RADIOMETRIX RPC-000-DIL

Radiometrix
Hartcran House, 231 Kenton Lane, Harrow, HA3 8RP, England
RPC2A
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8909 9595, Fax: +44 (0) 20 8909 2233
20 April 2007
UHF Radio Packet Controller
Modules: RPC2A-433-64: IC+BiM2A-433-64-S
IC’s:
RPC-000-DIL:
RPC-000-SO:
RPC-000-SS:
18 pin DIL IC
18 pin SO IC
20 pin SSOP IC
The RPC2A-433-64 is intelligent transceiver
modules, which enable a radio network/link to
be simply implemented between a number of
digital devices. The module combines a UHF
`radio transceiver and a 64kbps packet
controller.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The RPC2A-module
Crystal controlled PLL FM circuitry for both Tx and Rx
Reliable 75 meter in-building range, 300m open ground
Built-in self-test / diagnostics / status LED’s
Complies with ETSI EN 300 220-3
Complies with ETSI EN 301 489-3
Single 5V supply @ < 27mA
64kbps half duplex
Free format packets of 1 - 27 bytes
Packet framing and error checking are user transparent
Collision avoidance (listen before transmit)
Direct interface to 5V CMOS logic
Power save mode
INTRODUCTION
The RPC2A is an enhanced replacement for original RPC-433-40 transceiver. It is a self-contained plugon radio port which requires only a simple antenna, 5V supply and a byte-wide I/O port on a host
microcontroller (or bi-directional PC port).
The module provides all the RF circuits and processor intensive low level packet formatting and packet
recovery functions required to inter-connect an number of microcontrollers in a radio network.
A data packet of 1 to 27 bytes downloaded by a Host microcontroller into the RPC2A's packet buffer is
transmitted by the RPC2A’s transceiver and will "appear" in the receive buffer of all the RPC2A's within
radio range.
A data packet received by the RPC2A’s transceiver is decoded, stored in a packet buffer and the Host
microcontroller signalled that a valid packet is waiting to be uploaded.
transmit / receive
download
HOST
download
HOST
RPC2A
upload
upload
figure 1: RPC2A + Host µ-controller
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
page 1
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
page 2
1. FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
On receipt of a packet downloaded by the Host, the RPC2A will append to the packet: Preamble, start
byte and a error check code. The packet is then coded for security and mark:space balance and
transmitted through the BiM2A Transceiver as a 64kbps synchronous stream. One of four methods of
collision avoidance (listen before TX) may be user selected.
When not in transmit mode, the RPC2A continuously searches the radio noise for valid preamble. On
detection of preamble, the RPC2A synchronises to the in-coming data stream, decodes the data and
validates the check sum. The Host is then signalled that a valid packet is waiting to be unloaded. The
format of the packet is entirely of the users determination except the 1st byte (the Control Byte) which
must specify the packet type (control or data) and the packet size. A valid received packet is presented
back to the host in exactly the same form as it was given.
To preserve versatility, the RPC2A does not generate routing information (i.e.
source/ destination addresses) nor does it handshake packets. These network
specific functions should be performed by the host.
Additional features of the RPC2A include extensive diagnostic/debug functions for evaluation and
debugging of the radio and host driver software, a built in self test function and a sleep mode / wake-up
mechanism which may be programmed to reduce the average current to less than 100µA. The operating
parameters are fully programmable by the host and held in EEPROM, the host may also use the
EEPROM as a general purpose non-volatile store for addresses , routing information etc.
1.1 OPERATING STATES
The RPC2A has four normal operating states:
•
•
•
•
IDLE / SLEEP
HOST TRANSFER
TRANSMIT
RECEIVE
IDLE/SLEEP
The IDLE state is the quiescent/rest state of the RPC2A. In IDLE the RPC2A enables the receiver
and continuously searches the radio noise for message preamble. If the power saving modes
have been enabled the RPC2A will pulse the receiver on, check for preamble and go back to
SLEEP if nothing is found. The 'ON' time is 5ms, OFF time is programmable in the RPC2A’s
EEPROM and can vary between 22ms and 2.9s. The TX Request line from the Host is constantly
monitored and will be acted upon if found active (low). A TX Request will immediately wake the
RPC2A up from SLEEP mode.
HOST TRANSFERS
If the host sets the TX Request line low a data transfer from the Host to the RPC2A will be
initiated. Similarly the RPC2A will pull RX Request low when it requires to transfer data to the
Host (this may polled or used to generate a Host interrupt).
The transfer protocol is fully asynchronous, i.e. the host may service another interrupt and then
continue with the RPC2A transfer. It is desirable that all transfers are completed quickly since
the radio transceiver is disabled until the Host <> RPC2A transfer is completed. Typically a fast
host can transfer a 27 byte packet to / from the RPC2A in under 1ms.
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
page 3
TRANSMIT
On receipt of a data packet from the host, the RPC2A will append to the packet - preamble,
frame sync byte and an error check sum. The packet is then coded for mark:space balance and
transmitted. A full 27 byte packet is transmitted in 8.1ms of TX air time (64kb/s + 5ms
preamble).
Collision avoidance (Listen Before Transmit-LBT) functions can be enabled to prevent loss of
packets.
Data packets may be sent with either normal or extended preamble. Extended preamble is used
if the remote RPC2A is in power save mode. Extended preamble length can be changed in the
EEPROM memory.
RECEIVE
On detection of preamble from the radio receiver, the RPC2A will phase lock, decode and error
check the incoming synchronous data stream and if successful. The data is then placed in a
buffer and the RX Request line is pulled low to signal to the host that a valid packet awaits to be
uploaded to the Host.
