SX1230-12SKA User`s Guide: Advanced Mode

User’s Guide
SX1230-12SKA
ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS & SENSING
SX1230-12SKA
User’s Guide: Advanced Mode
Revision 1 March 2009 © 2009 Semtech Corp.
www.semtech.com
1
User’s Guide
SX1230-12SKA
ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS & SENSING
Table of Contents
1
2
2.1
2.2
3
3.1
3.2
4
4.1
4.2
4.3
5
5.1
5.2
5.3
6
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.4.1
6.4.2
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
6.10
7
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.7
7.8
7.9
7.10
7.11
7.12
8
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10
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Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 4
Getting Started .............................................................................................................................................. 5
Kit Contents ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
Installation ....................................................................................................................................................... 5
Hardware Description ................................................................................................................................... 6
SX1230SKA Overview .................................................................................................................................... 6
SX1212SKA Overview .................................................................................................................................... 7
Quick Start Guide: MCU Mode ..................................................................................................................... 8
SX1212SKA Quick Start ................................................................................................................................. 8
SX1230SKA Quick Start ............................................................................................................................... 10
Link Test ........................................................................................................................................................ 13
Quick Start Guide: Stand Alone Mode ...................................................................................................... 14
SX1212SKA Configuration ............................................................................................................................ 14
SX1230SKA Configuration ............................................................................................................................ 14
Link Test ........................................................................................................................................................ 15
SX1230SKA Software Description ............................................................................................................. 16
Overview ....................................................................................................................................................... 16
File Menu....................................................................................................................................................... 16
Shortcut Buttons ............................................................................................................................................ 17
General Configuration Tabs .......................................................................................................................... 18
General [1].......................................................................................................................................................18
General [2].......................................................................................................................................................21
Register Hexadecimal Display ...................................................................................................................... 21
Overview Panel ............................................................................................................................................. 22
E2PROM Mode Tab....................................................................................................................................... 22
MCU Mode Tab ............................................................................................................................................. 25
The Mode Control Box .................................................................................................................................. 26
MCU / E2PROM Mode Selection ................................................................................................................... 26
SX1212SKA Software Description ............................................................................................................. 27
Overview ....................................................................................................................................................... 27
File Menu....................................................................................................................................................... 27
Shortcut Buttons ............................................................................................................................................ 28
McParam Tab ................................................................................................................................................ 29
Overview Panel ............................................................................................................................................. 31
Register Hexadecimal Display ...................................................................................................................... 31
The Mode Control Box .................................................................................................................................. 32
The IrqParam Tab ......................................................................................................................................... 32
The RxParam Tab ......................................................................................................................................... 33
The TxParam Tab ......................................................................................................................................... 34
The OscParam Tab ....................................................................................................................................... 35
The Packet Test Tab ..................................................................................................................................... 35
Schematics and 4-Layer PCB Layout: SX1230SKA ................................................................................. 37
Schematics and 2-Layer PCB Layout: SX1211/12SKA ............................................................................ 40
References ................................................................................................................................................... 42
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2
User’s Guide
SX1230-12SKA
ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS & SENSING
Table of Figures
Figure 1. SX1230 Stand Alone Operation with Companion E2PROM ...........................................................................4
Figure 2. SX1230 Connections for Microcontroller Based Operation ............................................................................4
Figure 3: SX1230-12SKA Contents (CR2032 Cell not Shown) .....................................................................................5
Figure 4: SX1230SKA, 868 and 915 MHz Band, Board Picture ....................................................................................6
Figure 5: SX1212SKA Board Picture .............................................................................................................................7
