for the conversion to be applied to TempValue to obtain the reading in °C is shown in Section 7.
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3.7. Timeout Function
The SX1232 includes a Timeout function, which allows it to automatically shut-down the receiver after a receive sequence
and therefore save energy.
Š
Timeout interrupt is generated TimeoutRxRssi x 16 x Tbit after switching to Rx mode if the Rssi flag does not raise
within this time frame (RssiValue > RssiThreshold)
Š
Timeout interrupt is generated TimeoutRxPreamble x 16 x Tbit after switching to Rx mode if the PreambleDetect flag
does not raise within this time frame
Š
Timeout interrupt is generated TimeoutSignalSync x 16 x Tbit after switching to Rx mode if the SyncAddress flag does
not raise within this time frame
This timeout interrupt can be used to warn the companion processor to shut down the receiver and return to a lower power
mode. To become active, these timeouts must also be enabled by setting the correct RxTrigger parameters in
RegRxConfig:
Table 19 RxTrigger Settings to Enable Timeout Interrupts
Receiver
Triggering Event
None
Rssi Interrupt
PreambleDetect
Rssi Interrupt & PreambleDetect
Rev 3 - August 2012
RxTrigger
(2:0)
000
001
110
111
Timeout on
Rssi
Off
Active
Off
Active
Page 37
Timeout on
Preamble
Off
Off
Active
Active
Timeout on
SyncAddress
Active
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4. Operating Modes
4.1. General Overview
The SX1232 has several working modes, manually programmed in RegOpMode. Fully automated mode selection, packet
transmission and reception is also possible using the Top Level Sequencer described in Section 4.5.
Table 20 Basic Transceiver Modes
Mode
Selected mode
Symbol
Enabled blocks
000
Sleep mode
Sleep
None
001
Standby mode
Stdby
Top regulator and crystal oscillator
010
Frequency synthesiser to Tx frequency
FSTx
Frequency synthesizer at Tx frequency (Frf)
011
Transmit mode
Tx
Frequency synthesizer and transmitter
100
Frequency synthesiser to Rx frequency FSRx
Frequency synthesizer at frequency for reception (Frf-IF)
101
Receive mode
Frequency synthesizer and receiver
Rx
When switching from a mode to another, the sub-blocks are woken up according to a pre-defined and optimized sequence.
4.2. Startup Times
The startup time of the transmitter or the receiver is dependant upon which mode the transceiver was in at the beginning.
For a complete description, Figure 15 below shows a complete startup process, from the lower power mode “Sleep”.
Current
Drain
IDDR (Rx) or IDDT (Tx)
IDDFS
IDDST
IDDSL
0
Timeline
TS_OSC
TS_OSC
+TS_FS
FSTx
Sleep
mode
TS_OSC
+TS_FS
+TS_TR
TS_OSC
+TS_FS
+TS_RE
Transmit
Stdby
mode
FSRx
Receive
Figure 15. Startup Process
TS_OSC is the startup time of the crystal oscillator, and mainly depends on the characteristics of the crystal itself. TS_FS is
the startup time of the PLL, and it includes a systematic calibration of the VCO.
Typical values of TS_OSC and TS_FS are given in section 2.3.
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4.2.1. Transmitter Startup Time
The transmitter startup time, TS_TR, is calculated as follows, in when FSK modulation is selected:
1
TS _ TR = 5μs + 1.25 × PaRamp + × Tbit
2
,
where PaRamp is the ramp-up time programmed in RegPaRamp and Tbit is the bit time.
In OOK mode, this equation can be simplified to the following:
1
TS _ TR = 5μs + × Tbit
2
4.2.2. Receiver Startup Time
The receiver startup time, TS_RE, only depends upon the receiver bandwidth effective at the time of startup. When AFC is
enabled (AfcAutoOn=1), AfcBw should be used instead of RxBw to extract the receiver startup time:
Table 21 Receiver Startup Time Summary
RxBw if AfcAutoOn=0
RxBwAfc if AfcAutoOn=1
2.6 kHz
3.1 kHz
3.9 kHz
5.2 kHz
6.3 kHz
7.8 kHz
10.4 kHz
12.5 kHz
15.6 kHz
20.8 kHz
25.0 kHz
31.3 kHz
41.7 kHz
50.0 kHz
62.5 kHz
83.3 kHz
100.0 kHz
125.0 kHz
166.7 kHz
200.0 kHz
250.0 kHz
TS_RE
(+/-5%)
2.33ms
1.94ms
1.56ms
1.18ms
984us
791us
601us
504us
407us
313us
264us
215us
169us
144us
119us
97us
84us
71us
85us
74us
63us
TS_RE or later after setting the device in Receive mode, any incoming packet will be detected and demodulated by the
transceiver.
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4.2.3. Time to RSSI Evaluation
The first RSSI sample will be available TS_RSSI after the receiver is ready, in other words TS_RE + TS_RSSI after the
receiver was requested to turn on.
Timeline
0
TS_RE
FSRx
TS_RE
+TS_RSSI
Rssi IRQ
Rssi sample
ready
Rx
Figure 16. Time to Rssi Sample
TS_RSSI depends on the receiver bandwitdh, as well as the RssiSmoothing option that was selected. The formula used to
calculate TS_RSSI is provided in section 3.5.3.
4.2.4. Tx to Rx Turnaround Time
Timeline
0
TS_HOP
+TS_RE
Tx Mode
1. set new Frf (*)
2. set Rx mode
Rx Mode
(*) Optional
Figure 17. Tx to Rx Turnaround
Note
the SPI instruction times are omitted, as they can generally be very small as compared to other timings (up to
10MHz SPI clock)
4.2.5. Rx to Tx
Timeline
0
TS_HOP
+TS_TR
Rx Mode
1. set new Frf (*)
2. set Tx mode
Tx Mode
(*) Optional
Figure 18. Rx to Tx Turnaround
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4.2.6. Receiver Hopping, Rx to Rx
Two methods are possible:
First method
Timeline
0
TS_HOP
+TS_RE
Rx Mode,
Channel A
Rx Mode,
Channel B
1. set new Frf
2. set RestartRxWithPllLock
Second method
Timeline
0
~TS_HOP
Rx Mode,
Channel A
1. set FastHopOn=1
2. set new Frf (*)
3. wait for TS_HOP
Rx Mode,
Channel B
(*) RegFrfLsb must be written to
trigger a frequency change
Figure 19. Receiver Hopping
The second method is quicker, and should be used if a very quick RF sniffing mechanism is implemented.
4.2.7. Tx to Tx
Timeline
~PaRamp
+TS_HOP
0
Tx Mode,
Channel A
1. set new Frf (*)
2. set FSTx mode
~PaRamp
+TS_HOP
+TS_TR
FSTx
Set Tx mode
Tx Mode,
Channel B
Figure 20. Transmitter Hopping
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4.3. Receiver Startup Options
The SX1232 receiver can automatically control the gain of its receiver chain (AGC) and adjust its receiver LO frequency
(AFC). Those processes are carried out on a packet-by-packet basis, and they occur:
Š
Š
when the receiver is turned On
Š
when the receiver is automatically restarted after the reception of a valid packet, or after a packet collision.
when the Receiver is restarted upon user request, through the use of trigger bits RestartRxWithoutPllLock or
RestartRxWithPllLock, in RegRxConfig.
Automatic restart capabilities are detailed in section 4.4.
Several receiver startup options are offered in the state machine of the SX1232, and they are described in Table 22:
Table 22 Receiver Startup Options
Triggering Event Realized Function
None
Rssi Interrupt
PreambleDetect
Rssi Interrupt
&
PreambleDetect
None
AGC
AGC & AFC
AGC
AGC & AFC
AGC
AGC & AFC
AgcAutoOn
AfcAutoOn
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
1
0
1
0
1
RxTrigger
(2:0)
000
001
001
110
110
111
111
When AgcAutoOn=0, the LNA gain is manually selected by choosing LnaGain bits in RegLna.
4.4. Receiver Restarting Methods
It may be useful to restart the receiver, for example to prepare for the reception of a new signal whose strength may widely
differ from the previous packet receiver, or whose carrier frequency may be different, required a new AFC. A few options
are proposed:
4.4.1. Restart Upon User Request
At any point in time, when the device is in Receive mode, the user can restart the receiver; this is particularly useful in
conjunction with the use of a Timeout, whereby the receiver would need restarting if it had not detected any incoming
packet after a few milliseconds of channel scanning. Two options are available:
Š
No change in the Local Oscillator upon restart: the AFC is disabled, and the Frf register has not been changed through
SPI before the restart instruction: set bit RestartRxWithoutPllLock in RegRxConfig to 1.
Š
Local Oscillator change upon restart: if AFC is enabled (AfcAutoOn=1), and/or the Frf register had been changed during
the last Rx period: set bit RestartRxWithPllLock in RegRxConfig to 1.
Note
ModeReady must be at logic level 1 for a new RestartRx command to be taken into account
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4.4.2. Automatic Restart after valid Packet Reception
The bits AutoRestartRxMode in RegSyncConfig control the automatic restart feature of the SX1232 receiver, when a valid
packet has been received:
Š
If AutoRestartRxMode = 00, the function is off, and the user should manually restart the receiver upon valid packet
reception (see section 4.4.1).
Š
If AutoRestartRxMode = 01, after the user has emptied the FIFO following a PayloadReady interrupt, the receiver will
automatically restart itself after a delay of InterPacketRxDelay, allowing for the distant transmitter to ramp down, hence
avoiding a false RSSI detection on the “tail” of the previous packet.
Š
If AutoRestartRxMode = 10 should be used if the next reception is expected on a new frequency, i.e. Frf is changed
after the reception of the previous packet. An additional delay is systematically added, in order for the PLL to lock at a
new frequency.
4.4.3. Automatic Restart when Packet Collision is Detected
At any stage during reception, the receiver is able to spontaneously detect a packet collision, and restart itself. Collisions
are detected by a sudden rise in received signal strength, detected by the RSSI blocks. This function can be useful in star
network configurations, where a master node may be transmitted packet at random times, from different end-points located
at various distances.
The collision detector is enabled by setting bit RestartRxOnCollision to 1.
The decision to restart the receiver is based on the detection of RSSI change. The sensitivity of the system can be adjusted
in 1dB steps, with RssiCollisionThreshold in RegRxConfig.
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4.5. Top Level Sequencer
Depending on the application, it is desirable to be able to change the mode of the circuit according to a predefined
sequence without access to the serial interface. In order to define different sequences or scenarios, a user-programmable
state machine, called Top Level Sequencer (Sequencer in short), can automatically control the chip modes.
The Sequencer is activated by setting the SequencerStart bit in RegSeqConfig1 to 1 in Sleep or Standby mode (called
initial mode).
It is also possible to force the Sequencer off by setting the Stop bit in RegSeqConfig1 to 1 at any time.
Note
SequencerStart and Stop bit must never be set at the same time.
4.5.1. Sequencer States
The Sequencer takes control of the chip operation over 4 possible states and 3 transitory states:
Table 23 Sequencer States
Sequencer
State
SequencerOff State
Description
The Sequencer is not activated. Sending a SequencerStart command will launch it.
When coming from LowPowerSelection state, the Sequencer will be Off, whilst the chip will
return to its initial mode (either Sleep or Standby mode).
Idle State
The chip is in low-power mode, either Standby or Sleep, as defined by IdleMode in
RegSeqConfig1. The Sequencer waits only for the T1 interrupt.
Transmit State
The transmitter in on.
Receive State
The receiver in on.
PacketReceived
The receiver is on and a packet has been received. It is stored in the FIFO.
LowPowerSelection
Selects low power state (SequencerOff or Idle State)
RxTimeout
Defines the action to be taken on a RxTimeout interrupt.
RxTimeout interrupt can be a TimeoutRxRssi, TimeoutRxPreamble or TimeoutSignalSync
interrupt.
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4.5.2. Sequencer Transitions
The transitions between sequencer states are listed in the forthcoming table.
Table 24 Sequencer Transition Options
Variable
Transition
IdleMode
Selects the chip mode during Idle state:
0: Standby mode
1: Sleep mode
FromStart
Controls the Sequencer transition when the SequencerStart bit is set to 1 in Sleep or Standby mode:
00: to LowPowerSelection
01: to Receive state
10: to Transmit state
11: to Transmit state on a FifoThreshold interrupt
LowPowerSelection
Selects Sequencer LowPower state after a to LowPowerSelection transition
0: SequencerOff state with chip on Initial mode
1: Idle state with chip on Standby or Sleep mode depending on IdleMode
Note: Initial mode is the chip LowPower mode at Sequencer start.