An in-coming data packet is presented back to the host in the same form as it was given.
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
page 4
2 THE HOST INTERFACE
2.1 SIGNALS
It is recommended that the RPC2A be assigned to a byte wide bi-directional I/O port on the host
processor. The port must be such that the 4 data lines can be direction controlled without affecting the 4
handshake line.
pin
name
pin
number
pin
function
TXR
6
TX Request
I/P
TXA
7
TX Accept
O/P
RXR
8
RX Request
O/P
RXA
9
RX Accept
I/P
Data transfer request from RPC2A to
HOST
Data accept handshake back to RPC2A
D0
D1
D2
D3
2
3
4
5
Data 0
Data 1
Data 2
Data 3
Bi-dir
Bi-dir
Bi-dir
Bi-dir
4 bit bi-directional data bus. Tri-state
between packet transfers, Driven on
receipt for Accept signal until packet
transfer is complete.
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
I/O
description
Data transfer request from HOST to
RPC2A
Data accept handshake back to HOST
notes: 1. The 4 Handshake lines are active low
2. The 4 Data lines true data
3. Logic levels are 5V CMOS, see electrical specifications
4. Input pins have a weak pull-up internally
RESET
The Reset signal, may either be driven by the host (recommended) or pulled up to Vcc via a
suitable resistor (10kΩ). A reset aborts any transfers in progress and restarts the Packet
Controller.
HOST DRIVEN RESET
Minimum low time: 1.0 µs, after reset is released (returned high). The host should allow a delay
1ms after reset for the RPC2A to initialise itself
During this delay the host must hold TXR high (unless DIAGNOSTIC MODES are required) and
RXR signal should be ignored.
RPC2-433-64
D0
D1
D2
D3
Host
Processor
BiM2A-433-64
Transceiver
RESET
figure 5: Host to RPC2A connection
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
page 5
2.2 HOST TO RPC2A DATA TRANSFER
Data is transferred between the RPC2A and the HOST 4 bits (nibbles) at a time using a fully
asynchronous protocol. The nibbles are always sent in pairs to form a byte, the Least Significant Nibble
(bits 0 to 3) is transferred first, followed by the Most Significant Nibble (bits 4 to 7). Two pairs of
handshake lines, REQUEST & ACCEPT, control the flow of data in each direction:TX Request & TX Accept:
RX Request & RX Accept:
control the flow from the HOST to the RPC2A (download)
control the flow from the RPC2A to the HOST (upload)
A packet transferred between host and RPC2A consists of between 1 and 28 bytes, the first byte of the
packet is always the control byte.
There are two classes of HOST ↔ RPC2A transfers:
1. Data Packets:
2. Memory Access:
0
0
To the transmitter or from the receiver
To or from the RPC2A's memory
0 Byte Count (1-27)
Packet To Transmit
RPC2A
RPC2A
Received Packet
rd
3 data byte
nd
2 data byte
st
1 data byte
control byte
0
0 Byte Count (1-27)
0
7
6
5
0
5 bits
figure 6: RPC2A ↔ Host data transfer
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
page 6
2.1.1 WRITE A BYTE TO RPC2A
The sequence for a byte transfer from the Host to the RPC2A (i.e. TX download) is asynchronous and
proceeds as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
HOST asserts TX Request line low to initiate transfer
Wait for RPC2A to pull TX Accept low (i.e. request is accepted)
Set data lines to output and place LS nibble on the data lines
Negate TX Request (set to 1) to tell RPC2A that data is present.
Wait for RPC2A to negate TX Accept (i.e. data has been accepted)
Repeat steps 1-5 with MS nibble.
figure 7: TX download timing diagram
Notes:
• The data bus must not be set to output until step 3. i.e. after the RPC2A has accepted the request.
The bus may be left as an output until the entire packet has been transferred to the RPC2A, it
should then be set back to input (default state).
• The RPC2A's normal response time to the initial TX Request may be up to 1ms, thereafter, for the
duration of the packet, the response will be fast.
• The RPC2A will ignore a TX Request from the Host while it is receiving a packet from the radio. If
the incoming packet fails it's error check the RPC2A will respond to the TX Request as normal, i.e.
the TX Accept from the RPC2A will be delayed until the incoming packet has finished. If a valid
packet is received this must be uploaded to the Host before the RPC2A can respond to the Host’s TX
Request. Thus an RX Request will be signalled to the Host and not the expected TX Accept and the
Host must upload the incoming packet before the TX packet can be downloaded. The TX Request
should be left asserted (low) during the upload. The RPC2A will respond as normal after the upload
is completed.
• For the above reason it is often easier to use RX Request to trigger a HOST interrupt and upload the
RPC2A to the HOST under interrupt control.
• See Appendix B and C. for example RPC2A driver subroutines.
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
page 7
2.1.2 READ A BYTE FROM THE RPC2A
The sequence for a byte transfer from the RPC2A to the HOST (i.e. RX upload) is asynchronous and
proceeds as follows :1.
2.
3.
4.
RPC2A will assert RX Request line low to initiate transfer
Host pulls RX Accept low (i.e. request is accepted by the host)
RPC2A will turn on it's bus drivers, place LS nibble onto data lines
and negate RX Request (set to 1)
Host reads the data and negates RX Accept (i.e. data has been accepted)
Repeat steps 1-4 with MS nibble.
figure 8: RX upload timing diagram
Notes:
• The RPC2A will turn off it's data bus drivers after the entire packet has been uploaded to the HOST.
• See Appendix B and C. for example RPC2A driver subroutines.