Figure 6. SX1212 User Interface, Default Settings ........................................................................................................8
Figure 7. The New SX1212 Configuration: Ready to be Written ...................................................................................9
Figure 8. The SX1212SKA User Interface whilst in Packet Receiver Mode ................................................................10
Figure 9. SX1230 User Interface, Default Settings ......................................................................................................11
Figure 10. The New SX1230 Configuration: Ready to be Written ...............................................................................12
Figure 11. SX1230 During MCU Mode Packet Transmission ......................................................................................13
Figure 12. Hardware for E2PROM (Stand Alone) Operation........................................................................................14
Figure 13: SX1230SKA GUI Overview and References to the User Guide Description of this Chapter. ....................16
Figure 14. Example Text Editor Output of the SX1230 Configuration File ..................................................................17
Figure 15. The General Configuration Tab Features the most Commonly Used Configuration Parameters ..............18
Figure 16. Second Page of the General Configuration Parameters ............................................................................21
Figure 17. Register Hexadecimal Display ....................................................................................................................21
Figure 18. The Configuration Overview Display ..........................................................................................................22
Figure 19. E2PROM Memory Mapping .........................................................................................................................22
Figure 20. The E2PROM Mode Tab ‘Normal View’ ......................................................................................................23
Figure 21. E2PROM Raw View.....................................................................................................................................24
Figure 22. E2PROM Raw View Short-cut Buttons........................................................................................................24
Figure 23. MCU Mode Tab Display ..............................................................................................................................25
Figure 24. The Control Box ..........................................................................................................................................26
Figure 25. SX1212SKA GUI Overview and References to the User Guide Description of this Chapter .....................27
Figure 26. Example Text Editor Output of the SX1212 Configuration File ..................................................................28
Figure 27. SX1212 Local Oscillator Generation ...........................................................................................................30
Figure 28. The Overview Panel....................................................................................................................................31
Figure 29. The Hexadecimal Register Display Summary ............................................................................................31
Figure 30. The Mode Control Box also Incorporates RSSI .........................................................................................32
Figure 31. The Interrupt Mapping Display ....................................................................................................................32
Figure 32. SX1212 Receiver Block Diagram, the Colours Correspond to the Frequency of Operation. .....................33
Figure 33. Receiver Parameter Display .......................................................................................................................33
Figure 34. SX1212 Simplified Transmitter Block Schematic Diagram .........................................................................34
Figure 35. The Transmitter Parameter Tab Display.....................................................................................................34
Figure 36. The Oscillator Parameter Display ...............................................................................................................35
Figure 37. The Packet Receiver / Transmitter Test Display ........................................................................................36
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3
User’s Guide
SX1230-12SKA
ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS & SENSING
1 Introduction
0B
The SX1230 is a single chip transmitter IC designed for operation in the licence free ISM bands between 290 and
1020 MHz. The SX1230 is capable of operation either with or without an external companion microcontroller and
features four internally de-bounced digital input pins to enable direct connection to switchgear for wireless remote
control applications. Examples of both types of applications are shown below:
Figure 1. SX1230 Stand Alone Operation with Companion E2PROM
Figure 2. SX1230 Connections for Microcontroller Based Operation
The SX1230 main features include:
¾ +17 dBm to -18 dBm Programmable output power
¾ 1.8 to 3.7V Operating range with internal voltage regulation allowing constant RF performance
¾ Narrow and wide-band operation
¾ (G)FSK, (G)MSK and both filtered and unfiltered OOK operation.
¾ Support of bit rates from 1.2 to 600 kbps.
¾ Low battery detection
¾ Integrated RC timer for timer / wake-up applications
¾ Low phase noise -95 dBc/Hz at 50 kHz offset.
¾ -40°C to +85°C Temperature Range
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User’s Guide
SX1230-12SKA
ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS & SENSING
2 Getting Started
1B
2.1 Kit Contents
10B
As illustrated in the figure below, the SX1230-12SKA Evaluation kit is composed of:
¾ SX1230SKA board
¾ SX1212SKA board
¾ SMA Connectorised Antenna for 434 MHz
¾ SX1230-12SKA CDROM including all necessary PC software and documentation
¾ A CR2032 Cell for operation of the SX1230SKA in stand alone mode, in conjunction with the companion
E2PROM.
Figure 3: SX1230-12SKA Contents (CR2032 Cell not Shown)
2.2 Installation
1B
The software for the SX1212SKA and SX1230SKA must each be installed individually. The installation process for
each is identical.
SX1212SKA Advanced Mode Software Installation
1- Put the CDROM in your computer and browse the contents of the CD.
2- Open the “sx1212starterkitsetupweb.exe” manually. It can be found in the \Installers sub directory of the
CD-ROM.
3- Follow installation guidelines until the process is completed. Please note that .NET Framework 2.0 and the
FTDI USB driver will be automatically installed if not detected on your computer.
4- Connect the SX1212SKA board to the PC via the USB interface.
5- Launch “SX1212SKA” from the Start menu.
6- Click on “Connect” button in toolbar or in File menu.
7- SX1212SKA is now installed and ready to be used.
SX1230SKA Advanced Mode Software Installation
8- Put the CDROM in your computer and browse the contents of the CD.
9- Open the “sx1230starterkitsetupweb.exe” manually. It can be found in the \Installers sub directory of the
CD-ROM.
10- Follow installation guidelines until the process is completed. Please note that .NET Framework 2.0 and the
FTDI USB driver will be automatically installed if not detected on your computer.
11- Connect the SX1230SKA board to the PC via the USB interface.
12- Launch “SX1230SKA” from the Start menu.
13- Click on “Connect” button in toolbar or in File menu.
14- SX1230SKA is now installed and ready to be used.
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User’s Guide
SX1230-12SKA
ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS & SENSING
3 Hardware Description
2B
SX1230SKA and SX1212SKA boards are summarised in this chapter. Please refer to the schematics and layout
provided in the document for further information about each hardware implementation.