FromIdle
Controls the Sequencer transition from the Idle state on a T1 interrupt:
0: to Transmit state
1: to Receive state
FromTransmit
Controls the Sequencer transition from the Transmit state:
0: to LowPowerSelection on a PacketSent interrupt
1: to Receive state on a PacketSent interrupt
FromReceive
Controls the Sequencer transition from the Receive state:
000 and 111: unused
001: to PacketReceived state on a PayloadReady interrupt
010: to LowPowerSelection on a PayloadReady interrupt
011: to PacketReceived state on a CrcOk interrupt. If CRC is wrong (corrupted packet, with CRC on but
CrcAutoClearOn is off), the PayloadReady interrupt will drive the sequencer to RxTimeout state.
100: to SequencerOff state on a Rssi interrupt
101: to SequencerOff state on a SyncAddress interrupt
110: to SequencerOff state on a PreambleDetect interrupt
Irrespective of this setting, transition to LowPowerSelection on a T2 interrupt
FromRxTimeout
Controls the state-machine transition from the Receive state on a RxTimeout interrupt (and on
PayloadReady if FromReceive = 011):
00: to Receive state via ReceiveRestart
01: to Transmit state
10: to LowPowerSelection
11: to SequencerOff state
Note: RxTimeout interrupt is a TimeoutRxRssi, TimeoutRxPreamble or TimeoutSignalSync interrupt.
FromPacketReceived
Controls the state-machine transition from the PacketReceived state:
000: to SequencerOff state
001: to Transmit on a FifoEmpty interrupt
010: to LowPowerSelection
011: to Receive via FS mode, if frequency was changed
100: to Receive state (no frequency change)
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4.5.3. Timers
Two timers (Timer1 and Timer2) are also available in order to define periodic sequences. These timers are used to
generate interrupts, which can trigger transitions of the Sequencer.
T1 interrupt is generated (Timer1Resolution * Timer1Coefficient) after T2 interrupt or SequencerStart. command.
T2 interrupt is generated (Timer2Resolution * Timer2Coefficient) after T1 interrupt.
The timers’ mechanism is summarized on the following diagram.
Sequencer Start
T2
interrupt
Timer1
Timer2
T1
interrupt
Figure 21. Timer1 and Timer2 Mechanism
Note
The timer sequence is completed independently of the actual Sequencer state. Thus, both timers need to be on to
achieve a periodic cycling.
Table 25 Sequencer Timer Settings
Variable
Description
Timer1Resolution
Resolution of Timer1
00: disabled
01: 64 us
10: 4.1 ms
11: 262 ms
Timer2Resolution
Resolution of Timer2
00: disabled
01: 64 us
10: 4.1 ms
11: 262 ms
Timer1Coefficient
Multiplying coefficient for Timer1
Timer2Coefficient
Multiplying coefficient for Timer2
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4.5.4. Sequencer State Machine
The following graphs summarize every possible transition between each Sequencer state. The Sequencer states are
highlighted in grey. The transitions are represented by arrows. The condition activating them is described over the
transition arrow. For better readability, the start transitions are separated from the rest of the graph.
Transitory states are highlighted in light grey, and exit states are represented in red. It is also possible to force the
Sequencer off by setting the Stop bit in RegSeqConfig1 to 1 at any time.
Sequencer: Start transitions
Sequencer Off
&
Initial mode = Sleep or Standby
On SequencerStart bit rising edge
Start
On FifoThreshold
if FromStart = 11
If FromStart = 00
If FromStart = 01 If FromStart = 10
LowPower
Selection
Receive
Transmit
Sequencer: State machine
Standby if IdleMode = 0
Sleep if IdleMode = 1
If LowPowerSelection = 1
LowPower
Selection
If LowPowerSelection = 0
( Mode Þ e Initial mode )
Sequencer Off
Idle
On T1 if FromIdle = 0
If FromPacketReceived = 000
On T1 if FromIdle = 1
If FromPacketReceived = 010
Packet
Received
On PayloadReady
if FromReceive = 010
On T2
On PayloadReady if FromReceive = 011
(CRC failed and CrcAutoClearOn=0)
On RxTimeout
If FromRxTimeout = 10
RxTimeout
If FromPacketReceived = 100
Via FS mode if FromPacketReceived = 011
On PayloadReady if FromReceive = 001
On CrcOk if FromReceive = 011
Receive
On Rssi if FromReceive = 100
On SyncAdress if FromReceive = 101
On Preamble if FromReceive = 110
On PacketSent
if FromTransmit = 1
Via ReceiveRestart
if FromRxTimeout = 00
If FromRxTimeout = 11
Transmit
On PacketSent
if FromTransmit = 0
Sequencer Off
If FromRxTimeout = 01
Figure 22. Sequencer State Machine
Use cases of the Top Sequencer are detailed in Section 7.
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5. Data Processing
5.1. Overview
5.1.1. Block Diagram
Figure below illustrates the SX1232 data processing circuit. Its role is to interface the data to/from the modulator/
demodulator and the uC access points (SPI and DIO pins). It also controls all the configuration registers.
The circuit contains several control blocks which are described in the following paragraphs.
DIO0
DIO1
DIO2
DIO3
DIO4
DIO5
Tx/Rx
CONTROL
Data
Rx
SYNC
RECOG.
PACKET
HANDLER
FIFO
(+SR)
SPI
NSS
SCK
MOSI
MISO
Tx
Potential datapaths (data operation mode dependant)
Figure 23. SX1232 Data Processing Conceptual View
The SX1232 implements several data operation modes, each with their own data path through the data processing section.
Depending on the data operation mode selected, some control blocks are active whilst others remain disabled.
5.1.2. Data Operation Modes
The SX1232 has two different data operation modes selectable by the user:
Š
Continuous mode: each bit transmitted or received is accessed in real time at the DIO2/DATA pin. This mode may be
used if adequate external signal processing is available.
Š
Packet mode (recommended): user only provides/retrieves payload bytes to/from the FIFO. The packet is automatically
built with preamble, Sync word, and optional CRC and DC-free encoding schemes The reverse operation is performed
in reception. The uC processing overhead is hence significantly reduced compared to Continuous mode. Depending on
the optional features activated (CRC, etc) the maximum payload length is limited to 255, 2047 bytes or unlimited.
Each of these data operation modes is fully described in the following sections.
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5.2. Control Block Description
5.2.1. SPI Interface
The SPI interface gives access to the configuration register via a synchronous full-duplex protocol corresponding to CPOL
= 0 and CPHA = 0 in Motorola/Freescale nomenclature. Only the slave side is implemented.
Three access modes to the registers are provided:
Š
SINGLE access: an address byte followed by a data byte is sent for a write access whereas an address byte is sent and
a read byte is received for the read access. The NSS pin goes low at the begin of the frame and goes high after the data
byte.
Š
BURST access: the address byte is followed by several data bytes. The address is automatically incremented internally
between each data byte. This mode is available for both read and write accesses. The NSS pin goes low at the
beginning of the frame and stay low between each byte. It goes high only after the last byte transfer.
Š
FIFO access: if the address byte corresponds to the address of the FIFO, then succeeding data byte will address the
FIFO. The address is not automatically incremented but is memorized and does not need to be sent between each data
byte. The NSS pin goes low at the beginning of the frame and stay low between each byte. It goes high only after the
last byte transfer.
Figure below shows a typical SPI single access to a register.
Figure 24. SPI Timing Diagram (single access)
MOSI is generated by the master on the falling edge of SCK and is sampled by the slave (i.e. this SPI interface) on the
rising edge of SCK. MISO is generated by the slave on the falling edge of SCK.
A transfer always starts by the NSS pin going low. MISO is high impedance when NSS is high.
The first byte is the address byte. It is made of:
Š
Š
wnr bit, which is 1 for write access and 0 for read access
7 bits of address, MSB first
The second byte is a data byte, either sent on MOSI by the master in case of a write access, or received by the master on
MISO in case of read access. The data byte is transmitted MSB first.
Proceeding bytes may be sent on MOSI (for write access) or received on MISO (for read access) without rising NSS and
re-sending the address. In FIFO mode, if the address was the FIFO address then the bytes will be written / read at the
FIFO address. In Burst mode, if the address was not the FIFO address, then it is automatically incremented at each new
byte received.
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The frame ends when NSS goes high. The next frame must start with an address byte. The SINGLE access mode is
actually a special case of FIFO / BURST mode with only 1 data byte transferred.
During the write access, the byte transferred from the slave to the master on the MISO line is the value of the written
register before the write operation.
5.2.2. FIFO
5.2.2.1. Overview and Shift Register (SR)
In packet mode of operation, both data to be transmitted and that has been received are stored in a configurable FIFO
(First In First Out) device. It is accessed via the SPI interface and provides several interrupts for transfer management.
The FIFO is 1 byte wide hence it only performs byte (parallel) operations, whereas the demodulator functions serially. A
shift register is therefore employed to interface the two devices. In transmit mode it takes bytes from the FIFO and outputs
them serially (MSB first) at the programmed bit rate to the modulator. Similarly, in Rx the shift register gets bit by bit data
from the demodulator and writes them byte by byte to the FIFO. This is illustrated in figure below.
FIFO
byte1
byte0
8
Data Tx/Rx
SR (8bits)
1
MSB
LSB
Figure 25. FIFO and Shift Register (SR)
Note
When switching to Sleep mode, the FIFO can only be used once the ModeReady flag is set (quasi immediate from
all modes except from Tx)
5.2.2.2. Size
The FIFO size is fixed to 64 bytes.
5.2.2.3. Interrupt Sources and Flags
Š
FifoEmpty: FifoEmpty interrupt source is high when byte 0, i.e. whole FIFO, is empty. Otherwise it is low. Note that when
retrieving data from the FIFO, FifoEmpty is updated on NSS falling edge, i.e. when FifoEmpty is updated to low state
the currently started read operation must be completed. In other words, FifoEmpty state must be checked after each
read operation for a decision on the next one (FifoEmpty = 0: more byte(s) to read; FifoEmpty = 1: no more byte to
read).
Š
Š
FifoFull: FifoFull interrupt source is high when the last FIFO byte, i.e. the whole FIFO, is full. Otherwise it is low.
Š
Š
FifoOverrunFlag: FifoOverrunFlag is set when a new byte is written by the user (in Tx or Standby modes) or the SR (in
Rx mode) while the FIFO is already full. Data is lost and the flag should be cleared by writing a 1, note that the FIFO will
also be cleared.
PacketSent: PacketSent interrupt source goes high when the SR's last bit has been sent.
FifoLevel: Threshold can be programmed by FifoThreshold in RegFifoThresh. Its behavior is illustrated in figure below.
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FifoLevel
1
0
B
B+1
# of bytes in FIFO
Figure 26. FifoLevel IRQ Source Behavior
Note
- FifoLevel interrupt is updated only after a read or write operation on the FIFO. Thus the interrupt cannot be
dynamically updated by only changing the FifoThreshold parameter
- FifoLevel interrupt is valid as long as FifoFull does not occur. An empty FIFO will restore its normal operation
5.2.2.4. FIFO Clearing
Table below summarizes the status of the FIFO when switching between different modes
Table 26 Status of FIFO when Switching Between Different Modes of the Chip
From
Stdby
Sleep
Stdby/Sleep
Stdby/Sleep
Rx
Rx
Tx
To
Sleep
Stdby
Tx
Rx
Tx
Stdby/Sleep
Any
FIFO status
Not cleared
Not cleared
Not cleared
Cleared
Cleared
Not cleared
Cleared
Comments
To allow the user to write the FIFO in Stdby/Sleep before Tx
To allow the user to read FIFO in Stdby/Sleep mode after Rx
5.2.3. Sync Word Recognition
5.2.3.1. Overview
Sync word recognition (also called Pattern recognition) is activated by setting SyncOn in RegSyncConfig. The bit
synchronizer must also be activated in Continuous mode (automatically done in Packet mode).
The block behaves like a shift register; it continuously compares the incoming data with its internally programmed Sync
word and sets SyncAddressMatch when a match is detected. This is illustrated in Figure 27 below.
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Rx DATA
Bit N-x =
(NRZ)
Sync_value[x]
DATASHEET
Bit N-1 =
Bit N =
Sync_value[1] Sync_value[0]
DCLK
SyncAddressMatch
Figure 27. Sync Word Recognition
During the comparison of the demodulated data, the first bit received is compared with bit 7 (MSB) of RegSyncValue1 and
the last bit received is compared with bit 0 (LSB) of the last byte whose address is determined by the length of the Sync
word.
When the programmed Sync word is detected the user can assume that this incoming packet is for the node and can be
processed accordingly.
SyncAddressMatch is cleared when leaving Rx or FIFO is emptied.
5.2.3.2. Configuration
Š
Size: Sync word size can be set from 1 to 8 bytes (i.e. 8 to 64 bits) via SyncSize in RegSyncConfig. In Packet mode this
field is also used for Sync word generation in Tx mode.