2.2 HOST <> RPC2A PACKET FORMAT
2.2.1 THE CONTROL BYTE
The first byte of a RPC2A <> HOST packet transfer is always the CONTROL BYTE. This byte is used to
control the transfer and contains information about the type of packet, number of bytes to be
transferred, memory address, read/write bit etc. Bit 7 of the control byte is the Packet Type flag, PT, it
determines the class of transfer and the interpretation of the other bits in the control byte.
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
page 8
2.2.2 SENDING AND RECEIVING DATA PACKETS
Data packets are sent to / received from remote RPC2A’s. They begin with a control byte with bit 7
cleared and may be of variable length and contain up to 27 bytes of user determined data.
figure 9: Control byte for data packet
The remainder of the bytes in the data packet are of the users determination.
The packet would usually be made up of a number of fields consisting of some
but not necessarily all of the following :Source address / ID
Destination address / ID
System ID
Packet count
Encryption / Scrambler control
Additional error check codes ( The RPC2A performs it's own error checks)
Routing information ( for repeaters)
Link control codes (connect/disconnect/ACK/NAK etc.)
Data field
2.2.3 RPC2A MEMORY ACCESS
The RPC2A’s EEPROM memory can be accessed by setting bit 7 in the control byte. Bit 6 (R/W flag)
defines a memory read or write. The bits left define the address.
Read from memory
1
Address (6 bit)
0
7
Write to memory
Control Byte
Data Byte
0
6
Control Byte
RPC2A
RPC2A
Data byte
17
Address (6 bit)0
0
7
6
0
figure 10: RPC2A memory access
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
page 9
RPC2A Memory READS:
Host issues just the control byte, with bit 6 (W/R) cleared, bit 7 (PT) set and the memory address. The
RPC2A will respond with 2 bytes, the first is a control byte which is an echo of the control byte just
issued by the host, this is useful if the host is using an interrupt handler. The 2nd byte is the memory
contents.
RPC2A Memory WRITES:
Host issues 2 bytes, the first is the control byte with bit 6 (W/R) set, bit 7 (PT) set and the memory
address. The 2nd byte is the data to be written. The RPC2A does not give a response to memory writes.
figure 11: Control byte for memory access
Notes Memory writes to locations 01 to 3F, write to the non-volatile EEPROM in the RPC2A. The
EEPROM has a limit of 100,000 write cycles therefor it's use must be restricted to infrequently
changed data. The RPC2A only writes to the EEPROM when instructed to by the HOST. Each
byte takes 10ms to write. To prevent accidental/spurious writes to EEPROM the host must set
the WE bit in SWITCHES prior to EACH byte to be written. We recommend that the host
performs a read/verify after each byte write to EEPROM.
The above does not apply to any memory reads nor to writes to SWITCHES (address 00h).
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
page 10
3.0 RPC2A’S SWITCHES
SWITCHES is memory location 00h in RAM, it contains 8 flags which are used to determine the RPC2A's
operation. On RPC2A reset, power-up or watchdog Time-Out it is loaded from location 08h (in
EEPROM). The default value is 00 hex - this is all functions deselected.
figure 12: Switches
3.1 PS0 & PS1 - POWER SAVING
The RPC2A has 4 levels of power saving selected by PS0 & PS1 in SWITCHES. Power saving is
achieved by shutting down the Transceiver and the RPC2A for a period of time (OFF-TIME) when the
RPC2A is in the Idle state (i.e. nothing happening). During the OFF period current is reduced to the
device leakage of <50 µA typ. The RPC2A will still respond immediately to a Host TX Request but
cannot receive radio signals. After the programmed OFF-TIME the RPC2A will wake itself up, turn the
receiver on and listen for valid preamble. ON time = PWR->RX (EEPROM address 05h) + 1ms = 4ms
(using RPC2A Default values) If preamble is found the RPC2A will stay ON and decode the packet, if
not
the RPC2A will shut down for another OFF time period.
Also see - WAKE-UP (address 02h of EEPROM) and paragraph 2.2.2 .
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
page 11
PS1
0
0
1
1
PS0
0
1
0
1
CONTINUOUS
POWER SAVE
SLEEP
OFF
20mA (no power saving)
programmable sleeptime *
< 100µA (fixed off time of 2.9s)
< 50µA Transceiver is off ( reset or TXR to wake-up)
* Sleeptime programmable in EEPROM address 03h.
value
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
off -time
22ms
45ms
90ms
181ms
362ms
725ms
1.45s
2.9s
Average current
2.95 mA
1.60 mA
0.85 mA
0.46 mA
0.26 mA
0.16 mA
0.10 mA
0.08 mA
The supply current's quoted above are typical for a BiM2A + RPC using the
EEPROM default
values.
3.2 HTO & RTO - INTERFACE TIME-OUT
Both the Host and the Radio interfaces can 'hang' the RPC2A while it
waits for an external event. Under error conditions the RPC2A will reset
itself if the appropriate HTO or RTO switch is set.
RTO RADIO TIME OUT.
0
no time out
1
Time-Out and reset if > 2.9s of plain preamble detected. (note. valid extended
preamble used for wake-ups will not cause a Time-Out to be detected)
HTO HOST TIME OUT
0
no time out
1
Time-Out and reset if Host fails to reply to any request or handshake
within 2.9s
3.3 WE - EEPROM WRITE ENABLE
This bit protects the EEPROM from accidental writes, it must be set to 1 prior to each byte write to the
EEPROM (addresses 01h to 3Fh). This bit will be cleared by the RPC2A after each byte write.
3.4 ST - SELF TEST FLAG
Writing a 1 to this switch will initiate a radio self test. Both the transmitter and receiver are enabled,
data is feed to the TX and checked for correct recover from the RX. If the test is good, the ST bit will set,
if the test fails the ST bit will not set. The self test takes 20ms to complete.