3.1 SX1230SKA Overview
12B
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Figure 4: SX1230SKA, 868 and 915 MHz Band, Board Picture
The SX1230SKA is a USB based evaluation tool, which sees the SX1230 reference design (2) connected to a host
PC via an FTDI USB to SPI bridge (1) and USB type ‘A’ connection (7). The SX1230SKA can also operate with in
stand alone mode when battery powered. In this mode the initial configuration of the radio is downloaded from the
first 77 bytes of the companion E2PROM (5). In response to a user push button input (6) a specific payload may be
transmitted. The LED (3) corresponding to that button press illuminates to indicate transmission.
For operation in the 434 MHz band the RF link between SX1230SKA and SX1212SKA is established through a PCB
mounted helical antenna (4) to give a realistic impression of the range and other performances attainable in a
miniaturised application.
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User’s Guide
SX1230-12SKA
ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS & SENSING
3.2 SX1212SKA Overview
13B
The SX1212SKA features the SX1212 reference design (1) and is also interfaced via an FTDI bridge (6) to the USB
type ‘A’ interface (2) of a host PC. Unlike the SX1230SKA, it has no provision for operation disconnected form the
USB port. Indication of transmission and reception is indicated on a pair of LEDs (4). Connection to the separate
antenna is made through an SMA connector (3) which can also be useful for laboratory based testing.
2
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Figure 5: SX1212SKA Board Picture
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User’s Guide
SX1230-12SKA
ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS & SENSING
4 Quick Start Guide: MCU Mode
3B
With both SX1230SKA and SX1212SKA software installed, follow the sequence below to establish communication
between the SX1230 as transmitter and the SX1212 as receiver.
4.1 SX1212SKA Quick Start
14B
1. Plug the SX1212SKA into the USB port of the computer.
2. Run the SX1212 User Interface software Start > All Programs > SX1212SKA > SX1212SKA
3. The SX1212SKA should connect automatically to the User Interface
Software. If not, then click on the USB connect short-cut button, located in
the top left hand corner of the window.
4. Once connected the SX1212SKA shows the default configuration of the SX1212 register settings
upon power-up.
Figure 6. SX1212 User Interface, Default Settings
5. Once connected the SX1212SKA shows the default configuration of the SX1212 register settings
upon power-up (as shown in Figure 6).
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User’s Guide
SX1230-12SKA
ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS & SENSING
6. The settings for communication between SX1212SKA and SX1230 SKA are
located on the installation CD-ROM provided with the kit. Use the File > Open
from the menu bar, or the open short-cut button to load a configuration file.
7. Load the “434_SX1212_pingpong.cfg” file from the “SX1212 Demo Files” folder on the CD-ROM.
8. The display will then appear as shown in Figure 7. These are the link parameters which match
those which will be programmed to the SX1230SKA.
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Figure 7. The New SX1212 Configuration: Ready to be Written
9. By clicking on the write button in the ‘Registers config’ section, the
new register values are written to the SX1212 registers. If
successful, the red values in the hexadecimal register summary
table will turn black. As a double check, the register read button
may be pressed – the values presented on the user interface
should remain unchanged.
10. Click on the ‘Packet’ tab to access the packet testing portion of the program. Within this window a
pre-defined packet structure is already configured. It remains simply to click the ‘Reception’ radio
button and press the Start button. At this point the SX1212SKA enters packet receive mode and is
now listening for valid packets. At this juncture the SX1230SKA transmitter must be configured.
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User’s Guide
SX1230-12SKA
ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS & SENSING
Figure 8. The SX1212SKA User Interface whilst in Packet Receiver Mode
4.2 SX1230SKA Quick Start
15B
1. Plug the SX1230SKA into the USB port of the computer.
2. Run the SX1230 User Interface software Start > All Programs > SX1230SKA > SX1230SKA
3. The SX1230SKA should connect automatically to the User Interface
Software. If not, then click on the USB connect short-cut button, located in
the top left hand corner of the window.
4. Once connected the SX1230SKA shows the default configuration of the SX1230 register settings
upon power-up (see Figure 9).
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User’s Guide
SX1230-12SKA
ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS & SENSING
Figure 9. SX1230 User Interface, Default Settings
5. The settings for communication between SX1212SKA and SX1230SKA are
located on the installation CD-ROM provided with the kit. Use the File >
Open from the menu bar, or the open short-cut button to load a configuration
file.
6. Load the “434_SX1230_pingpong.cfg” file from the “SX1230 Demo Files” folder on the CD-ROM.
7. The display will then appear as shown in Figure 10. These are the link parameters which match
those which will be programmed to the SX1212SKA.
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User’s Guide
SX1230-12SKA
ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS & SENSING
Figure 10. The New SX1230 Configuration: Ready to be Written
8. By clicking on the write button in the ‘Registers config’ section, the
new register values are written to the SX1230 registers. If
successful, the red values in the hexadecimal register summary table
will turn black. As a double check, the register read button may be
pressed – the values presented on the user interface should remain
unchanged.