Š
Value: The Sync word value is configured in SyncValue(63:0). In Packet mode this field is also used for Sync word
generation in Tx mode.
Note
SyncValue choices containing 0x00 bytes are not allowed
5.2.4. Packet Handler
The packet handler is the block used in Packet mode. Its functionality is fully described in section 5.5.
5.2.5. Control
The control block configures and controls the full chip's behavior according to the settings programmed in the configuration
registers.
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5.3. Digital IO Pins Mapping
Six general purpose IO pins are available on the SX1232, and their configuration in Continuous or Packet mode is
controlled through RegDioMapping1 and RegDioMapping2.
Table 27 DIO Mapping, Continuous Mode
DIOx Mapping
DIO0
DIO1
DIO2
DIO3
DIO4
DIO5
00
01
10
11
00
01
10
11
00
01
10
11
00
01
10
11
00
01
10
11
00
01
10
11
Sleep
Standby
FSRx/Tx
-
Rx
Tx
SyncAddress
Rssi / PreambleDetect
RxReady
TxReady
TxReady
Dclk
Rssi / PreambleDetect
-
-
-
Data
Data
Data
Data
Timeout
Rssi / PreambleDetect
-
-
TempChange / LowBat
-
ClkOut if RC
ModeReady
ClkOut
-
-
ModeReady
TempChange / LowBat
TempChange / LowBat
PllLock
TimeOut
ModeReady
ClkOut
PllLock
Rssi / PreambleDetect
ModeReady
Table 28 DIO Mapping, Packet Mode
DIOx Mapping
00
DIO0
DIO1
DIO2
DIO3
DIO4
DIO5
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01
10
11
00
01
10
11
00
01
10
11
00
01
10
11
00
01
10
11
00
01
10
11
Sleep
Standby
FSRx/Tx
TempChange / LowBat
FifoLevel
FifoEmpty
FifoFull
FifoFull
FifoLevel
FifoEmpty
FifoFull
FifoFull
FifoFull
FifoFull
FifoEmpty
FifoEmpty
FifoEmpty
TempChange / LowBat
-
ClkOut
ClkOut if RC
-
Tx
PacketSent
-
TempChange / LowBat
FifoLevel
FifoEmpty
FifoFull
FifoFull
RxReady
TimeOut
SyncAddress
FifoEmpty
FifoEmpty
FifoEmpty
Rx
PayloadReady
CrcOk
ModeReady
Page 53
FifoFull
FifoFull
FifoEmpty
TxReady
FifoEmpty
FifoEmpty
TempChange / LowBat
PllLock
TimeOut
Rssi / PreambleDetect
ClkOut
PllLock
Data
ModeReady
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5.4. Continuous Mode
5.4.1. General Description
As illustrated in Figure 28, in Continuous mode the NRZ data to (from) the (de)modulator is directly accessed by the uC on
the bidirectional DIO2/DATA pin. The FIFO and packet handler are thus inactive.
DIO0
DIO1/DCLK
DIO2/DATA
DIO3
DIO4
DIO5
Tx/Rx
CONTROL
Data
Rx
SYNC
RECOG.
SPI
NSS
SCK
MOSI
MISO
Figure 28. Continuous Mode Conceptual View
5.4.2. Tx Processing
In Tx mode, a synchronous data clock for an external uC is provided on DIO1/DCLK pin. Clock timing with respect to the
data is illustrated in Figure 29. DATA is internally sampled on the rising edge of DCLK so the uC can change logic state
anytime outside the grayed out setup/hold zone.
T_DATA
T_DATA
DATA
(NRZ)
DCLK
Figure 29. Tx Processing in Continuous Mode
Note
the use of DCLK is required when the modulation shaping is enabled (see section 3.4.5).
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5.4.3. Rx Processing
If the bit synchronizer is disabled, the raw demodulator output is made directly available on DATA pin and no DCLK signal
is provided.
Conversely, if the bit synchronizer is enabled, synchronous cleaned data and clock are made available respectively on
DIO2/DATA and DIO1/DCLK pins. DATA is sampled on the rising edge of DCLK and updated on the falling edge as
illustrated below.
DATA (NRZ)
DCLK
Figure 30. Rx Processing in Continuous Mode
Note
in Continuous mode it is always recommended to enable the bit synchronizer to clean the DATA signal even if the
DCLK signal is not used by the uC (bit synchronizer is automatically enabled in Packet mode).
5.5. Packet Mode
5.5.1. General Description
In Packet mode the NRZ data to (from) the (de)modulator is not directly accessed by the uC but stored in the FIFO and
accessed via the SPI interface.
In addition, the SX1232 packet handler performs several packet oriented tasks such as Preamble and Sync word
generation, CRC calculation/check, whitening/dewhitening of data, Manchester encoding/decoding, address filtering, etc.
This simplifies software and reduces uC overhead by performing these repetitive tasks within the RF chip itself.
Another important feature is ability to fill and empty the FIFO in Sleep/Stdby mode, ensuring optimum power consumption
and adding more flexibility for the software.
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DIO0
DIO1
DIO2
DIO3
DIO4
DIO5
CONTROL
Data
Rx
SYNC
RECOG.
PACKET
HANDLER
FIFO
(+SR)
SPI
NSS
SCK
MOSI
MISO
Tx
Figure 31. Packet Mode Conceptual View
Note
The Bit Synchronizer is automatically enabled in Packet mode.
5.5.2. Packet Format
5.5.2.1. Fixed Length Packet Format
Fixed length packet format is selected when bit PacketFormat is set to 0 and PayloadLength is set to any value greater
than 0.
In applications where the packet length is fixed in advance, this mode of operation may be of interest to minimize RF
overhead (no length byte field is required). All nodes, whether Tx only, Rx only, or Tx/Rx should be programmed with the
same packet length value.
The length of the payload is limited to 2047 bytes.
The length programmed in PayloadLength relates only to the payload which includes the message and the optional
address byte. In this mode, the payload must contain at least one byte, i.e. address or message byte.
An illustration of a fixed length packet is shown below. It contains the following fields:
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Preamble (1010...)
Sync word (Network ID)
Optional Address byte (Node ID)
Message data
Optional 2-bytes CRC checksum
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Optional DC free data coding
CRC checksum calculation
Preamble
Sync Word
0 to 65536 bytes 0 to 8 bytes
Address
byte
Message
Up to 2047 bytes
CRC
2-bytes
Payload
(min 1 byte)
Fields added by the packet handler in Tx and processed and removed in Rx
Optional User provided fields which are part of the payload
Message part of the payload
Figure 32. Fixed Length Packet Format
5.5.2.2. Variable Length Packet Format
Variable length packet format is selected when bit PacketFormat is set to 1.
This mode is useful in applications where the length of the packet is not known in advance and can vary over time. It is then
necessary for the transmitter to send the length information together with each packet in order for the receiver to operate
properly.
In this mode the length of the payload, indicated by the length byte, is given by the first byte of the FIFO and is limited to
255 bytes. Note that the length byte itself is not included in its calculation. In this mode, the payload must contain at least 2
bytes, i.e. length + address or message byte.
An illustration of a variable length packet is shown below. It contains the following fields:
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Preamble (1010...)
Sync word (Network ID)
Length byte
Optional Address byte (Node ID)
Message data
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Š
DATASHEET
Optional 2-bytes CRC checksum
Optional DC free data coding
CRC checksum calculation
Preamble
Sync Word
0 to 65536 bytes 0 to 8 bytes
Length
byte
Address
byte
Message
Up to 255 bytes
CRC
2-bytes
Payload
(min 2 bytes)
Fields added by the packet handler in Tx and processed and removed in Rx
Optional User provided fields which are part of the payload
Message part of the payload
Figure 33. Variable Length Packet Format
5.5.2.3. Unlimited Length Packet Format
Unlimited length packet format is selected when bit PacketFormat is set to 0 and PayloadLength is set to 0.
The user can then transmit and receive packet of arbitrary length and PayloadLength register is not used in Tx/Rx modes
for counting the length of the bytes transmitted/received.
In Tx the data is transmitted depending on the TxStartCondition bit. On the Rx side the data processing features like
Address filtering, Manchester encoding and data whitening are not available if the sync pattern length is set to zero
(SyncOn = 0). The filling of the FIFO in this case can be controlled by the bit FifoFillCondition. The CRC detection in Rx is
also not supported in this mode of the packet handler, however CRC generation in Tx is operational. The interrupts like
CrcOk & PayloadReady are not available either.
An unlimited length packet shown in is made up of the following fields:
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Preamble (1010...).
Sync word (Network ID).
Optional Address byte (Node ID).
Message data
Optional 2-bytes CRC checksum (Tx only)
DC free Data encoding
Preamble
0 to 65535
bytes
Sync Word
0 to 8 bytes
Address
byte
Message
unlimited length
Payload
Fields added by the packet handler in Tx and processed and removed in Rx
Message part of the payload
Optional User provided fields which are part of the payload
Figure 34. Unlimited Length Packet Format
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5.5.3. Tx Processing
In Tx mode the packet handler dynamically builds the packet by performing the following operations on the payload
available in the FIFO:
Š
Š
Š
Add a programmable number of preamble bytes
Š
Optional DC-free encoding of the data (Manchester or whitening)
Add a programmable Sync word
Optionally calculating CRC over complete payload field (optional length byte + optional address byte + message) and
appending the 2 bytes checksum.
Only the payload (including optional address and length fields) is required to be provided by the user in the FIFO.
The transmission of packet data is initiated by the Packet Handler only if the chip is in Tx mode and the transmission
condition defined by TxStartCondition is fulfilled. If transmission condition is not fulfilled then the packet handler transmits a
preamble sequence until the condition is met. This happens only if the preamble length /= 0, otherwise it transmits a zero or
one until the condition is met to transmit the packet data.
The transmission condition itself is defined as:
Š
if TxStartCondition = 1, the packet handler waits until the first byte is written into the FIFO, then it starts sending the
preamble followed by the sync word and user payload
Š
If TxStartCondition = 0, the packet handler waits until the number of bytes written in the FIFO is equal to the number
defined in RegFifoThresh + 1
Š
If the condition for transmission was already fulfilled i.e. the FIFO was filled in Sleep/Stdby then the transmission of
packet starts immediately on enabling Tx
5.5.4. Rx Processing
In Rx mode the packet handler extracts the user payload to the FIFO by performing the following operations:
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Receiving the preamble and stripping it off
Detecting the Sync word and stripping it off
Optional DC-free decoding of data
Optionally checking the address byte
Optionally checking CRC and reflecting the result on CrcOk.
Only the payload (including optional address and length fields) is made available in the FIFO.
When the Rx mode is enabled the demodulator receives the preamble followed by the detection of sync word. If fixed
length packet format is enabled then the number of bytes received as the payload is given by the PayloadLength
parameter.
In variable length mode the first byte received after the sync word is interpreted as the length of the received packet. The
internal length counter is initialized to this received length. The PayloadLength register is set to a value which is greater
than the maximum expected length of the received packet. If the received length is greater than the maximum length stored
in PayloadLength register the packet is discarded otherwise the complete packet is received.
If the address check is enabled then the second byte received in case of variable length and first byte in case of fixed
length is the address byte. If the address matches to the one in the NodeAddress field, reception of the data continues
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otherwise it's stopped. The CRC check is performed if CrcOn = 1 and the result is available in CrcOk indicating that the
CRC was successful. An interrupt (PayloadReady) is also generated on DIO0 as soon as the payload is available in the
FIFO. The payload available in the FIFO can also be read in Sleep/Standby mode.
If the CRC fails the PayloadReady interrupt is not generated and the FIFO is cleared. This function can be overridden by
setting CrcAutoClearOff = 1, forcing the availability of PayloadReady interrupt and the payload in the FIFO even if the CRC
fails.
5.5.5. Handling Large Packets
When PayloadLength exceeds FIFO size (64 bytes) whether in fixed, variable or unlimited length packet format, in addition
to PacketSent in Tx and PayloadReady or CrcOk in Rx, the FIFO interrupts/flags can be used as described below:
Š
For Tx:
FIFO can be prefilled in Sleep/Standby but must be refilled "on-the-fly" during Tx with the rest of the payload.
1) Prefill FIFO (in Sleep/Standby first or directly in Tx mode) until FifoThreshold or FifoFull is set
2) In Tx, wait for FifoThreshold or FifoEmpty to be set (i.e. FIFO is nearly empty)
3) Write bytes into the FIFO until FifoThreshold or FifoFull is set.
4) Continue to step 2 until the entire message has been written to the FIFO (PacketSent will fire when the last bit of the
packet has been sent).
Š
For Rx:
FIFO must be unfilled "on-the-fly" during Rx to prevent FIFO overrun.