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
page 12
3.5 LBT & DBT - COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Listen Before Transmit, LBT, and Delay Before Transmit, DBT determine what collision avoidance the
RPC2A will take before each transmission.
LBT
0
0
DBT
0
1
1
0
1
1
Function
Immediate TX, no channel check
Fixed delay TX, no channel check (time slots)
This is useful for rapid polling of up to 255 units by a master station.
SLOTS is set to the units ID number, the packet size, preamble length
and change over delay must be the same for all units being polled.
see - EEPROM parameters
Immediate TX, if channel is clear
The receiver is turned on and the channel checked for preamble or data.
The RPC2A will only go to transmit when the channel is clear.
Random delay TX, if channel is clear
This mode is useful in random access networks where there is a high
statistical probability that more than 2 RPC2As could be attempting to
transmit at the same time. The receiver is turned on and the channel is
checked for preamble or data. If the channel is clear the RPC2A will go to
transmit, if the channel is busy the RPC2A will delay by a random time
(setable by TX-BACK-OFF in EEPROM) then try again for a clear
channel.
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
page 13
4.0 USER CONFIGURABLE PARAMETERS IN EEPROM
The EEPROM has address range 01h - 3Fh (63 Bytes)
The first 15 BYTES (8 are defined) contain parameters used to control
the RPC2A.
figure 13: RPC2A’s EEPROM memory
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
page 14
PREAMBLE
address
default
formula
valid range
WAKE-UP
address
default
formula
valid range
SLEEP-TIME
Number of "01" preamble cycles on TX packets
One '01' cycle takes 31.2µs @ 64kbit/s
01
A0
Preamble time = PREAMBLE * 0.0312 ms
01 to FF
Number of units of 'WAKE-UP PREAMBLE + PLEASE HOLD LINE'
To be sent as extended preamble to wake-up a remote RPC2A in power
save mode. WAKE-UP should be set to approx. 1.5 times the remote
units OFF Time
02
FF
Wake-up message = WAKE-UP * 13.1 ms
01 to FF
address
default
formula
valid range
Power Save 'Off' Time (RC controlled)
The OFF time is controlled by an RC oscillator in the RPC2A which has
a wide tolerance of +/- 30%
03
05
Off-time = 22 * 2SLEEP-TIME ms
00 to 07
TX ↔ RX
address
default
formula
valid range
TX ↔ RX change over delay in units of 100µs
04
1E
Delay = TX ↔ RX * 0.1 ms
01 to FF
PWR → RX
address:
default:
formula:
valid range:
RX stabilisation delay in units of 100µs
05
1E
Delay = PWR → RX * 0.1 ms
01 to FF
TX-BACK-OFF
Maximum TX Back-off delay in units of 1ms
Used when LBT=1 & DBT=1
06
03
maximum delay = (2 TX-BACK-OFF - 1) ms
00 to 07
04= 0 - 31 ms
00 = 0 - 1 ms
05 = 0 - 63 ms
01 = 0 - 3 ms
06 = 0 - 127 ms
02 = 0 - 7 ms
07 = 0 - 255 ms
03 = 0 - 15 ms
address
default
formula
valid range
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
page 15
TX-SLOT
address
default
formula
0 - 255 slot number for delayed (polled) TX
Delayed TX in packet units, used when LBT=0 & DBT=1
07
01
delay = TX-Slot * (Preamble*0.05 + Tpacket + 3*TX ↔ RX + 0.5) ms
where Tpacket = Number of bytes in packet * 0.30 ms
valid range
00 to FF
RESET STATE
RESET STATE OF SWITCHES
The contents of this address are copied into SWITCHES on RPC2A reset,
power-up or watchdog Time-Out
08
00
address
default
Address 09 to 0F are reserved for future and should not be used by the HOST
EEPROM Addresses 10 TO 3F (48 BYTES) are free for HOST use as general storage.
5.0 DIAGNOSTIC / DEBUG TEST MODES
These special test modes are useful for system testing and debugging
To select these modes the RPC2A should be released from reset with the TXR line held low, normal
RPC2A operation will resume when the TXR is set high, i.e. TXR should be held while in these test
modes.
figure 14: diagnostic mode selection timing diagram
note: For normal operation of the RPC2A the TXR line must be held high for either 1ms
reset pulse or 100ms after a power up.
after a
There are 9 test modes which are selected by a binary code applied to the RPC2A's data bus. A 4 bit DIL
switch or rotary HEX switch connected between the data bus and 0V will select the modes (the RPC2A
has weak internal pull-up's). Alternatively the HOST may select the test modes by holding TXR low,
resetting the RPC2A and driving the required test mode code onto the data bus.
note: The RPC2A continuously monitors the mode selected i.e.. a reset is not required on mode
changes.
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
page 16
In some modes the RXR output from the RPC2A is driven low to indicate 'pass' or 'OK'. An LED + 1kΩ
from RXR to 5V is recommended.
Mode
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Name
RX-ON
RX-PULSE
TX-ON-PRE
TX-ON-SQ
TX-ON-255
TX-PULSE
ECHO
RADAR
SELF-TEST
Function
PREAMBLE DETECTOR ON (RXR RED LED = preamble detected)
10ms ON : 10ms OFF, PREAMBLE DETECTOR ON RXR LED
Preamble Modulation - send continuous preamble
100Hz SQUARE WAVE MOD - TX testing on spec. Analyser
random 64kbit/s data for EYE DIAGRAM tests, sync's on RXR
10ms ON : 10ms OFF, PREAMBLE BURSTS, RX lock in tests
TRANSPONDER MODE, re-transmit any valid packets received
Send ASCII TEST PACKET "RADIOMETRIX" and listen for echo
Loop test, TX > RX (OK on RXR)
Modes 6 & 7 are particularly useful for software debugging and range testing.