9. Once successfully configured, the SX1230 must be placed in packet transmission mode. This is
done by selecting the ‘MCU mode’ tab – note that a pre-configured frame format identical to that for
the SX1212SKA is already entered into the display. It suffices simply to click on the ‘Start’ button to
begin continuous transmission of this frame. For clarity a screenshot illustrating the display during
transmission is shown in Figure 11.
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User’s Guide
SX1230-12SKA
ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS & SENSING
Figure 11. SX1230 During MCU Mode Packet Transmission
4.3 Link Test
16B
With both devices configured as described in the preceding two sections, reception of valid packets by the SX1212
should be visible. Note that during link testing be sure that the USB kits are separated by several cm. Note also, that
it is possible to install the SX1212SKA user interface on one machine and the SX1230SKA user interface on
another allowing range test evaluation with full control over the link parameters.
Where a pair of computers is not available, the SX1230SKA can be configured in stand alone mode. Please see the
next section for a quick start guide on operation of the SX1230SKA in this mode.
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User’s Guide
SX1230-12SKA
ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS & SENSING
5 Quick Start Guide: Stand Alone Mode
4B
5.1 SX1212SKA Configuration
17B
Initiation of the SX1212SKA for operation in Stand Alone Mode is identical to that described in Section 4.1. Please
configure the SX1212SKA as described therein and refer to the following section for configuration of the SX1230.
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5.2 SX1230SKA Configuration
18B
There are a few simple steps to follow to configure the SX1230SKA for stand alone mode operation. Figure 12
shows both top and bottom views of the SX1230SKA hardware. The SX1230SKA companion EEPROM comes preprogrammed with a band specific configuration file already loaded.
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1. Insert the CR2032 button cell into the cell holder (1), taking care to respect the polarity. Note that there is
some quiescent current drain caused by the USB interface, so to maximise battery life ensure this is
removed when not in use.
2. Three of the four push buttons (labeled 0 to 3 on the PCB silkscreen) are connected to the general
purpose digital inputs of the SX1230. The button labeled 3 is configured as a reset button. Push this button
following connection of the cell. There should now be no LEDs illuminated on the SX1230SKA.
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Figure 12. Hardware for E2PROM (Stand Alone) Operation
3. The SX1230SKA is not ready to be used in conjunction with the SX1212SKA in frame reception mode, as
described in Section 4.1.
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User’s Guide
SX1230-12SKA
ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS & SENSING
5.3 Link Test
19B
Each push button has the same payload mapped to it. Push button 0 transmits this single, standard format frame,
once. Push button 1 has a demonstration of packet repetition. Here the packet is programmed to be resent five
times. Note that the SX1212SKA may not receive all five frames successfully. This is due to the time required to
empty the FIFO, whereas SX1230 will transmit all five frames in quick succession. Finally, push button 2 gives a
demonstration of periodic mode. Here the frame is configured to repeat several times a second whilst the push
button is held down.
To modify the E2PROM contents please see Section 6.7. Note also that the original quick start configuration is
included on the CD. Please also refer to Section 6.7 on how to load a non-volatile memory configuration file and
program the E2PROM.
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Otherwise, guidance for performing link testing is the same as that already given in Section 4.3.
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User’s Guide
SX1230-12SKA
ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS & SENSING
6 SX1230SKA Software Description
5B
6.1 Overview
20B
Figure 13 shows the SX1230SKA graphical user interface (GUI). Each of the numbers surrounding the display
corresponds to the Chapter within this section gives the description of that feature.
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Figure 13: SX1230SKA GUI Overview and References to the User Guide Description of this Chapter.
6.2 File Menu
21B
File menu contains some general purpose functions. The first feature in the list provides
the possibility of connecting or disconnecting to the USB kit. Care must be taken to ensure
that the USB port is closed before unplugging the USB kit. This functionality may also be
accessed through the short cut buttons (see Section 6.3).
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The possibility of opening configuration files and saving the present configuration is also
provided. This is done through a standard Windows file dialog box.
The Help menu contains two menu items. The first item provides a link
to this user guide in PDF format. The second, ‘About SX1230 Starter
kit…’, gives information in the revision of the software installed.
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SX1230-12SKA
ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS & SENSING
6.3 Shortcut Buttons
2B
The shortcut buttons provide identical functionality to those listed under the file menu
The configuration ‘file open’ shortcut button. This opens a windows file dialog box to allow access
to previously saved SX1230 register configuration files.
The ‘save’ configuration file shortcut button immediately saves and overwrites the existing
configuration file.
The ‘connect / disconnect’ button allows the user to manage manually connection and
disconnection of the kit. Note that any time the SX1230SKA is to be removed from the system; the
kit must first be disconnected.
The saved configuration files are designed to be a useful tool for embedded software development. The file can be
opened in any text editor to display the programmed register name, address and hexadecimal value programmed to
that address.
Figure 14. Example Text Editor Output of the SX1230 Configuration File
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User’s Guide
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ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS & SENSING
6.4 General Configuration Tabs
23B
For clarity and ease of use the general configuration settings have been split between two tabs.