1) Start reading bytes from the FIFO when FifoEmpty is cleared or FifoThreshold becomes set.
2) Suspend reading from the FIFO if FifoEmpty fires before all bytes of the message have been read
3) Continue to step 1 until PayloadReady or CrcOk fires
4) Read all remaining bytes from the FIFO either in Rx or Sleep/Standby mode
5.5.6. Packet Filtering
The SX1232 packet handler offers several mechanisms for packet filtering, ensuring that only useful packets are made
available to the uC, reducing significantly system power consumption and software complexity.
5.5.6.1. Sync Word Based
Sync word filtering/recognition is used for identifying the start of the payload and also for network identification. As
previously described, the Sync word recognition block is configured (size, value) in RegSyncConfig and RegSyncValue(i)
registers. This information is used, both for appending Sync word in Tx, and filtering packets in Rx.
Every received packet which does not start with this locally configured Sync word is automatically discarded and no
interrupt is generated.
When the Sync word is detected, payload reception automatically starts and SyncAddressMatch is asserted.
Note
Sync Word values containing 0x00 byte(s) are forbidden
5.5.6.2. Address Based
Address filtering can be enabled via the AddressFiltering bits. It adds another level of filtering, above Sync word (i.e. Sync
must match first), typically useful in a multi-node networks where a network ID is shared between all nodes (Sync word)
and each node has its own ID (address).
Rev 3 - August 2012
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Two address based filtering options are available:
Š
AddressFiltering = 01: Received address field is compared with internal register NodeAddress. If they match then the
packet is accepted and processed, otherwise it is discarded.
Š
AddressFiltering = 10: Received address field is compared with internal registers NodeAddress and BroadcastAddress.
If either is a match, the received packet is accepted and processed, otherwise it is discarded. This additional check with
a constant is useful for implementing broadcast in a multi-node networks
Please note that the received address byte, as part of the payload, is not stripped off the packet and is made available in
the FIFO. In addition, NodeAddress and AddressFiltering only apply to Rx. On Tx side, if address filtering is expected, the
address byte should simply be put into the FIFO like any other byte of the payload.
As address filtering requires a Sync word match, both features share the same interrupt flag SyncAddressMatch.
5.5.6.3. Length Based
In variable length Packet mode, PayloadLength must be programmed with the maximum payload length permitted. If
received length byte is smaller than this maximum then the packet is accepted and processed, otherwise it is discarded.
Please note that the received length byte, as part of the payload, is not stripped off the packet and is made available in the
FIFO.
To disable this function the user should set the value of the PayloadLength to 2047.
5.5.6.4. CRC Based
The CRC check is enabled by setting bit CrcOn in RegPacketConfig1. It is used for checking the integrity of the message.
Š
On Tx side a two byte CRC checksum is calculated on the payload part of the packet and appended to the end of the
message
Š
On Rx side the checksum is calculated on the received payload and compared with the two checksum bytes received.
The result of the comparison is stored in bit CrcOk.
By default, if the CRC check fails then the FIFO is automatically cleared and no interrupt is generated. This filtering function
can be disabled via CrcAutoClearOff bit and in this case, even if CRC fails, the FIFO is not cleared and only PayloadReady
interrupt goes high. Please note that in both cases, the two CRC checksum bytes are stripped off by the packet handler
and only the payload is made available in the FIFO.
Two CRC implementations are selected with bit CrcWhiteningType.
Table 29 CRC Description
Crc Type
CCITT
CrcWhiteningType
0 (default)
IBM
1
Polynomial
16
X
+
X12
+
X5
+1
X16 + X15 + X2 + 1
Seed Value
0x1D0F
Complemented
Yes
0xFFFF
No
A C code implementation of each CRC type is proposed in Application Section 7.
Rev 3 - August 2012
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WIRELESS & SENSING
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5.5.7. DC-Free Data Mechanisms
The payload to be transmitted may contain long sequences of 1's and 0's, which introduces a DC bias in the transmitted
signal. The radio signal thus produced has a non uniform power distribution over the occupied channel bandwidth. It also
introduces data dependencies in the normal operation of the demodulator. Thus it is useful if the transmitted data is random
and DC free.
For such purposes, two techniques are made available in the packet handler: Manchester encoding and data whitening.
Note
Only one of the two methods can be enabled at a time.
5.5.7.1. Manchester Encoding
Manchester encoding/decoding is enabled if DcFree = 01 and can only be used in Packet mode.
The NRZ data is converted to Manchester code by coding '1' as "10" and '0' as "01".
In this case, the maximum chip rate is the maximum bit rate given in the specifications section and the actual bit rate is half
the chip rate.
Manchester encoding and decoding is only applied to the payload and CRC checksum while preamble and Sync word are
kept NRZ. However, the chip rate from preamble to CRC is the same and defined by BitRate in RegBitRate (Chip Rate =
Bit Rate NRZ = 2 x Bit Rate Manchester).
Manchester encoding/decoding is thus made transparent for the user, who still provides/retrieves NRZ data to/from the
FIFO.
1/BR ...Sync
RF chips @ BR
User/NRZ bits
Manchester OFF
User/NRZ bits
Manchester ON
1/BR
...
1
1
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
1
Payload...
0
1
1
0
1
0
...
...
1
1
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
...
...
1
1
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
1
0
1
1
1
t
...
Figure 35. Manchester Encoding/Decoding
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5.5.7.2. Data Whitening
Another technique called whitening or scrambling is widely used for randomizing the user data before radio transmission.
The data is whitened using a random sequence on the Tx side and de-whitened on the Rx side using the same sequence.
Comparing to Manchester technique it has the advantage of keeping NRZ data rate i.e. actual bit rate is not halved.
The whitening/de-whitening process is enabled if DcFree = 10. A 9-bit LFSR is used to generate a random sequence. The
payload and 2-byte CRC checksum is then XORed with this random sequence as shown below. The data is de-whitened
on the receiver side by XORing with the same random sequence.
Payload whitening/de-whitening is thus made transparent for the user, who still provides/retrieves NRZ data to/from the
FIFO.
L F S R P o ly n o m ia l = X 9 + X 5 + 1
X8
X7
X6
X5
X4
X3
T ran sm it d ata
X2
X1
X0
W hite ne d d ata
Figure 36. Data Whitening Polynomial
5.5.8. Beacon Tx Mode
In some short range wireless network topologies a repetitive message, also known as beacon, is transmitted periodically
by a transmitter. The Beacon Tx mode allows for the re-transmission of the same packet without having to fill the FIFO
multiple times with the same data.
When BeaconOn in RegPacketConfig2 is set to 1, the FIFO can be filled only once in Sleep or Stdby mode with the
required payload. After a first transmission, FifoEmpty will go high as usual, but the FIFO content will be restored when the
chip exits Transmit mode. FifoEmpty, FifoFull and FifoLevel flags are also restored.
This feature is only available in Fixed packet format, with the Payload Length smaller than the FIFO size. The control of the
chip modes (Tx-Sleep-Tx....) can either be undertaken by the microcontroller, or be automated in the Top Sequencer. See
example in section 5.5.8.
The Beacon Tx mode is exited by setting BeaconOn to 0, and clearing the FIFO by setting FifoOverrun to 1.
5.6. io-homecontrol® Compatibility Mode
The SX1232 features a io-homecontrol® compatibility mode. Please contact your local Semtech representative for details
on its implementation.
Rev 3 - August 2012
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6. Description of the Registers
6.1. Register Table Summary
Table 30 Registers Summary
Default
(recom
mended)
Reset
(built-in)
Address
Register Name
0x00
RegFifo
0x00
FIFO read/write access
0x01
RegOpMode
0x01
Operating modes of the transceiver
0x02
RegBitrateMsb
0x1A
Bit Rate setting, Most Significant Bits
0x03
RegBitrateLsb
0x0B
Bit Rate setting, Least Significant Bits
0x04
RegFdevMsb
0x00
Frequency Deviation setting, Most Significant Bits
0x05
RegFdevLsb
0x52
Frequency Deviation setting, Least Significant Bits
0x06
RegFrfMsb
0xE4
RF Carrier Frequency, Most Significant Bits
0x07
RegFrfMid
0xC0
RF Carrier Frequency, Intermediate Bits
0x08
RegFrfLsb
0x00
RF Carrier Frequency, Least Significant Bits
0x09
RegPaConfig
0x0F
PA selection and Output Power control
0x0A
RegPaRamp
0x19
Control of the PA ramp time in FSK, low phase noise PLL
0x0B
RegOcp
0x2B
Over Current Protection control
0x0C
RegLna
0x20
LNA settings
0x0D
RegRxConfig
0x0E
RegRssiConfig
0x02
RSSI-related settings
0x0F
RegRssiCollision
0x0A
RSSI setting of the Collision detector
0x10
RegRssiThresh
0xFF
RSSI Threshold control
0x11
RegRssiValue
-
0x12
RegRxBw
0x15
Channel Filter BW Control
0x13
RegAfcBw
0x0B
Channel Filter BW control during the AFC
0x14
RegOokPeak
0x28
OOK demodulator selection and control in peak mode
0x15
RegOokFix
0x0C
Fixed threshold control of the OOK demodulator
0x16
RegOokAvg
0x12
Average threshold control of the OOK demodulator
0x17
Reserved17
0x47
-
0x18
Reserved18
0x32
-
0x19
Reserved19
0x3E
-
Rev 3 - August 2012
0x08
0x0E
Description
Control of the AFC, AGC, Collision detector
RSSI value in dBm
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Default
(recom
mended)
Reset
(built-in)
Address
Register Name
0x1A
RegAfcFei
0x00
AFC and FEI control
0x1B
RegAfcMsb
0x00
MSB of the frequency correction of the AFC
0x1C
RegAfcLsb
0x00
LSB of the frequency correction of the AFC
0x1D
RegFeiMsb
0x00
MSB of the calculated frequency error
0x1E
RegFeiLsb
0x00
LSB of the calculated frequency error
0x1F
RegPreambleDetect
0x20
RegRxTimeout1
0x00
Timeout duration between Rx request and RSSI detection
0x21
RegRxTimeout2
0x00
Timeout duration between RSSI detection and PayloadReady
0x22
RegRxTimeout3
0x00
Timeout duration between RSSI and SyncAddress
0x23
RegRxDelay
0x00
Delay between Rx cycles
0x24
RegOsc
0x25
RegPreambleMsb
0x00
Preamble length, MSB
0x26
RegPreambleLsb
0x03
Preamble length, LSB
0x27
RegSyncConfig
0x93
Sync Word Recognition control
0x28-0x2F
RegSyncValue1-8
0x30
RegPacketConfig1
0x90
Packet mode settings
0x31
RegPacketConfig2
0x40
Packet mode settings
0x32
RegPayloadLength
0x40
Payload length setting
0x33
RegNodeAdrs
0x00
Node address
0x34
RegBroadcastAdrs
0x00
Broadcast address
0x35
RegFifoThresh
0x36
RegSeqConfig1
0x00
Top level Sequencer settings
0x37
RegSeqConfig2
0x00
Top level Sequencer settings
0x38
RegTimerResol
0x00
Timer 1 and 2 resolution control
0x39
RegTimer1Coef
0xF5
Timer 1 setting
0x3A
RegTimer2Coef
0x20
Timer 2 setting
0x3B
RegImageCal
0x3C
RegTemp
-
0x3D
RegLowBat
0x02
Rev 3 - August 2012
0x40
0xAA
0x05
0x07
0x55
0x01
0x0F
0x8F
0x82
0x02
Description
Settings of the Preamble Detector
RC Oscillators Settings, CLKOUT frequency
Sync Word bytes, 1 through 8
Fifo threshold, Tx start condition
Image calibration engine control
Temperature Sensor value
Low Battery Indicator Settings
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Default
(recom
mended)
Reset
(built-in)
Address
Register Name
0x3E
RegIrqFlags1
0x80
Status register: PLL Lock state, Timeout, RSSI > Threshold...
0x3F
RegIrqFlags2
0x40
Status register: FIFO handling flags, Low Battery detection...