+5V
+5V
OK
D0
D1
D2
D3
RPC2A
TXA
1k Ω
Mode
Select
Switches
TXR
Reset
RXA
0V
RXR
figure 15: stand-alone diagnostic mode
D3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
D2
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
D1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
D0
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
Mode
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
page 17
APPENDIX - A
A Detailed look at the RPC2A's transceiver interface
The RPC2A interfaces to the transceiver using 4 lines :TX
TXD
RX
RXD
output
output
output
input
Active low enable for the transmitter.
Serial data to be sent.
Active low enable for the receiver.
Received serial data.
Note: 1 All lines are 5V CMOS levels
2 There is no requirement for a carrier/signal detect signal from the transceiver nor for the RXD
output to be muted when no signal is present.
The enable lines - TX & RX
These normally high, active low lines are used to control the transceiver. The RPC2A is a half-duplex
controller thus in normal operation the transceiver is either transmitting or receiving or off. The RPC2A
only enables the TX and the RX at the same time during self test (local loop back).
Transmit Data - TXD
TXD is the serial data to the transmitter, it is held low when the transmitter is not enabled. When the
TX is enabled a synchronous 64kbit/s (15.6µs/bit) serial code is present to modulate the transmitter.
Receive Data - RXD
RXD is a hi-impedance input which is fed with a 'squared-up' (5V logic level) signal from the receivers'
data slicer. The RPC2A contains a very selective, noise immune signal detector and therefor does not
require that the RXD signal be muted in the absence of signal, i.e.. squared-up channel noise may be fed
to the RPC2A when no signal is present.
The RPC2A's Packet Encoder
The packet is made-up of 4 parts:
Preamble
This is a simple 32kHz square wave, the number of cycles being programmed by address 01h of the
EEPROM. The preamble has two functions, the initial portion it is used to allow the data slicer in a
remote receiver to establish the correct slicing point (for the A-433-64-S this takes a minimum of 3ms),
after the receiver has settled, the remaining portion is used by the receiving RPC2A to positively
identify and phase lock onto the incoming the signal (this requires 15 cycles of preamble). The preamble
may extended to wake-up a remote RPC2A in power saving mode.
Frame sync
A 7 bit Barker sequence is used to identify the start of the data. Alternatively if the transmitter is
sending extended preamble (to wake a power saving remote RPC2A) a complimented 7 bit Barker
sequence is sent every 256 preamble cycles as a 'Please Hold The Line' code. An 8th balancing bit is
added after the Barker sequence.
Data
Each byte in the RPC2A's buffer is expanded into a 12 bit symbol prior to sending. The symbol coding
has the following properties :• Perfect 50:50 balance, i.e.. always 6 one's & 6 zero's
• There are never more than 4 consecutive one's or zero's. This minimises the low frequency
components in the code and allows fast settling times to be used for the receivers' data slicer.
• Minimum Hamming distance = 2, i.e.. each code is different from any other code by a minimum of 2
bits, thus all odd number of bit errors will always be detected.
• In general only 256 of 4096 (6.25%) possible codes are valid, i.e.. a 93.75 % probability of trapping a
byte error.
• Preamble and the Frame sync codes are not part of the symbol alphabet, a 'clash' signal will cause
immediate termination of the current decode followed by an attempt to lock to the new signal.
Check Sum
Since the receiver checks each symbol for integrity, a simple 8 bit check sum is used to test for overall
packet integrity. This is also coded into a 12 bit symbol prior to transmission.
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
page 18
The RPC2A's Packet Decoder
Signal Decoding is in 4 stages :Search
Initially the RPC2A's decoder searches the radio noise on the RXD line for the 32kHz preamble signal.
The search is performed by a 16 times over-sampling detector which computes the spectral level of
32kHz in 240 samples of the RXD signal (750µs window).If the level exceeds a pre-set threshold the
decoder will attempt to decode a packet.
Lock-in
The same set of 240 samples are used to compute the phase of the incoming preamble and synchronise
the internal recovery clock to an accuracy of +/- 2µs. The recovery clock samples the mid point of each
incoming data bit and shifts the samples trough an 8 bit serial comparator. The comparator searches
the data on a bit by bit basis for the frame sync byte. While the search is in progress, the decode will
abort if the preamble fails to maintain a certain level of integrity. If the comparator finds the 'please
hold the line' code used during extended wake-up preamble a phase re-lock is triggered to ensure
accurate phase tracking until the actual packet arrives. When the frame sync is detected the decoder
attains full synchronisation and will move to the Decode state.
Decode
Data is now taken in 12 bits at a time (one symbol), decoded into the original byte and placed in the
receive buffer. The symbol decoder verifies each received symbol as valid (only 256 out of a possible
4096 are valid) and will immediately abort the decode on a symbol failure. The first byte contains the
byte count and is used to determine the end of message.
Check Sum
The last byte is the received check sum, this is verified against a locally generated sum of all the
received bytes in the packet. If it matches the packet is valid and RXR line will be pulled low to inform
the Host that a packet awaits uploading.
Notes on error handling
The RPC2A’s' decoder is deliberately non bit error tolerant, i.e.. no attempt is made to repair corrupt
data bits. All of the redundancy in the code is directed towards error checking. For an FM radio link
using short packet lengths, e.g. RPC2A + BiM , packets are either 100% or so grossly corrupt as to be
unrecoverable. By the same reasoning, the Host is not informed when the RPC2A decoder aborts a
packet decode since corrupt information is of little value. A packet acknowledge Time-Out and retransmission is the preferred strategy for error handling.