6.4.1 General [1]
42B
The most commonly used configuration parameters are located on the General [1] tab. Each field is directly editable
by the user and is refreshed every time a register read or write is performed.
Figure 15. The General Configuration Tab Features the most Commonly Used Configuration Parameters
Where the data entry field allows direct keyboard entry, the following background highlight conventions are used to
aid the user in their choice of programmed value:
An orange background highlight indicates that the precise
value entered into the data entry field is not directly
addressable by the SX1230. Instead the closest
(rounded) value will be used.
Conversely a red background highlight indicates where
the maximum or minimum value for that register
parameter has been exceeded.
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User’s Guide
SX1230-12SKA
ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS & SENSING
Each data entry field and user control of the General [1] tab is described below.
RF Frequency
The RF frequency field accepts a numerical text input
from the keyboard. Values in any one of the three
frequency bands from 290 to 1020 MHz are permitted.
Please note that the entry units are Hz.
Modulation Type
The SX1230 is capable of both FSK and OOK modulation,
they are selectable through the user interface by clicking
with the mouse on the appropriate radio button.
Modulation Shaping
The Tx bit-stream may be pre-filtered before modulation.
Varying strengths of filtering are accessible. The filter type
also depends upon the type of modulation used. Filter
coefficients are selectable from a drop-down menu.
Bitrate
The bit rate of the transmitted signal (in bps) can be
directly edited in this data entry field.
Frequency Deviation
Text entry field for the frequency deviation when using
FSK modulation.
Power Amplifier
Selection of single (low power) or dual (high power)
operation. Note that PAs 1 and 2 must be enabled for
+17 dBm operation.
Output Power
The output power is selectable from a drop down list in
the programmable 1 dB increments.
PA Ramping
The PA ramp rise time is selectable from the list of
programmable values.
Oscillator
Although not directly accessible from the SX1230SKA,
for completeness, the source of the clock output signal
can be selected and its frequency altered in accordance
with the range of programmable divider values. For
more information please consult the SX1230 datasheet.
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User’s Guide
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ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS & SENSING
Push Button Debouncer
The four general purpose digital inputs – here connected
to the four push buttons – has a variable debounce
timer. Several common values are accessible from a
drop down menu.
PLL Lock Detection Parameters
Three LED type indicators display the status of the
SX1230 following the last register read cycle of the
SX1230. Various options exist for changing the PLL
divider ratio and triggering PLL calibration. Please
consult the SX1230 datasheet for a more detailed
description.
E2PROM Mode Parameters
These two register settings are used to determine the
size of each section in the E2PROM memory and the
wake-up time if periodic mode is enabled respectively.
Please see Section 6.7, in conjunction with the SX1230
datasheet, for a description of how to use these
E2PROM parameters.
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Low Battery Detection Parameters
The battery end of life (EOL) indicator is set if the EOL is
enabled (here controlled by a radio button input) and the
supply voltage passes the corresponding threshold –
EOL trim.
Crystal Frequency
Most of the programmable communication setting
parameters are a function of the crystal frequency used.
This field allows other crystal frequencies to be tried,
however, the SX1230SKA comes fitted with a 32 MHz
crystal. The value should hence not be changed.
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6.4.2 General [2]
43B
Figure 16. Second Page of the General Configuration Parameters
The second page of general configuration settings (see Figure 16) contains the user inputs for enabling of the power
amplifier over current protection (OCP) and setting the current limit from a drop down menu. The current limit must
be increased to 100 mA or higher for operation of the SX1230 at the maximum output power of +17 dBm.
X
X
6.5 Register Hexadecimal Display
24B
Figure 17 shows the register summary of the SX1230. In addition to manual user entry in the fields described in the
previous section, direct hexadecimal entries may be made into the register display. Note that values yet to be written
to the SX1230 registers appear in red. Note, also, that for full control flexibility, incorrect (red) values entered in the
hexadecimal section will still be written in the event of a register ‘write’. So care must be exercised when editing the
hexadecimal values.
X
X
Figure 17. Register Hexadecimal Display
Note that values changed in this portion of the display cause the values in the tabbed configuration section to be
changed dynamically.
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6.6 Overview Panel
25B
A summary of the values presently entered into the user interface software is shown in the overview display at the
bottom of the screen. This covers all of the SX1230 register values, including those not displayed on the tab
presently selected, and indicates the true value which will be written to the SX1230 configuration registers.
Figure 18. The Configuration Overview Display
6.7 E2PROM Mode Tab
26B
2
The E PROM mode tab is used to configure the contents of the E2PROM for stand alone mode operation of the
SX1230SKA. In this mode the SX1230 acts as SPI master and can download both configuration and payload
information from an SPI E2PROM. The E2PROM memory map is shown below:
Figure 19. E2PROM Memory Mapping
The bottom 0x4C locations in the E2PROM are reserved general configuration information – configuration which is
the same for every button press. The subsequent sections are then mapped to the remaining 15 possible
combinations of the 4 digital inputs (for mapping details please see the SX1230 datasheet). These may contain
either i) solely payload or ii) a combination of supplementary configuration information and payload.