0x40
RegDioMapping1
0x00
Mapping of pins DIO0 to DIO3
0x41
RegDioMapping2
0x00
Mapping of pins DIO4 and DIO5, ClkOut frequency
0x42
RegVersion
0x21
Semtech ID relating the silicon revision
0x43
RegAgcRef
0x13
0x44
RegAgcThresh1
0x0E
0x45
RegAgcThresh2
0x5B
0x46
RegAgcThresh3
0xDB
0x4B
RegPllHop
0x2E
Control the fast frequency hopping mode
0x58
RegTcxo
0x09
TCXO or XTAL input setting
0x5A
RegPaDac
0x84
Higher power settings of the PA
0x5C
RegPll
0xD0
Control of the PLL bandwidth
0x5E
RegPllLowPn
0xD0
Control of the Low Phase Noise PLL bandwidth
0x6C
RegFormerTemp
-
0x70
RegBitRateFrac
0x00
0x42 +
RegTest
-
Note
Description
Adjustment of the AGC thresholds
Stored temperature during the former IQ Calibration
Fractional part in the Bit Rate division ratio
Internal test registers. Do not overwrite
- Reset values are automatically refreshed in the chip at Power On Reset
- Default values are the Semtech recommended register values, optimizing the device operation
- Registers for which the Default value differs from the Reset value are denoted by a * in the tables of section 6.2
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6.2. Register Map
Convention: r: read, w: write, t:trigger, c: clear
Table 31 Register Map
Name
(Address)
RegFifo
(0x00)
Bits
Variable Name
Mode
Default
value
7-0
Fifo
rw
0x00
Description
FIFO data input/output
Resisters for Common settings
RegOpMode
(0x01)
7
unused
r
0x00
unused
6-5
ModulationType
rw
0x00
Modulation scheme:
00 Æ FSK
01 Æ OOK
10 -11 Æ reserved
4-3
ModulationShaping
rw
0x00
Data shaping:
In FSK:
00 Æ no shaping
01 Æ gaussian filter BT = 1.0
10 Æ gaussian filter BT = 0.5
11 Æ gaussian filter BT = 0.3
In OOK:
00 Æ no shaping
01 Æ filtering with fcutoff = bit_rate
10 Æ filtering with fcutoff = 2*bit_rate (for bit_rate < 125 kb/s)
11 Æ reserved
2-0
Mode
rw
0x01
Transceiver modes
000 Æ Sleep mode
001 Æ Stdby mode
010 Æ FS mode TX (FSTx)
011 Æ Transmitter mode (Tx)
100 Æ FS mode RX (FSRx)
101 Æ Receiver mode (Rx)
110 Æ reserved
111 Æ reserved
RegBitrateMsb
(0x02)
7-0
BitRate(15:8)
rw
0x1a
MSB of Bit Rate (chip rate if Manchester encoding is enabled)
RegBitrateLsb
(0x03)
7-0
BitRate(7:0)
rw
0x0b
LSB of bit rate (chip rate if Manchester encoding is enabled)
FXOSC
BitRate = ------------------------------------------------------------------------BitrateFrac
BitRate (15,0) + ------------------------------16
Default value: 4.8 kb/s
RegFdevMsb
(0x04)
7-6
unused
r
0x00
unused
5-0
Fdev(13:8)
rw
0x00
MSB of the frequency deviation
RegFdevLsb
(0x05)
7-0
Fdev(7:0)
rw
0x52
LSB of the frequency deviation
Fdev = Fstep × Fdev (15,0)
Default value: 5 kHz
Rev 3 - August 2012
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SX1232
WIRELESS & SENSING
Name
(Address)
DATASHEET
Bits
Variable Name
Mode
Default
value
RegFrfMsb
(0x06)
7-0
Frf(23:16)
rw
0xe4
MSB of the RF carrier frequency
RegFrfMid
(0x07)
7-0
Frf(15:8)
rw
0xc0
MSB of the RF carrier frequency
RegFrfLsb
(0x08)
7-0
Frf(7:0)
rw
0x00
LSB of RF carrier frequency
Description
Frf = Fstep × Frf ( 23 ;0 )
Default value: 915.000 MHz
The RF frequency is taken into account internally only when:
- entering FSRX/FSTX modes
- re-starting the receiver
Registers for the Transmitter
RegPaConfig
(0x09)
RegPaRamp
(0x0A)
Rev 3 - August 2012
7
PaSelect
rw
0x00
Selects PA output pin
0 Æ RFO pin. Maximum power of +13 dBm
1 Æ PA_BOOST pin. Maximum power of +20 dBm
6-4
unused
r
0x00
unused
3-0
OutputPower
rw
0x0f
Output power setting, with 1dB steps
Pout = 2 + OutputPower [dBm] , on PA_BOOST pin
Pout = -1 + OutputPower [dBm] , on RFO pin
7-5
unused
r
-
4
LowPnTxPllOff
rw
0x01
Select a higher power, lower phase noise PLL only when the
transmitter is used:
0 Æ Standard PLL used in Rx mode, Lower PN PLL in Tx
1 Æ Standard PLL used in both Tx and Rx modes
3-0
PaRamp
rw
0x09
Rise/Fall time of ramp up/down in FSK
0000 Æ 3.4 ms
0001 Æ 2 ms
0010 Æ 1 ms
0011 Æ 500 us
0100 Æ 250 us
0101 Æ 125 us
0110 Æ 100 us
0111 Æ 62 us
1000 Æ 50 us
1001 Æ 40 us (d)
1010 Æ 31 us
1011 Æ 25 us
1100 Æ 20 us
1101 Æ 15 us
1110 Æ 12 us
1111 Æ 10 us
Page 68
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SX1232
WIRELESS & SENSING
Name
(Address)
RegOcp
(0x0B)
DATASHEET
Bits
Variable Name
Mode
Default
value
7-6
unused
r
0x00
unused
5
OcpOn
rw
0x01
Enables overload current protection (OCP) for the PA:
0 Æ OCP disabled
1 Æ OCP enabled
4-0
OcpTrim
rw
0x0b
Trimming of OCP current:
Imax = 45+5*OcpTrim [mA] if OcpTrim <= 15 (120 mA) /
Imax = -30+10*OcpTrim [mA] if 15 < OcpTrim <= 27 (130 to
240 mA)
Imax = 240mA for higher settings
Default Imax = 100mA
Description
Registers for the Receiver
RegLna
(0x0C)
RegRxConfig
(0x0d)
Rev 3 - August 2012
7-5
LnaGain
rw
0x01
LNA gain setting:
000 Æ reserved
001 Æ G1 = highest gain
010 Æ G2 = highest gain – 6 dB
011 Æ G3 = highest gain – 12 dB
100 Æ G4 = highest gain – 24 dB
101 Æ G5 = highest gain – 36 dB
110 Æ G6 = highest gain – 48 dB
111 Æ reserved
Note:
Reading this address always returns the current LNA gain
(which may be different from what had been previously
selected if AGC is enabled.
4-2
-
r
0x00
unused
1-0
LnaBoost
rw
0x00
Improves the system Noise Figure at the expense of Rx
current consumption:
00 Æ Default setting, meeting the specification
11 Æ Improved sensitivity
7
RestartRxOnCollision
rw
0x00
Turns on the mechanism restarting the receiver automatically
if it gets saturated or a packet collision is detected
0 Æ No automatic Restart
1 Æ Automatic restart On
6
RestartRxWithoutPllLock
wt
0x00
Triggers a manual Restart of the Receiver chain when set to 1.
Use this bit when there is no frequency change,
RestartRxWithPllLock otherwise.
5
RestartRxWithPllLock
wt
0x00
Triggers a manual Restart of the Receiver chain when set to 1.
Use this bit when there is a frequency change, requiring some
time for the PLL to re-lock.
4
AfcAutoOn
rw
0x00
0 Æ No AFC performed at receiver startup
1 Æ AFC is performed at each receiver startup
3
AgcAutoOn
rw
0x01
0 Æ LNA gain forced by the LnaGain Setting
1 Æ LNA gain is controlled by the AGC
2-0
RxTrigger
rw
0x06
*
Selects the event triggering AGC and/or AFC at receiver
startup. See Table 22 for a description.
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WIRELESS & SENSING
Name
(Address)
DATASHEET
Bits
Variable Name
Mode
Default
value
7-3
RssiOffset
rw
0x00
Signed RSSI offset, to compensate for the possible losses/
gains in the front-end (LNA, SAW filter...)
1dB / LSB, 2’s complement format
2-0
RssiSmoothing
rw
0x02
Defines the number of samples taken to average the RSSI
result:
000 Æ 2 samples used
001 Æ 4 samples used
010 Æ 8 samples used
011 Æ 16 samples used
100 Æ 32 samples used
101 Æ 64 samples used
110 Æ 128 samples used
111 Æ 256 samples used
RegRssiCollision
(0x0f)
7-0
RssiCollisionThreshold
rw
0x0a
Sets the threshold used to consider that an interferer is
detected, witnessing a packet collision. 1dB/LSB (only RSSI
increase)
Default: 10dB
RegRssiThresh
(0x10)
7-0
RssiThreshold
rw
0xff
RSSI trigger level for the Rssi interrupt :
- RssiThreshold / 2 [dBm]
RegRssiValue
(0x11)
7-0
RssiValue
r
-
Absolute value of the RSSI in dBm, 0.5dB steps.
RSSI = - RssiValue/2 [dBm]
RegRxBw
(0x12)
7
unused
r
-
unused
6-5
reserved
rw
0x00
reserved
4-3
RxBwMant
rw
0x02
Channel filter bandwidth control:
10 Æ RxBwMant = 24
00 Æ RxBwMant = 16
11 Æ reserved
01 Æ RxBwMant = 20
2-0
RxBwExp
rw
0x05
Channel filter bandwidth control:
FSK Mode:
FXOSC
RxBw = ----------------------------------------------------------------RxBwExp + 2
RxBwMant × 2
7-5
reserved
rw
0x00
reserved
4-3
RxBwMantAfc
rw
0x01
RxBwMant parameter used during the AFC
2-0
RxBwExpAfc
rw
0x03
RxBwExp parameter used during the AFC
RegRssiConfig
(0x0e)
RegAfcBw
(0x13)
Rev 3 - August 2012
Page 70
Description
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SX1232
WIRELESS & SENSING
Name
(Address)
DATASHEET
Bits
Variable Name
Mode
Default
value
7-6
reserved
rw
0x00
reserved
5
BitSyncOn
rw
0x01
Enables the Bit Synchronizer.
0 Æ Bit Sync disabled (not possible in Packet mode)
1 Æ Bit Sync enabled
4-3
OokThreshType
rw
0x01
Selects the type of threshold in the OOK data slicer:
00 Æ fixed threshold
10 Æ average mode
01 Æ peak mode (default)
11 Æ reserved
2-0
OokPeakTheshStep
rw
0x00
Size of each decrement of the RSSI threshold in the OOK
demodulator:
000 Æ 0.5 dB
001 Æ 1.0 dB
010 Æ 1.5 dB
011 Æ 2.0 dB
100 Æ 3.0 dB
101 Æ 4.0 dB
110 Æ 5.0 dB
111 Æ 6.0 dB
RegOokFix
(0x15)
7-0
OokFixedThreshold
rw
0x0C Fixed threshold for the Data Slicer in OOK mode
Floor threshold for the Data Slicer in OOK when Peak mode is
used
RegOokAvg
(0x16)
7-5
OokPeakThreshDec
rw
0x00
Period of decrement of the RSSI threshold in the OOK
demodulator:
000 Æ once per chip
001 Æ once every 2 chips
010 Æ once every 4 chips
011 Æ once every 8 chips
100 Æ twice in each chip
101 Æ 4 times in each chip
110 Æ 8 times in each chip 111 Æ 16 times in each chip
4
reserved
rw
0x01
reserved
3-2
OokAverageOffset
rw
0x00
Static offset added to the threshold in average mode in order
to reduce glitching activity (OOK only):
00 Æ 0.0 dB
10 Æ 4.0 dB
11 Æ 6.0 dB
01 Æ 2.0 dB
1-0
OokAverageThreshFilt
rw
0x02
Filter coefficients in average mode of the OOK demodulator:
01 Æ fC ≈ chip rate / 8.π
00 Æ fC ≈ chip rate / 32.π
10 Æ fC ≈ chip rate / 4.π
11 ÆfC ≈ chip rate / 2.π
RegRes17
to
RegRes19
7-0
reserved
rw
0x47 reserved. Keep the Reset values.
0x32
0x3E
RegAfcFei
(0x1a)
7-5
unused
r
-
4
AgcStart
wt
0x00
Triggers an AGC sequence when set to 1.
3
reserved
rw
0x00
reserved
2
unused
-
-
1
AfcClear
wc
0x00
Clear AFC register set in Rx mode. Always reads 0.
0
AfcAutoClearOn
rw
0x00
Only valid if AfcAutoOn is set
0 Æ AFC register is not cleared at the beginning of the
automatic AFC phase
1 Æ AFC register is cleared at the beginning of the automatic
AFC phase
RegOokPeak
(0x14)
Rev 3 - August 2012
Page 71
Description
unused
unused
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SX1232
WIRELESS & SENSING
Name
(Address)
DATASHEET
Bits
Variable Name
Mode
Default
value
Description
RegAfcMsb
(0x1b)
7-0
AfcValue(15:8)
rw
0x00
MSB of the AfcValue, 2’s complement format. Can be used to
overwrite the current AFC value
RegAfcLsb
(0x1c)
7-0
AfcValue(7:0)
rw
0x00
LSB of the AfcValue, 2’s complement format. Can be used to
overwrite the current AFC value
RegFeiMsb
(0x1d)
7-0
FeiValue(15:8)
rw
-
MSB of the measured frequency offset, 2’s complement. Must
be read before RegFeiLsb.