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
page 19
APPENDIX - B
Example RPC2A driver subroutines for Arizona PIC16C73
D3
PB7
D2
PB6
D1
PB5
D0
PB4
RPC2A
HOST
PIC
TXA
PB3
TXR
PB2
RXA
PB1
RXR
PB0 / IRQ
figure 16: RPC2A to PIC -µC interface
Packet transfers to / from the RPC2A are best handled in the host by two subroutines :- OUT_BYTE &
IN_BYTE
Additionally LISTEN_BUS is called on completion of a packet transfer to the RPC2A to return the data
bus to inputs (default state).
;--------------------------------------------------------------------;
;
;
RPC2A DRIVERS
;
;
;-------------------------------------------------------------------;
;
HOST PROCESSOR PIC16C73 or similar
;
RPC2A EQU
06
;USE PORT B ON PIC
;
;
** Bit assignments for RPC2A PORT **
;
D7
EQU
7
;Bi-Dir
D6
EQU
6
;Bi-Dir
D5
EQU
5
;Bi-Dir
D4
EQU
4
;Bi-Dir
TXA
EQU
3
;INPUT
TXR
EQU
2
;OUTPUT
RXA
EQU
1
;OUTPUT
RXR
EQU
0
;INPUT ON RB0, CAN BE CONFIGURED AS AN INTERRUPT
;
RPC2A_DDR 86
;Data direction register for port B (RPC2A)
;
;This register is in BANK 1 of the register file
;
;-------------------------------------------------------------------;
W
EQU
0
;Accumulator as Destination
F
EQU
1
;Register File as Destination
INDF EQU
00
;INDirect File register
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
page 20
;SUBROUTINE
;
;IN_BYTE
;
;
;
;
;
;
:
;
;
IN_BYTE
IN_BYTE
READ A BYTE FROM THE RPC2A INTO FILE POINTED TO BY FSR
W IS DESTROYED
NOTE
THIS ROUTINE WILL HANG THE HOST UNTIL THE HOST
COMPLETES THE TRANSFER OF TWO NIBBLES
THIS SUBROUTINE CAN BE CONFIGURES TO RUN AS PART OF
ANINTERRUPT HANDLER IF THE :RXR LINE FROM THE RPC2A
IS USED TO TRIGGER A HOST INTERRUPT
BTFSC RPC2A,RXR
GOTO IN-BYTE
;
;
;
READ THE LS NIBBLE FROM THE RPC2A
BCF
;
AWAITDATA
;WE GOT A RX REQUEST YET?
;NO , SO LOOP BACK AND WAIT
RPC2A,RXA
;ACCEPT THE REQUEST (SET ACCEPT LOW)
BTFSS RPC2A,RXR
GOTO AWAITDATA
;HAS REQUEST GONE UP? data is present
;LOOP BACK TILL IT DOES
NOP
;TIME DELAY TO ENSURE DATA STABLE
;BEFORE READ
;
;
;
MOVF RPC2A,W
;READ THE LS NIBBLE FROM THE BUS
BSF
RPC2A,RXA
;TELL RPC2A WE GOT NIBBLE (ACCEPT = 1)
ANDLW B'11110000' ;JUST THE DATA
;
MOVWF INDF
;
SWAPF INDF
;
;
;
;
INNIBBLE
;SAVE LS NIBBLE IN TARGET FILE (VIA
;FSR)
;RIGHT JUSTIFY LS NIBBLE
NOW GET MS NIBBLE FROM THE RPC2A
BTFSC RPC2A,RXR
GOTO INNIBBLE
;WE GOT NEXT RX REQUEST YET ?
;NO , SO LOOP BACK AND WAIT
BCF
;ACCEPT REQUEST (SET ACCEPT LOW)
;
;
AWAITD1
RPC2A,RXA
BTFSS RPC2A,RXR
GOTO AWAITD1
;HAS REQUEST GONE UP? data is present
;LOOP BACK TILL IT DOES
NOP
;TIME DELAY TO ENSURE DATA STABLE
;BEFORE READ
;
;
;
MOVF RPC2A,W
;READ THE MS NIBBLE FROM THE BUS
BSF
RPC2A,RXA
;TELL RPC2A WE GOT NIBBLE (ACCEPT=1)
ANDLW B'11110000' ;JUST THE DATA
;
IORWF INDF
;COMBINE MS NIBBLE WITH LS NIBBLE
;ALREADY
;IN THE FILE (VIA FSR)RETURN
;
;
; A BYTE HAS BEEN READ FROM THE RPC2A INTO ADDRESS POINTED AT BY FSR
;
;-------------------------------------------------------------------;
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
page 21
;SUBROUTINE
;OUT_BYTE
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
OUT_BYTE
;
;
WACCEPT
OUT_BYTE
WRITE A BYTE FROM FILE POINTED TO BY FSR TO RPC2A
W IS DESTROYED
NOTE
THIS ROUTINE WILL HANG THE HOST UNTIL THE RPC2A
ACCEPTS THE TRANSFER OF TWO NIBBLES
WARNING
OUT_BYTE WILL SET THE DATA BUS TO DRIVE AFTER ;
DETECTING A TXA FROM THE RPC2A.
THE CALLING ROUTINE MUST SET 4 DATA LINES
BACK TO I/P ON COMPLETION OF PACKET TRANSFER ;
(i.e. call LISTENBUS)
SWAPF INDF,W
;GET LS NIBBLE FROM FILE (VIA FSR) INTO
;BITS 4 to 7 of W
ANDLW B'11110000' ;JUST THE NIBBLE
IORLW B'00000010' ;SET TXR LOW, LEAVE RXA HIGH
MOVWF RPC2A
;SET TXR LOW, OUTPUT NIBBLE
BTFSC RPC2A,TXA
GOTO WACCEPT
;WE GOT A TX ACCEPT BACK YET?