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Figure 20. The E2PROM Mode Tab ‘Normal View’
The E2PROM mode display is broken down into two types, selectable by the radio button control in the bottom right
hand corner of the display. The default is ‘Normal view’ which shows the E2PROM contents in human readable
format (see Figure 20). The left hand ‘General Configuration Section’ dictates which registers are to be written to the
general configuration section – True indicating that the value will be written, False that it will not. The values written
to the configuration section are taken from the General setting tabs of Sections 6.4.1and 6.4.2. The general
configuration settings may be read or written independently of the rest of the E2PROM contents by clicking the Read
or Write button within the section.
X
X
X
X
X
X
The rightmost frame contains the contents of each of the input specific sections. The contents of a particular section
are displayed individually. The section may be changed by entering the desired section in the ‘Section #:’ input.
Several useful common parameters and the payload itself are listed within the ‘Buttons’ section. Each can be edited
directly. The input specific section of the E2PROM memory can be written or read independently of the rest of the
E2PROM contents by clicking on the write or read button within the Buttons Section.
At the bottom of the display are the controls for global read or write of the E2PROM contents. These cause the
whole E2PROM to be read or written, respectively.
The radio button control in the bottom right hand corner allows selection between Normal and Raw views of the
E2PROM contents.
An alternative perspective of the E2PROM contents is available in ‘Raw view’, illustrated in Figure 21. Here we see
the E2PROM contents in hexadecimal (centre column) and ASCII (right column) versus the E2PROM address in
hexadecimal (left column) in tabular format. Note also the addition of several short-cut buttons. These allow the user
to save or recall E2PROM (.NVM – non volatile memory) files to or from disc storage. Copy, cut and paste
functionality is also provided.
X
X
Once programmed the SX1230 may be disconnected from the USB port, unplugged and used in stand-alone mode.
The SX1230SKA comes pre-programmed with an example E2PROM contents (see the quick start Section for more
details).
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Figure 21. E2PROM Raw View
Figure 22. E2PROM Raw View Short-cut Buttons
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6.8 MCU Mode Tab
27B
Figure 23. MCU Mode Tab Display
The MCU mode tab allows the user to define a custom packet for transmission by the SX1230SKA. The packet
configuration section (top) allows the user enable and set the length of a pulse train preamble (sent at the data rate).
A custom syncronisation word of up to 4 bytes may also be added. Fixed or variable length packets may also be
stipulated (see the SX1212 datasheet for more information), as may an optional 1 byte address.
With these options entered the constructed packet is shown in the ‘Packet’ frame. The packet payload may also be
edited in either ASCII or hexadecimal. Packet transmission starts when the ‘Start’ button is pressed. Either infinite
transmission (repeat value = 0) or a finite number of packets may be transmitted by editing the repeat value.
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6.9 The Mode Control Box
28B
Figure 24. The Control Box
The control box gives access to the operating modes of the SX1230. By selecting one of the radio buttons, the
SX1230 is immediately transferred into that mode without the need to read or write to the registers. The control for
reading and writing to the registers is also within the control frame. The Read button will read the contents of the
SX1230 configuration registers and display them in the hexadecimal, overview and tabbed configuration areas.
Similarly, a register write can be performed by clicking the write button. Here the contents of the hexadecimal
display are written directly to the SX1230 configuration registers.
Note that the E2PROM contents cannot be manipulated from this section instead see Section 6.7.
X
X
6.10 MCU / E2PROM Mode Selection
29B
In the frame labeled ‘Mode’ either MCU or Stand Alone (E2PROM)
operation can be selected. This allows the stand alone mode to be
entered whilst connected to the USB port. Note that transition to
and from E2PROM mode generates a hardware reset (transition
cannot be made dynamically) and so the register contents of the
SX1230 will be lost upon transition.
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7 SX1212SKA Software Description
6B
7.1 Overview
30B
Figure 25 shows the SX1212SKA graphical user interface. Each of the numbers surrounding the display
corresponds to the Chapter within this section which corresponds to the description of that GUI feature.
X
X
Figure 25. SX1212SKA GUI Overview and References to the User Guide Description of this Chapter
7.2 File Menu
31B
File menu contains some general purpose functions. Some of them can also be accessed
on the toolbar by clicking directly on the icon. The first feature in the list provides the
possibility of connecting or disconnecting to the USB kit. Care must be taken to ensure that
the USB port is closed before removing the USB kit. This functionality may also be
accessed through the short cut buttons (see Section 7.3).
X
X
The possibility of opening configuration files and saving the present configuration is also
provided. This is done through a standard Windows file dialog box.
The Help menu contains two menu items. The first item provides a link
to this user guide in PDF format. The second, About SX1212 Starter
kit…, gives information in the revision of the software installed.