RegFeiLsb
(0x1e)
7-0
FeiValue(7:0)
rw
-
LSB of the measured frequency offset, 2’s complement
Frequency error = FeiValue x Fstep
RegPreambleDete
ct
(0x1f)
7
PreambleDetectorOn
rw
0x01
*
Enables Preamble detector when set to 1. The AGC settings
supersede this bit during the startup / AGC phase.
0 Æ Turned off
1 Æ Turned on
6-5
PreambleDetectorSize
rw
0x01
*
Number of Preamble bytes to detect to trigger an interrupt
00 Æ 1 byte
10 Æ 3 bytes
11 Æ Reserved
01 Æ 2 bytes
4-0
PreambleDetectorTol
rw
0x0A Number or chip errors tolerated over PreambleDetectorSize.
*
4 chips per bit.
RegRxTimeout1
(0x20)
7-0
TimeoutRxRssi
rw
0x00
Timeout interrupt is generated TimeoutRxRssi*16*Tbit after
switching to Rx mode if Rssi interrupt doesn’t occur (i.e.
RssiValue > RssiThreshold)
0x00: TimeoutRxRssi is disabled
RegRxTimeout2
(0x21)
7-0
TimeoutRxPreamble
rw
0x00
Timeout interrupt is generated TimeoutRxPreamble*16*Tbit
after switching to Rx mode if Preamble interrupt doesn’t occur
0x00: TimeoutRxPreamble is disabled
RegRxTimeout3
(0x22)
7-0
TimeoutSignalSync
rw
0x00
Timeout interrupt is generated TimeoutSignalSync*16*Tbit
after the Rx mode is programmed, if SyncAddress doesn’t
occur
0x00: TimeoutSignalSync is disabled
RegRxDelay
(0x23)
7-0
InterPacketRxDelay
rw
0x00
Additional delay befopre an automatic receiver restart is
launched:
Delay = InterPacketRxDelay*4*Tbit
RC Oscillator registers
RegOsc
(0x24)
Rev 3 - August 2012
7-4
unused
r
-
3
RcCalStart
wt
0x00
Triggers the calibration of the RC oscillator when set. Always
reads 0. RC calibration must be triggered in Standby mode.
2-0
ClkOut
rw
0x07
*
Selects CLKOUT frequency:
000 Æ FXOSC
001 Æ FXOSC / 2
010 Æ FXOSC / 4
011 Æ FXOSC / 8
100 Æ FXOSC / 16
101 Æ FXOSC / 32
110 Æ RC (automatically enabled)
111 Æ OFF
Page 72
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SX1232
WIRELESS & SENSING
Name
(Address)
Bits
DATASHEET
Variable Name
Mode
Default
value
Description
Packet Handling registers
RegPreambleMsb
(0x25)
7-0
PreambleSize(15:8)
rw
0x00
Size of the preamble to be sent (from TxStartCondition
fulfilled). (MSB byte)
RegPreambleLsb
(0x26)
7-0
PreambleSize(7:0)
rw
0x03
Size of the preamble to be sent (from TxStartCondition
fulfilled). (LSB byte)
RegSyncConfig
(0x27)
7-6
AutoRestartRxMode
rw
0x02
Controls the automatic restart of the receiver after the
reception of a valid packet (PayloadReady or CrcOk):
00 Æ Off
01 Æ On, without waiting for the PLL to re-lock
10 Æ On, wait for the PLL to lock (frequency changed)
11 Æ reserved
5
PreamblePolarity
rw
0x00 Sets the polarity of the Preamble
0 Æ 0xAA (default)
1 Æ 0x55
4
SyncOn
rw
0x01
Enables the Sync word generation and detection:
0 Æ Off
1 Æ On
3
FifoFillCondition
rw
0x00
FIFO filling condition:
0 Æ if SyncAddress interrupt occurs
1 Æ as long as FifoFillCondition is set
2-0
SyncSize
rw
0x03
Size of the Sync word:
(SyncSize + 1) bytes, (SyncSize) bytes if ioHomeOn=1
RegSyncValue1
(0x28)
7-0
SyncValue(63:56)
rw
0x01
*
1st byte of Sync word. (MSB byte)
Used if SyncOn is set.
RegSyncValue2
(0x29)
7-0
SyncValue(55:48)
rw
0x01
*
2nd byte of Sync word
Used if SyncOn is set and (SyncSize +1) >= 2.
RegSyncValue3
(0x2a)
7-0
SyncValue(47:40)
rw
0x01
*
3rd byte of Sync word.
Used if SyncOn is set and (SyncSize +1) >= 3.
RegSyncValue4
(0x2b)
7-0
SyncValue(39:32)
rw
0x01
*
4th byte of Sync word.
Used if SyncOn is set and (SyncSize +1) >= 4.
RegSyncValue5
(0x2c)
7-0
SyncValue(31:24)
rw
0x01
*
5th byte of Sync word.
Used if SyncOn is set and (SyncSize +1) >= 5.
RegSyncValue6
(0x2d)
7-0
SyncValue(23:16)
rw
0x01
*
6th byte of Sync word.
Used if SyncOn is set and (SyncSize +1) >= 6.
RegSyncValue7
(0x2e)
7-0
SyncValue(15:8)
rw
0x01
*
7th byte of Sync word.
Used if SyncOn is set and (SyncSize +1) >= 7.
RegSyncValue8
(0x2f)
7-0
SyncValue(7:0)
rw
0x01
*
8th byte of Sync word.
Used if SyncOn is set and (SyncSize +1) = 8.
Rev 3 - August 2012
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SX1232
WIRELESS & SENSING
Name
(Address)
DATASHEET
Bits
Variable Name
Mode
Default
value
7
PacketFormat
rw
0x01
Defines the packet format used:
0 Æ Fixed length
1 Æ Variable length
6-5
DcFree
rw
0x00
Defines DC-free encoding/decoding performed:
00 Æ None (Off)
01 Æ Manchester
10 Æ Whitening
11 Æ reserved
4
CrcOn
rw
0x01
Enables CRC calculation/check (Tx/Rx):
0 Æ Off
1 Æ On
3
CrcAutoClearOff
rw
0x00
Defines the behavior of the packet handler when CRC check
fails:
0 Æ Clear FIFO and restart new packet reception. No
PayloadReady interrupt issued.
1 Æ Do not clear FIFO. PayloadReady interrupt issued.
2-1
AddressFiltering
rw
0x00
Defines address based filtering in Rx:
00 Æ None (Off)
01 Æ Address field must match NodeAddress
10 Æ Address field must match NodeAddress or
BroadcastAddress
11 Æ reserved
0
CrcWhiteningType
rw
0x00
Selects the CRC and whitening algorithms:
0 Æ CCITT CRC implementation with standard whitening
1 Æ IBM CRC implementation with alternate whitening
RegPacketConfig2
7
unused
r
-
(0x31)
6
DataMode
rw
0x01
Data processing mode:
0 Æ Continuous mode
1 Æ Packet mode
5
IoHomeOn
rw
0x00
Enables the io-homecontrol® compatibility mode
0 Æ Disabled
1 Æ Enabled
4
IoHomePowerFrame
rw
0x00
reserved - Linked to io-homecontrol® compatibility mode
3
BeaconOn
rw
0x00
Enables the Beacon mode in Fixed packet format
2-0
PayloadLength(10:8)
rw
0x00
Packet Length Most significant bits
RegPayloadLength 7-0
(0x32)
PayloadLength(7:0)
rw
0x40
If PacketFormat = 0 (fixed), payload length.
If PacketFormat = 1 (variable), max length in Rx, not used in
Tx.
RegPacketConfig1
(0x30)
Description
unused
RegNodeAdrs
(0x33)
7-0
NodeAddress
rw
0x00
Node address used in address filtering.
RegBroadcastAdrs
(0x34)
7-0
BroadcastAddress
rw
0x00
Broadcast address used in address filtering.
Rev 3 - August 2012
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SX1232
WIRELESS & SENSING
Name
(Address)
RegFifoThresh
(0x35)
DATASHEET
Default
value
Bits
Variable Name
Mode
7
TxStartCondition
rw
0x01
*
6
unused
r
-
5-0
FifoThreshold
rw
0x0f
Description
Defines the condition to start packet transmission:
0 Æ FifoLevel (i.e. the number of bytes in the FIFO exceeds
FifoThreshold)
1 Æ FifoEmpty goes low(i.e. at least one byte in the FIFO)
unused
Used to trigger FifoLevel interrupt, when:
number of bytes in FIFO >= FifoThreshold + 1
Sequencer registers
RegSeqConfig1
(0x36)
7
SequencerStart
wt
0x00
Controls the top level Sequencer
When set to ‘1’, executes the “Start” transition.
The sequencer can only be enabled when the chip is in Sleep
or Standby mode.
6
SequencerStop
wt
0x00
Forces the Sequencer Off.
Always reads ‘0’
5
IdleMode
rw
0x00
Selects chip mode during the state:
0: Standby mode
1: Sleep mode
4-3 FromStart
rw
0x00
Controls the Sequencer transition when SequencerStart is set
to 1 in Sleep or Standby mode:
00: to LowPowerSelection
01: to Receive state
10: to Transmit state
11: to Transmit state on a FifoLevel interrupt
2
rw
0x00
Selects the Sequencer LowPower state after a to
LowPowerSelection transition:
0: SequencerOff state with chip on Initial mode
1: Idle state with chip on Standby or Sleep mode depending on
IdleMode
LowPowerSelection
Note:
Rev 3 - August 2012
Initial mode is the chip LowPower mode at
Sequencer Start.
1
FromIdle
rw
0x00
Controls the Sequencer transition from the Idle state on a T1
interrupt:
0: to Transmit state
1: to Receive state
0
FromTransmit
rw
0x00
Controls the Sequencer transition from the Transmit state:
0: to LowPowerSelection on a PacketSent interrupt
1: to Receive state on a PacketSent interrupt
Page 75
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SX1232
WIRELESS & SENSING
Name
(Address)
RegSeqConfig2
(0x37)
Bits
Variable Name
7-5 FromReceive
DATASHEET
Mode
Default
value
rw
0x00
Description
Controls the Sequencer transition from the Receive state
000 and 111: unused
001: to PacketReceived state on a PayloadReady interrupt
010: to LowPowerSelection on a PayloadReady interrupt
011: to PacketReceived state on a CrcOk interrupt (1)
100: to SequencerOff state on a Rssi interrupt
101: to SequencerOff state on a SyncAddress interrupt
110: to SequencerOff state on a PreambleDetect interrupt
Irrespective of this setting, transition to LowPowerSelection on
a T2 interrupt
(1) If the CRC is wrong (corrupted packet, with CRC on but
CrcAutoClearOn=0), the PayloadReady interrupt will drive the
sequencer to RxTimeout state.
4-3 FromRxTimeout
rw
0x00
Controls the state-machine transition from the Receive state
on a RxTimeout interrupt (and on PayloadReady if
FromReceive = 011):
00: to Receive State, via ReceiveRestart
01: to Transmit state
10: to LowPowerSelection
11: to SequencerOff state
Note: RxTimeout interrupt is a TimeoutRxRssi,
TimeoutRxPreamble or TimeoutSignalSync interrupt
2-0 FromPacketReceived
rw
0x00
Controls the state-machine transition from the
PacketReceived state:
000: to SequencerOff state
001: to Transmit state on a FifoEmpty interrupt
010: to LowPowerSelection
011: to Receive via FS mode, if frequency was changed
100: to Receive state (no frequency change)
7-4 unused
r
-
unused
3-2 Timer1Resolution
rw
0x00
Resolution of Timer 1
00: Timer1 disabled
01: 64 us
10: 4.1 ms
11: 262 ms
1-0 Timer2Resolution
rw
0x00
Resolution of Timer 2
00: Timer2 disabled
01: 64 us
10: 4.1 ms
11: 262 ms
RegTimer1Coef
(0x39)
7-0 Timer1Coefficient
rw
0xf5
Multiplying coefficient for Timer 1
RegTimer2Coef
(0x3a)
7-0 Timer2Coefficient
rw
0x20
Multiplying coefficient for Timer 2
RegTimerResol
(0x38)
Rev 3 - August 2012
Page 76
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SX1232
WIRELESS & SENSING
Name
(Address)
Bits
DATASHEET
Variable Name
Mode
Default
value
Description
Services registers
RegImageCal
(0x3b)
7
AutoImageCalOn
rw
0x00
*
Controls the Image calibration mechanism
0 Æ Calibration of the receiver depending on the temperature
is disabled
1 Æ Calibration of the receiver depending on the temperature
enabled.