;NO, SO LOOP BACK AND WAIT
;
;WE GOT ACCEPTANCE SO IT'S OK TO DRIVE BUS
;
BSF
STATUS,RP0 ;SELECT PAGE 1
MOVLW B'00001001' ;DRIVE BUS
MOVWF RPC2A_DDR
BCF
STATUS,RP0 ;SELECT PAGE 0 BUS IS NOW DRIVING
;
BSF
RPC2A,TXR
;REMOVE REQUEST, DATA IS ON BUS
WDUN
BTFSS RPC2A,TXA
;HAS DATA BEEN READ?
GOTO WDUN
;WAIT TILL RPC2A REMOVES ACCEPT
;
;LS NIBBLE OF (FSR) IS SENT , NOW DO MS NIBBLE
;
MOVF INDF,W
;GET MS NIBBLE FROM FILE (VIA FSR)
;
ANDLW B'11110000' ;JUST THE MS NIBBLE
IORLW B'00000010' ;SET TXR LOW (BIT 2), RXA STAYS HIGH
MOVWF RPC2A
;OUTPUT NIBBLE + TXR LOW
;
WACCEPT1
BTFSC RPC2A,TXA
;WE GOT A TX ACCEPT BACK YET?
GOTO WACCEPT1
;NO, SO LOOP BACK AND WAIT
;
BSF
RPC2A,TXR
;REMOVE REQUEST, DATA IS ON BUS
;
WDUN1
BTFSS RPC2A,TXA
;HAS DATA BEEN READ?
GOTO WDUN1
;WAIT TILL RPC2A REMOVES ACCEPT
;
RETURN
;
;
BYTE IS SENT TO RPC2A
;-------------------------------------------------------------------; SUBROUTINE - LISTEN_BUS , SET DATA BUS TO INPUT
;
LISTEN_BUS BSF STATUS,RP0
;SELECT PAGE 1
MOVLW B'11111001' ;BUS TO INPUT
MOVWF RPC2A_DDR
BCF
STATUS,RP0 ;SELECT PAGE 0
RETURN
;
BUS IS LISTENING TO RPC2A
;--------------------------------------------------------------------
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
page 22
APPENDIX - C
Example RPC2A driver subroutines for Motorola 68HC11
D0
PC3
D1
PC2
D2
PC1
D3
PC0
RPC2A
TXA
PC7
TXR
PC6
RXA
PC5
RXR
PC4
HOST
HC11
IRQ
figure 17: RPC2A to HC11 µ-C interface
Packet transfers to / from the RPC2A are best handled in the host by two subroutines :- OUT_BYTE &
IN_BYTE
Additionally LISTEN_BUS is called on completion of a packet transfer to the RPC2A to return the data
bus to inputs (default state).
*********************************************************************
*
* CPU REGISTER EQUATIONS
*********************************************************************
*
*This section contains a few of the necessary register equations used
*in the example subroutines.
PORTC
EQU
$1003
;ADDRESS OF RPC2A PORT
DDRC
EQU
$1007
;DATA DIRECTION REGISTER PORT-C
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Port-C7
Port-C6
Port-C5
Port-C4
Port-C3
Port-C2
Port-C1
Port-C0
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
RX-accept
RX-request
TX-accept
TX-request
RPC2A data
RPC2A data
RPC2A data
RPC2A data
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
*
OUTPUT
INPUT
INPUT
OUTPUT
bit-3
bit-2
bit-1
bit-0
page 23
**********************************************************************
* RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY
*********************************************************************
ORG
RAM
;RAM AREA DEFINITION
SAVE_1
SAVE_X
RMB
RMB
1
2
*
;TEMPORARILY SAVE LOCATION 1
;HOLDS FILES POINTER FOR IN_BYTE
**********************************************************************
* SUBROUTINE: IN_BYTE
*********************************************************************
*
*This subroutine is designed to be called by an interrupt handler to
*read a byte from the RPC2A into a file pointed at by X
*
*Note: The interrupt handler should load the X register with the file address
before calling this subroutine.
IN_BYTE
WAIT_RQ
IN_LP
WAIT_RQ1
DAT_IN
WAIT_RQ2
IN_LP2
WAIT_RQ3
DAT_IN2
READ_END
CLR
LDAB
STAB
LDAB
BITB
BNE
LDAB
ANDB
STAB
LDAB
BITB
BEQ
LDAA
ANDA
LDAB
ORAB
STAB
STAA
LDAB
BITB
BNE
LDAB
ANDB
STAB
LDAB
BITB
BEQ
LDAA
ANDA
ASLA
ASLA
ASLA
ASLA
LDAB
ORAB
STAB
ORAA
STAA
STAA
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
SAVE_1
#%10010000
DDRC
PORTC
#%01000000
WAIT_RQ
PORTC
#%01111111
PORTC
PORTC
#%01000000
WAIT_RQ1
PORTC
#%00001111
PORTC
#%10000000
PORTC
SAVE_1
PORTC
#%01000000
WAIT_RQ2
PORTC
#%01111111
PORTC
PORTC
#%01000000
WAIT_RQ3
PORTC
#%00001111
;CLEAR TEMPORARILY MEMORY LOCATION
;SET CORRECT DATA DIRECTION i/p
PORTC
#%10000000
PORTC
SAVE_1
SAVE_1
0,X
;FORCE ACCEPT HIGH
;WAIT FOR RX-REQUEST TO GO LOW
;
;FORCE RX-ACCEPT TO GO LOW
;WAIT FOR RX-REQUEST TO GO HIGH
;READ IN DATA
;FORCE ACCEPT HIGH
;SAVE NIBBLE TO TEMP LOCATION
;WAIT FOR RX-REQUEST TO GO LOW
;FORCE RX-ACCEPT TO GO LOW
;WAIT FOR RX-REQUEST TO GO HIGH
;READ IN DATA
;PUT NIBBLES TOGETHER IN TEMP LOCATION
;SAVE DATA TO POINTER ADDRESS
page 24
**********************************************************************
* SUBROUTINE: OUT_BYTE
**********************************************************************
*This subroutine will output of one byte to the RPC2A. Register X
*should contain the address of the memory location of the byte to be *send.