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7.3 Shortcut Buttons
32B
The shortcut buttons provide identical functionality to those listed under the file menu
The configuration file open shortcut button. This opens a windows file dialog box to allow access to
previously saved SX1212 register configuration files.
The save configuration file shortcut button immediately saves and overwrites the existing
configuration file.
The connect / disconnect button allows the user to manage manually connection and
disconnection of the kit. Note that any time the SX1212SKA is to be removed from the system; the
kit must first be disconnected.
The saved configuration files are designed to be a useful tool for embedded software development. The file can be
opened in any text editor to display the programmed register name, address and hexadecimal value programmed to
that address.
Figure 26. Example Text Editor Output of the SX1212 Configuration File
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7.4 McParam Tab
3B
Band Selection
One of the six operating bands for the SX1212 may be selected
here. The SX1212SKA hardware is band specific and so the
corresponding band should be selected. Each band is further
subdivided into a subband. This should also be selected.
VCO Voltage Trim
In some designs the VCO voltage requires trimming. The
SX1212SKA reference requires the default offset of 180mV.
Modulation Selection
The SX1212 is capable of FSK and OOK modulation, for a full
description please consult the datasheet.
OOK Receiver Detection Type
Several modes of OOK detection are possible, please see the
SX1212 datasheet for mode information on configuring the OOK
receiver.
Data Mode
Three data modes are available for the SX1212, typically packet
mode is selected automatically, requiring no user selection, upon
launching the Packet Test (see Section 7.12).
X
X
Gain of the IF Stage
The gain of the intermediate frequency amplifier chain can be
adjusted manually.
Frequency Deviation
Text entry field for the frequency deviation when using FSK
modulation.
Bit Rate
The bit rate of the transmitted signal (in bps) can be directly edited
in this data entry field.
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Floor Threshold for OOK Detection
Margin to the OOK demodulation threshold – see SX1212
datasheet for more details.
PA Ramping
The PA ramp rise time is selectable from the list of programmable
values.
Frequency of Operation
The frequency of operation of the SX1212 is a set by three
frequency divider ratios. (See the illustration below). Based upon
the frequency of the crystal oscillator and the values of these
divider ratios the local oscillator frequency may be determined.
To simplify this process, the SX1212SKA user interface sees this
process completely automated. By entering the desired operating
frequency in the text field at the top of the display, the resultant R,
P and S divider ratios are calculated (see the SX1212 datasheet for
information on their calculation).
Figure 27. SX1212 Local Oscillator Generation
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7.5 Overview Panel
34B
A summary of the values presently entered into the user interface software is shown in the overview display at the
bottom of the screen. This is sub-divided into three sections pertaining to: general configuration, transmitter settings
and receiver parameters.
Figure 28. The Overview Panel
7.6 Register Hexadecimal Display
35B
Figure 29 shows the register summary of the SX1212. In addition to manual user entry in the fields described in the
previous section, direct hexadecimal entries may be made into the register display. Note that values yet to be written
to the SX1212 registers appear in red. Note, also, that for full control flexibility, incorrect (red) values entered in the
hexadecimal section will still be written in the event of a register ‘write’. So care must be exercised when editing the
hexadecimal values.
X
X
Figure 29. The Hexadecimal Register Display Summary
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7.7 The Mode Control Box
36B
The mode control box is sub-divided into three sections. The first ‘Operating mode’ allows the user to change the
operating mode of the SX1212 by clicking on the radio button corresponding to the desired mode. Note that the
transition between modes is instantaneous. The centre section, ‘Registers config’ allows the register settings
entered elsewhere in the user interface to be written to the configuration registers of the SX1212 by clicking the
write button. The read operation will read the configuration registers and refresh the user interface display with the
values read from the SX1212.
Figure 30. The Mode Control Box also Incorporates RSSI
The third, rightmost, section of the mode control box allows an instantaneous RSSI (received signal strength
indicator) measurement. Please note that this feature is only accessible when the SX1212 is in the receiver
operating mode.
7.8 The IrqParam Tab
37B
Figure 31. The Interrupt Mapping Display
For total register coverage by the user interface, the interrupt mapping for the SX1212 can be controlled through the
configuration of the IrqParam display. Note, however, that the hardware interrupt feature is not used directly by the
GUI. For further information please see the corresponding register descriptions in the SX1212 datasheet and the
PCB layout and schematics of Section 9.
X
X
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7.9 The RxParam Tab
38B
The receiver parameter field provides full access to all of the software configurable settings of the SX1212. For
reference, a simplified block schematic of the SX1212 receiver is shown in figure Figure 32. The settings
configurable in the receiver parameter tab correspond to the programmable baseband receiver functions.
X
X
Figure 32. SX1212 Receiver Block Diagram, the Colours Correspond to the Frequency of Operation.