6
ImageCalStart
wt
-
Triggers the IQ and RSSI calibration when set in Standby
mode.
5
ImageCalRunning
r
0x00
Set to 1 while the Image and RSSI calibration are running.
Toggles back to 0 when the process is completed
4
unused
r
-
3
TempChange
r
2-1
TempThreshold
rw
0x01 Temperature change threshold to trigger a new I/Q calibration
00 Æ 5 °C
01 Æ 10 °C
10 Æ 15 °C
11 Æ 20 °C
0
TempMonitorOff
rw
0x00
RegTemp
(0x3c)
7-0
TempValue
r
-
Measured temperature
-1°C per Lsb
Needs calibration for absolute accuracy
RegLowBat
(0x3d)
7-4
unused
r
-
unused
3
LowBatOn
rw
0x00
Low Battery detector enable signal
0 Æ LowBat detector disabled
1 Æ LowBat detector enabled
2-0
LowBatTrim
rw
0x02
Trimming of the LowBat threshold:
000 Æ 1.695 V
001 Æ 1.764 V
010 Æ 1.835 V (d)
011 Æ 1.905 V
100 Æ 1.976 V
101 Æ 2.045 V
110 Æ 2.116 V
111 Æ 2.185 V
unused
0x00 IRQ flag witnessing a temperature change exceeding
TempThreshold since the last Image and RSSI calibration:
0 Æ Temperature change lower than TempThreshold
1 Æ Temperature change greater than TempThreshold
Controls the temperature monitor operation:
0 Æ Temperature monitoring done in all modes except Sleep
and Standby
1 Æ Temperature monitoring stopped.
Status registers
Rev 3 - August 2012
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SX1232
WIRELESS & SENSING
Name
(Address)
RegIrqFlags1
(0x3e)
RegIrqFlags2
(0x3f)
DATASHEET
Bits
Variable Name
Mode
Default
value
7
ModeReady
r
-
Set when the operation mode requested in Mode, is ready
- Sleep: Entering Sleep mode
- Standby: XO is running
- FS: PLL is locked
- Rx: RSSI sampling starts
- Tx: PA ramp-up completed
Cleared when changing the operating mode.
6
RxReady
r
-
Set in Rx mode, after RSSI, AGC and AFC.
Cleared when leaving Rx.
5
TxReady
r
-
Set in Tx mode, after PA ramp-up.
Cleared when leaving Tx.
4
PllLock
r
-
Set (in FS, Rx or Tx) when the PLL is locked.
Cleared when it is not.
3
Rssi
rwc
-
Set in Rx when the RssiValue exceeds RssiThreshold.
Cleared when leaving Rx or setting this bit to 1.
2
Timeout
r
-
Set when a timeout occurs
Cleared when leaving Rx or FIFO is emptied.
1
PreambleDetect
rwc
-
Set when the Preamble Detector has found valid Preamble.
bit clear when set to 1
0
SyncAddressMatch
rwc
-
Set when Sync and Address (if enabled) are detected.
Cleared when leaving Rx or FIFO is emptied.
This bit is read only in Packet mode, rwc in Continuous mode
7
FifoFull
r
-
Set when FIFO is full (i.e. contains 66 bytes), else cleared.
6
FifoEmpty
r
-
Set when FIFO is empty, and cleared when there is at least 1
byte in the FIFO.
5
FifoLevel
r
-
Set when the number of bytes in the FIFO strictly exceeds
FifoThreshold, else cleared.
4
FifoOverrun
rwc
-
Set when FIFO overrun occurs. (except in Sleep mode)
Flag(s) and FIFO are cleared when this bit is set. The FIFO
then becomes immediately available for the next transmission
/ reception.
3
PacketSent
r
-
Set in Tx when the complete packet has been sent.
Cleared when exiting Tx
2
PayloadReady
r
-
Set in Rx when the payload is ready (i.e. last byte received
and CRC, if enabled and CrcAutoClearOff is cleared, is Ok).
Cleared when FIFO is empty.
1
CrcOk
r
-
Set in Rx when the CRC of the payload is Ok. Cleared when
FIFO is empty.
0
LowBat
rwc
-
Set when the battery voltage drops below the Low Battery
threshold. Cleared only when set to 1 by the user.
Description
IO control registers
Rev 3 - August 2012
Page 78
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SX1232
WIRELESS & SENSING
Name
(Address)
RegDioMapping1
(0x40)
RegDioMapping2
(0x41)
DATASHEET
Bits
Variable Name
Mode
Default
value
7-6
Dio0Mapping
rw
0x00
5-4
Dio1Mapping
rw
0x00
3-2
Dio2Mapping
rw
0x00
1-0
Dio3Mapping
rw
0x00
7-6
Dio4Mapping
rw
0x00
5-4
Dio5Mapping
rw
0x00
3-1
reserved
rw
0x00
reserved. Retain default value
0
MapPreambleDetect
rw
0x00
Allows the mapping of either Rssi Or PreambleDetect to the
DIO pins, as summarized on Table 27 and Table 28
0 Æ Rssi interrupt
1 Æ PreambleDetect interrupt
Description
Mapping of pins DIO0 to DIO5
See Table 27 for mapping in Continuous mode
See Table 28 for mapping in Packet mode
Version register
RegVersion
(0x42)
7-0
Version
r
0x21
Version code of the chip. Bits 7-4 give the full revision number;
bits 3-0 give the metal mask revision number.
Additional registers
RegAgcRef
(0x43)
7-6
unused
r
-
5-0
AgcReferenceLevel
rw
0x13
RegAgcThresh1
(0x44)
7-5
unused
r
-
4-0
AgcStep1
rw
0x0e
Defines the 1st AGC Threshold
RegAgcThresh2
(0x45)
7-4
AgcStep2
rw
0x05
Defines the 2nd AGC Threshold:
3-0
AgcStep3
rw
0x0b
Defines the 3rd AGC Threshold:
RegAgcThresh3
(0x46)
7-4
AgcStep4
rw
0x0d
Defines the 4th AGC Threshold:
3-0
AgcStep5
rw
0x0b
Defines the 5th AGC Threshold:
RegPllHop
(0x4b)
7
FastHopOn
rw
0x00
Bypasses the main state machine for a quick frequency hop.
Writing RegFrfLsb will trigger the frequency change.
0 Æ Frf is validated when FSTx or FSRx is requested
1 Æ Frf is validated triggered when RegFrfLsb is written
6-0
reserved
rw
0x2e
reserved
7-5
reserved
rw
0x00
reserved. Retain default value
4
TcxoInputOn
rw
0x00
Controls the crystal oscillator
0 Æ Crystal Oscillator with external Crystal
1 Æ External clipped sine TCXO AC-connected to XTA pin
3-0
reserved
rw
0x09
Reserved. Retain default value.
7-3
reserved
rw
0x10
reserved. Retain default value
2-0
PaDac
rw
0x04
Enables the +20dBm option on PA_BOOST pin
0x04 Æ Default value
0x07 Æ +20dBm on PA_BOOST when OutputPower=1111
RegTcxo
(0x58)
RegPaDac
(0x5a)
Rev 3 - August 2012
Page 79
unused
Sets the floor reference for all AGC thresholds:
AGC Reference[dBm]=
-174dBm+10*log(2*RxBw)+SNR+AgcReferenceLevel
SNR = 8dB, fixed value
unused
www.semtech.com
SX1232
WIRELESS & SENSING
Name
(Address)
DATASHEET
Bits
Variable Name
Mode
Default
value
7-6
PllBandwidth
rw
0x03
Controls the PLL bandwidth:
10 Æ 225 kHz
00 Æ 75 kHz
01 Æ 150 kHz
11 Æ 300 kHz
5-0
reserved
rw
0x10
reserved. Retain default value
7-6
PllBandwidth
rw
0x03
Controls the Low Phase Noise PLL bandwidth:
00 Æ 75 kHz
10 Æ 225 kHz
01 Æ 150 kHz
11 Æ 300 kHz
5-0
reserved
rw
0x10
reserved. Retain default value
RegFormerTemp
(0x6c)
7-0
FormerTemp
rw
-
RegBitrateFrac
(0x70)
7-4
unused
r
0x00
unused
3-0
BitRateFrac
rw
0x00
Fractional part of the bit rate divider (Only valid for FSK)
If BitRateFrac> 0 then:
RegPll
(0x5c)
RegPllLowPn
(0x5e)
Description
Temperature saved during the latest IQ (RSSI and Image)
calibrated. Same format as TempValue in RegTemp.
FXOSC
BitRate = ------------------------------------------------------------------------BitrateFrac
BitRate (15,0) + ------------------------------16
Rev 3 - August 2012
Page 80
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SX1232
WIRELESS & SENSING
DATASHEET
7. Application Information
7.1. Crystal Resonator Specification
Table 32 shows the crystal resonator specification for the crystal reference oscillator circuit of the SX1232. This
specification covers the full range of operation of the SX1232 and is employed in the reference design.
Table 32 Crystal Specification
Symbol
Description
FXOSC
Conditions
Min
Typ
Max
XTAL Frequency
-
32
-
MHz
RS
XTAL Serial Resistance
-
30
140
ohms
C0
XTAL Shunt Capacitance
-
2.8
7
pF
CFOOT
External Foot Capacitance
8
15
22
pF
CLOAD
Crystal Load Capacitance
6
-
12
pF
On each pin XTA and XTB
Unit
Notes - the initial frequency tolerance, temperature stability and ageing performance should be chosen in accordance
with the target operating temperature range and the receiver bandwidth selected.
- the loading capacitance should be applied externally, and adapted to the actual Cload specification of the XTAL.
7.2. Reset of the Chip
A power-on reset of the SX1232 is triggered at power up. Additionally, a manual reset can be issued by controlling pin 6.
7.2.1. POR
If the application requires the disconnection of VDD from the SX1232, despite of the extremely low Sleep Mode current, the
user should wait for 10 ms from of the end of the POR cycle before commencing communications over the SPI bus. Pin 6
(Reset) should be left floating during the POR sequence.
VDD
Pin 6
(output)
Undefined
Wait for
10 ms
Chip is ready from
this point on
Figure 37. POR Timing Diagram
Please note that any CLKOUT activity can also be used to detect that the chip is ready.
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7.2.2. Manual Reset
A manual reset of the SX1232 is possible even for applications in which VDD cannot be physically disconnected. Pin 6
should be pulled high for a hundred microseconds, and then released. The user should then wait for 5 ms before using the
chip.
VDD
Pin 6
(input)
High-Z
> 100 us
Wait for
5 ms
’’1’’
High-Z
Chip is ready from
this point on
Figure 38. Manual Reset Timing Diagram
Note
whilst pin 6 is driven high, an over current consumption of up to ten milliamps can be seen on VDD.
7.3. Reference Designs
Please contact your Semtech representative for evaluation tools, reference designs and design assistance. Note that all
schematics shown in this section are full schematics, listing ALL required components, including decoupling capacitors.
Figure 39. Reference Design - Single RF Input/Output, High Efficiency PA
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Figure 40. Reference Design - with Antenna Switch up to +20dBm
Figure 41. Reference Design - with Antenna Switch and High Efficiency PA
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Figure 42. Reference Design - Single RF Input/Output, High Stability PA
Note
The implementation of Figure 42 is limited to +14dBm Operation
For detailed Bills of Materials, please consult the Reference Design section on the SX1232 web page, or contact your local
Semtech representative.
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7.4. Top Sequencer: Listen Mode Examples
In this scenario, the circuit spends most of the time in Idle mode, during which only the RC oscillator is on. Periodically the
receiver wakes up and looks for incoming signal. If a wanted signal is detected, the receiver is kept on and data are
analyzed. Otherwise, if there was no wanted signal for a defined period of time, the receiver is switched off until the next
receive period.
During Listen mode, the Radio stays most of the time in a Low Power mode, resulting in very low average power
consumption. The general timing diagram of this scenario is given in Figure 43.
Listen mode : principle
Receive
Idle ( Sleep + RC )
Receive
Idle
Figure 43. Listen Mode: Principle
An interrupt request is generated on a packet reception. The user can then take appropriate action.
Depending on the application and environment, there are several ways to implement Listen mode:
Š
Š
Š
Wake on a PreambleDetect interrupt
Wake on a SyncAddress interrupt
Wake on a PayloadReady interrupt
7.4.1. Wake on Preamble Interrupt
In one possible scenario, the sequencer polls for a Preamble detection. If a preamble signal is detected, the sequencer is
switched off and the circuit stays in Receive mode until the user switches modes. Otherwise, the receiver is switched off
until the next Rx period.