*Note: that register X has to be pre-loaded before entering this *
subroutine.
OUT_BYTE
WAIT_ACC
WAIT_REQ
WAIT_TXA1
WAIT_TXR1
LDAA
ANDA
LDAB
ANDB
STAB
LDAB
BITB
BNE
LDAB
STAB
ORAA
STAA
LDAB
ORAB
STAB
LDAB
BITB
BEQ
LDAA
LSRA
LSRA
LSRA
LSRA
LDAB
ANDB
STAB
LDAB
BITB
BNE
ORAA
STAA
LDAB
ORAB
STAB
LDAB
BITB
BEQ
RTS
0,X
#%00001111
PORTC
#%11101111
PORTC
PORTC
#%00100000
WAIT_ACC
#%10011111
DDRC
#%10000000
PORTC
PORTC
#%00010000
PORTC
PORTC
#%00100000
WAIT_REQ
0,X
PORTC
#%11101111
PORTC
PORTC
#%00100000
WAIT_TXA1
#%10000000
PORTC
PORTC
#%00010000
PORTC
PORTC
#%00100000
WAIT_TXR1
;GET THE BYTE TO SEND TO RPC2A
;PREPARE LEAST SIGNIFICANT NIBBLE
;FORCE TX-REQUEST LOW
;WAIT FOR TX ACCEPT TO GO LOW
;CHANGE DATA DDRC TO OUTPUT
;TURN BUS DRIVE ON
;MAKE SURE RXA IS HIGH
;OUTPUT DATA
;FORCE TX-REQUEST HIGH
;WAIT FOR TX_ACCEPT TO GO HIGH
;PREPARE MOST SIGNIFICANT NIBBLE
;BY SWAPPING THE LS- & MS-NIBBLE
;FORCE TX-REQUEST LOW
;WAIT FOR TX-ACCEPT TO GO LOW
;OUTPUT DATA
;FORCE TX-REQUEST HIGH
;WAIT FOR TX_ACCEPT TO GO HIGH
**********************************************************************
* SUBROUTINE: LISTEN TO BUS
*********************************************************************
*
*This will turn the RPC2A host to listen mode again and should
*be called when the whole packet has been sent to the RPC2A
*
LISTEN_BUS LDAA #%10010000 ;PUT PORT BACK TO LISTEN
STAA DDRC
RTS
*********************************************************************
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
page 25
APPENDIX - D
The RPC2A as a control IC
Clock frequency
All timings within the RPC2A (except sleep) are determined by the clock frequency. The standard
frequency is 16.38MHz and all timings unless explicitly stated otherwise, assume this clock frequency.
The data rate =
f clk
bit / s
256
( i.e. 64kbit/s for Fclk=16.38MHz)
Clock accuracy
The RPC2A uses synchronous data transmission and requires an accurate reference clock. In the worst
case , max. preamble and packet length, the allowable bit rate timing error between transmitter and
receiver is 0.2 bits in 1000 bits, i.e. +/-200ppm total or +/-100ppm at each end.
BIT TIME =
256
Hz
f xtal
i.e. 16.38MHz crystal = 31.2µs PER BIT
Accuracy, temp drifts MUST KEEP X-TAL +/- 100ppm of nominal
figure 18: RPC2A-000-SO & RPC2A-000-DIL outlines
Radiometrix Ltd, RPC2A
page 26
Radiometrix Ltd
Hartcran House
231 Kenton Lane
Harrow, Middlesex
HA3 8RP
ENGLAND
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8909 9595
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8909 2233
[email protected]
www.radiometrix.com
Copyright notice
This product data sheet is the original work and copyrighted property of Radiometrix Ltd.
Reproduction in whole or in part must give clear acknowledgement to the copyright owner.
Limitation of liability
The information furnished by Radiometrix Ltd is believed to be accurate and reliable. Radiometrix
Ltd reserves the right to make changes or improvements in the design, specification or manufacture of
its subassembly products without notice. Radiometrix Ltd does not assume any liability arising from
the application or use of any product or circuit described herein, nor for any infringements of patents
or other rights of third parties which may result from the use of its products. This data sheet neither
states nor implies warranty of any kind, including fitness for any particular application. These radio
devices may be subject to radio interference and may not function as intended if interference is
present. We do NOT recommend their use for life critical applications.
The Intrastat commodity code for all our modules is: 8542 6000.
R&TTE Directive
After 7 April 2001 the manufacturer can only place finished product on the market under the
provisions of the R&TTE Directive. Equipment within the scope of the R&TTE Directive may
demonstrate compliance to the essential requirements specified in Article 3 of the Directive, as
appropriate to the particular equipment.
Further details are available on The Office of Communications (Ofcom) web site:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/licensing/licensing_policy_manual/
Information Requests
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Tel: +44 (0)845 456 3000 or 020 7981 3040
Fax: +44 (0)20 7783 4033
[email protected]
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Tel. +45 33896300
Fax +45 33896330
[email protected]
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