Figure 33. Receiver Parameter Display
For a complete description of the functionality of the receiver section please consult the SX1212 datasheet.
However, the principle fields of interest for general use are:
Rx Filters:
The first three text entry fields of the receiver parameters correspond to the baseband filtering section. Note that the
Butterworth filter is the narrowest of the three filters and determines the receiver channel bandwidth.
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Bit Synchroniser:
This block performs timing recovery and synchronises the decision on whether a given bit is logical high or low
based upon the received bit stream. This block yields a substantial improvement in receiver sensitivity performance
and it is hence recommended that it be left enabled.
Sync Word:
The synchronisation word is applicable to operation in buffered and packet modes. For packet mode operation the
sync word is set using the packet editor – this may be found in the ‘Packet’ Tab (Section 7.12). Link testing by the
SX1212SKA is done in packet mode only – sync word provision is made here for completeness.
X
X
OOK Settings:
OOK demodulation is based upon measurements from the RSSI block and there are a rich variety of settings for
how the OOK signal is detected and processed. These techniques and the corresponding settings are given a
detailed treatment in the SX1212 datasheet.
7.10 The TxParam Tab
39B
The transmitter configuration of the SX1212 is shown in Figure 34. This shows that the modulating signal is
generated by direct digital synthesis (DDS), unconverted through the superheterodyne mixer stages and then
amplified by a power amplifier chain.
X
X
Figure 34. SX1212 Simplified Transmitter Block Schematic Diagram
Figure 35. The Transmitter Parameter Tab Display
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The three parameters which are configurable for transmit operation of the SX1212 are:
Output Power:
The output power of the SX1212 can be programmed in 3 dB steps. Valid programmable powers are selected from
a drop-down list of valid values.
Interpolation Filter Setting:
The DDS output requires filtering to remove the spurii common in the generation of signals through this technique;
this is performed by the interpolation filters. The cut-off frequency of the interpolation filters can be selected from the
drop down menu of valid values. The technique for calculating the cut-off frequency may be found in the SX1212
datasheet.
Zero IF Architecture Enable:
Configures the SX1212 for direct conversion transmitter operation. For a full description and the ramifications for the
R, P and S divider settings please consult the SX1212 datasheet.
7.11 The OscParam Tab
40B
Figure 36. The Oscillator Parameter Display
The oscillator parameter display gives access to the clock output functionality. This can be enabled or disabled and
the frequency changed by entering a value in the ‘CLK out frequency’ text field. Note also that there is provision to
change the frequency of the crystal. Changing of the crystal frequency has a knock on effect on all parameters that
are a function of the reference frequency, for example bit rate, filter settings, RF output frequency. The SX1212SKA
is fitted with the 12.8 MHz crystal recommended in the SX1212 reference design. For this reason the crystal value
should, typically, be left unchanged.
7.12 The Packet Test Tab
41B
X
The ‘Packet’ tab is the principle interface for conducting transmission or reception testing. The display, as shown in
Figure 35 is divided into three horizontal portions. The top portion of the display is given to the packet editor. Here
the configuration of the packet, either to be transmitted or received by the SX1212SKA is constructed.
X
The packet layout contains all of the features described in the SX1212 datasheet. This includes:
Preamble
This input allows the user enable and set the length of a pulse train preamble (sent at the data rate).
Sync word size
A custom syncronisation word of up to 4 bytes may also be added.
Sync tol
The number of errors which may be accommodated in the sync word (bits), before the packet is rejected.
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Format / Length / Address
Fixed or variable length packets may also be stipulated (see the SX1212 datasheet for more information), as may
an optional 1 byte address.
Digital Coding
Optional channel coding including CRC, data whitening and Manchester coding are also available.
With these options entered the constructed packet is shown in the ‘Packet’ frame. Where the SX1212SKA is to be
used in transmit mode, the packet payload may also be edited in either ASCII or hexadecimal. Packet transmission
is enabled by selecting the ‘Transmission’ radio button. This starts when the ‘Start’ button is pressed. Either infinite
transmission (repeat value = 0) or a finite number of packets may be transmitted by editing the repeat value.
Figure 37. The Packet Receiver / Transmitter Test Display
For receive mode, the normal mode of operation in conjunction with the SX1230SKA, the reception the ‘Reception’
radio button is selected and the start button pressed. From this moment the SX1212 is placed in receive mode and
listens continuously for a packet corresponding to the format entered in the packet editor. Upon successful
reception, the payload received is shown in the ‘Message Box’ and the number of received packets is incremented.
For indication of the signal strength received by the SX1212SKA, the RSSI display (see Section 7.7) is activated
and continuously refreshed.
X
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8 Schematics and 4-Layer PCB Layout: SX1230SKA
7B
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9 Schematics and 2-Layer PCB Layout: SX1211/12SKA
8B
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10 References
9B
¾
¾
[1] SX1230 Datasheet
[2] SX1212 Datasheet
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© Semtech 2008
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