7.4.1.1. Timing Diagram
When no signal is received, the circuit wakes every Timer1 + Timer2 and switches to Receive mode for a time defined by
Timer2, as shown on the following diagram. If no Preamble is detected, it then switches back to Idle mode, i.e. Sleep mode
with RC oscillator on.
No received signal
Receive
Idle ( Sleep + RC )
Timer2
Timer1
Receive
Idle
Timer2
Timer1
Timer1
Figure 44. Listen Mode with No Preamble Received
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If a Preamble signal is detected, the Sequencer is switched off. The PreambleDetect signal can be mapped to DIO4, in
order to request the user's attention. The user can then take appropriate action.
Received signal
Preamble ( As long as T1 + 2 * T2 )
Idle ( Sleep + RC )
Sync
Word
Payload
Crc
Receive
Timer2
Timer2
Timer1
Preamble
Detect
Figure 45. Listen Mode with Preamble Received
7.4.1.2. Sequencer Configuration
The following graph shows Listen mode - Wake on PreambleDetect state machine:
State Machine
Sequencer Off
&
Initial mode = Sleep or Standby
IdleMode = 1 : Sleep
Start bit set
Start
FromStart = 00
LowPower
Selection
LowPowerSelection = 1
Idle
On T1
FromIdle = 1
On T2
Receive
On PreambleDetect
FromReceive = 110
Sequencer Off
Figure 46. Wake On PreambleDetect State Machine
This example configuration is achieved as follows:
Table 33 Listen Mode with PreambleDetect Condition Settings
Variable
IdleMode
FromStart
LowPowerSelection
FromIdle
FromReceive
Rev 3 - August 2012
Effect
1 : Sleep mode
00 : To LowPowerSelection
1 : To Idle state
1 : To Receive state on T1 interrupt
110 : To Sequencer Off on PreambleDetect interrupt
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TTimer2 defines the maximum duration the chip stays in Receive mode as long as no Preamble is detected. In order to
optimize power consumption, Timer2 must be set just long enough for Preamble detection.
TTimer1 + TTimer2 defines the cycling period, i.e. time between two Preamble polling starts. In order to optimize average
power consumption, Timer1 should be relatively long. However, increasing Timer1 also extends packet reception duration.
In order to insure packet detection and optimize the receiver's power consumption, the received packet Preamble should
be as long as TTimer1 + 2 x TTimer2 .
An example of DIO configuration for this mode is described in the following table:
Table 34 Listen Mode with PreambleDetect Condition Recommended DIO Mapping
DIO
0
1
3
4
Value
01
00
00
11
Description
CrcOk
FifoLevel
FifoEmpty
PreambleDetect – Note: MapPreambleDetect bit should be set.
7.4.2. Wake on SyncAddress Interrupt
In another possible scenario, the sequencer polls for a Preamble detection and then for a valid SyncAddress interrupt. If
events occur, the sequencer is switched off and the circuit stays in Receive mode until the user switches modes.
Otherwise, the receiver is switched off until the next Rx period.
7.4.2.1. Timing Diagram
Most of the sequencer running time is spent while no wanted signal is received. As shown by the timing diagram in
Figure 47, the circuit wakes periodically for a short time, defined by RxTimeout. The circuit is in a Low Power mode for the
rest of Timer1 + Timer2 (i.e. Timer1 + Timer2 - TrxTimeout)
No wanted signal
Idle
Receive
Idle ( Sleep + RC )
Receive
Timer2
Idle
Timer2
Timer1
Timer1
RxTimeout
Timer1
RxTimeout
Figure 47. Listen Mode with no SyncAddress Detected
If a preamble is detected before RxTimeout timer ends, the circuit stays in Receive mode and waits for a valid
SyncAddress detection. If none is detected by the end of Timer2, Receive mode is deactivated and the polling cycle
resumes, without any user intervention.
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Unwanted Signal
Preamble ( Preamble + Sync = T2 )
Idle
Wrong
Word
Payload
Receive
Idle
Receive
Timer2
Timer1
Crc
Idle
Timer2
RxTimeout
Timer1
Timer1
RxTimeout
Preamble
Detect
Figure 48. Listen Mode with Preamble Received and no SyncAddress
But if a valid Sync Word is detected, a SyncAddress interrupt is fired, the Sequencer is switched off and the circuit stays in
Receive mode as long as the user doesn't switch modes.
Wanted Signal
Preamble ( Preamble + Sync = T2 )
Idle
Sync
Word
Payload
Crc
Receive
Timer2
Timer1
RxTimeout
Preamble
Detect
Sync
Address
Fifo
Level
Figure 49. Listen Mode with Preamble Received & Valid SyncAddress
7.4.2.2. Sequencer Configuration
The following graph shows Listen mode - Wake on SyncAddress state machine:
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State Machine
Sequencer Off
&
Initial mode = Sleep or Standby
IdleMode = 1 : Sleep
Start bit set
Start
FromStart = 00
LowPower
Selection
LowPowerSelection = 1
Idle
On T1
FromIdle = 1
FromRxTimeout = 10
On T2
RxTimeout
Receive
On SyncAdress
FromReceive = 101
Sequencer Off
On RxTimeout
Figure 50. Wake On SyncAddress State Machine
This example configuration is achieved as follows:
Table 35 Listen Mode with SyncAddress Condition Settings
Variable
IdleMode
FromStart
LowPowerSelection
FromIdle
FromReceive
FromRxTimeout
Effect
1 : Sleep mode
00 : To LowPowerSelection
1 : To Idle state
1 : To Receive state on T1 interrupt
101 : To Sequencer off on SyncAddress interrupt
10 : To LowPowerSelection
TTimeoutRxPreamble should be set to just long enough to catch a preamble (depends on PreambleDetectSize and BitRate).
TTimer1 should be set to 64 µs (shortest possible duration).
TTimer2 is set so that TTimer1 + TTimer2 defines the time between two start of reception.
In order to insure packet detection and optimize the receiver power consumption, the received packet Preamble should be
defined so that TPreamble = TTimer2 - TSyncAddress , with TSyncAddress = (SyncSize + 1)*8/BitRate.
An example of DIO configuration for this mode is described in the following table:
Table 36 Listen Mode with PreambleDetect Condition Recommended DIO Mapping
DIO
0
1
2
3
4
Rev 3 - August 2012
Value
01
00
11
00
11
Description
CrcOk
FifoLevel
SyncAddress
FifoEmpty
PreambleDetect – Note: MapPreambleDetect bit should be set.
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7.5. Top Sequencer: Beacon Mode
In this mode, a repetitive message is transmitted periodically. If the Payload being sent is always identical, and
PayloadLength is smaller than the FIFO size, the use of the BeaconOn bit in RegPacketConfig2 together with the
Sequencer permit to achieve periodic beacon without any user intervention.
7.5.1. Timing diagram
In this mode, the Radio is switched to Transmit mode every TTimer1 + TTimer2 and back to Idle mode after PacketSent, as
shown in the diagram below. The Sequencer insures minimal time is spent in Transmit mode, and therefore power
consumption is optimized.
Beacon mode
Idle
Transmit
Idle ( Sleep + RC )
Transmit
Timer2
Idle
Timer2
Timer1
Timer1
Timer1
Packet
Sent
Packet
Sent
Figure 51. Beacon Mode Timing Diagram
7.5.2. Sequencer Configuration
The Beacon mode state machine is presented in the following graph. It is noticeable that the sequencer enters an infinite
loop and can only be stopped by setting SequencerStop bit in RegSeqConfig1.
State Machine
Sequencer Off
&
Initial mode = Sleep or Standby
IdleMode = 1 : Sleep
Start bit set
Start
FromStart = 00
LowPower
Selection
LowPowerSelection = 1
Idle
On T1
FromIdle = 0
On PacketSent
FromTransmit = 0
Transmit
Figure 52. Beacon Mode State Machine
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This example is achieved by programming the Sequencer as follows:
Table 37 Beacon Mode Settings
Variable
IdleMode
FromStart
LowPowerSelection
FromIdle
FromTransmit
Effect
1 : Sleep mode
00 : To LowPowerSelection
1 : To Idle state
0 : To Transmit state on T1 interrupt
0 : To LowPowerSelection on PacketSent interrupt
TTimer1 + TTimer2 define the time between the start of two transmissions.
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7.6. Example CRC Calculation
The following routine(s) may be implemented to mimic the CRC calculation of the SX1232:
Figure 53. Example CRC Code
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7.7. Example Temperature Reading
The following routine(s) may be implemented to read the temperature and calibrate the sensor:
Figure 54. Example Temperature Reading
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8. Packaging Information
8.1. Package Outline Drawing
The SX1232 is available in a 24-lead QFN package as shown in Figure 55.
A
DIMENSIONS
MILLIMETERS
MIN NOM MAX
B
D
DIM
E
PIN 1
INDICATOR
(LASER MARK)
A1
A2
A
SEATING
PLANE
aaa C
A
A1
A2
b
D
D1
E
E1
e
L
N
aaa
bbb
0.80 1.00
0.00
0.05
- (0.20) 0.25 0.30 0.35
4.90 5.00 5.10
3.20 3.25 3.30
4.90 5.00 5.10
3.20 3.25 3.30
0.65 BSC
0.35 0.40 0.45
24
0.08
0.10
C
LxN
D1
E/2
E1
2
1
N
bxN
e/2
bbb
C A B
e
D/2
NOTES:
1. CONTROLLING DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS (ANGLES IN DEGREES).
2. COPLANARITY APPLIES TO THE EXPOSED PAD AS WELL AS THE TERMINALS.
Figure 55. Package Outline Drawing
8.2. Recommended Land Pattern
K
DIMENSIONS
(C) H
G
Z
Y
X
DIM
C
G
H
K
P
X
Y
Z
MILLIMETERS
(4.90)
4.10
3.30
3.30
0.65
0.35
0.80
5.70
P
NOTES:
1. CONTROLLING DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS (ANGLES IN DEGREES).
2. THIS LAND PATTERN IS FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY.
CONSULT YOUR MANUFACTURING GROUP TO ENSURE YOUR
COMPANY'S MANUFACTURING GUIDELINES ARE MET.
3. THERMAL VIAS IN THE LAND PATTERN OF THE EXPOSED PAD
SHALL BE CONNECTED TO A SYSTEM GROUND PLANE.
FAILURE TO DO SO MAY COMPROMISE THE THERMAL AND/OR
FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE OF THE DEVICE.
4. SQUARE PACKAGE-DIMENSIONS APPLY IN BOTH X AND Y DIRECTIONS.
Figure 56. Recommended Land Pattern
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8.3. Thermal Impedance
The thermal impedance of this package is: Theta ja = 23.8° C/W typ., calculated from a package in still air, on a 4-layer
FR4 PCB, as per the Jedec standard.
8.4. Tape & Reel Specification
Figure 57. Tape & Reel Specification
Note
Single sprocket holes
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9. Revision History
Table 38 Revision History
Revision
1
Date
May 2012
2
July 2012
3
August 2012
Rev 3 - August 2012
Comment
First FINAL release
Add sensitivity numbers of the optimized reference design
Tabulate IIP3 with LNA gain G2
Modify the description of bits 0, 1 and 2 at addess 0x36
Top Sequencer description and examples
Receiver startup description
Miscellaneous corrections and improvements
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© Semtech 2012
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the prior written consent of the copyright owner. The
information presented in this document does not form part of any quotation or contract, is believed to be accurate and reliable
and may be changed without notice. No liability will be accepted by the publisher for any consequence of its use. Publication
thereof does not convey nor imply any license under patent or other industrial or intellectual property rights. Semtech assumes
no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any failure or unexpected operation resulting from misuse, neglect improper
installation, repair or improper handling or unusual physical or electrical stress including, but not limited to, exposure to
parameters beyond the specified maximum ratings or operation outside the specified range.
SEMTECH PRODUCTS ARE NOT DESIGNED, INTENDED, AUTHORIZED OR WARRANTED TO BE SUITABLE FOR USE IN
LIFE-SUPPORT APPLICATIONS, DEVICES OR SYSTEMS OR OTHER CRITICAL APPLICATIONS. INCLUSION OF
SEMTECH PRODUCTS IN SUCH APPLICATIONS IS UNDERSTOOD TO BE UNDERTAKEN SOLELY AT THE CUSTOMER’S
OWN RISK. Should a customer purchase or use Semtech products for any such unauthorized application, the customer shall
indemnify and hold Semtech and its officers, employees, subsidiaries, affiliates, and distributors harmless against all claims,
costs damages and attorney fees which could arise.
Contact information
Semtech Corporation
Wireless & Sensing Products Division
200 Flynn Road, Camarillo, CA 93012
Phone: (805) 498-2111 Fax: (805) 498-3804
E-mail: [email protected]
[email protected]
Internet: http://www.semtech.com
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