EV0171 Evaluation Kit User Manual UM0171/2 May 1999 1.0 Advance Information Features • CMX017 Product Demonstration • Simple and Easy to Use Controls • 860 - 935 MHz Operation • Single 6 - 12 V Power Supply • Direct FM/FSK Modulation • Powersave and Zero-Power Modes • Adjustable Output Power up to +20dBm • Optional access to PAIN and MODOUT 1.1 Brief Description The EV0171 Evaluation Kit comprises a single board containing the CMX017 UHF FM/FSK transmitter, frequency and gain potentiometers, VCO tank circuitry and miniature control switches. A multi-turn potentiometer allows the user to select an RF operating frequency between 860 - 935 MHz. The operating bandwidth and centre frequency can be optimised by modifying the VCO tank components. The board is powered from a single 6 - 12 V dc power supply. Regulation circuitry sets the analog (AVDD) supply for 3V operation. CMX017 supply currents may be measured by removing appropriate jumpers. A low profile 2-way DIL switch controls the device enable lines, to obtain CMX017 powersave and zero-power modes. Links, test points and an SMA connector provide access to various points in the circuit. 1999 Consumer Microcircuits Limited Evaluation Kit User Manual for CMX017 EV0171 CONTENTS Section Page 1.0 Features .......................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Brief Description ............................................................................................ 1 1.2 Preliminary Information ................................................................................. 4 1.2.1 Laboratory Equipment................................................................... 4 1.2.2 Handling Precautions .................................................................... 4 1.2.3 Approvals........................................................................................ 4 1.3 Quick Start ...................................................................................................... 5 1.3.1 Setting-Up ....................................................................................... 5 1.3.2 Adjustments ................................................................................... 5 1.4 Signal Lists ..................................................................................................... 6 1.5 Circuit Schematics and Board Layouts ....................................................... 8 1.6 Detailed Description .................................................................................... 12 1.6.1 Hardware Description .................................................................. 12 1.6.2 Adjustments and Controls .......................................................... 13 1.6.3 PCB Design................................................................................... 14 1.7 Performance Specification .......................................................................... 15 1.7.1 Electrical Performance ................................................................ 15 Note: This product is in development: Changes and additions will be made to this specification. Items marked TBD or left blank will be included in later issues. Information in this data sheet should not be relied upon for final product design. 1999 Consumer Microcircuits Limited 2 UM0171/2 Evaluation Kit User Manual for CMX017 EV0171 Figure 1 Block Diagram 1999 Consumer Microcircuits Limited 3 UM0171/2 Evaluation Kit User Manual for CMX017 1.2 Preliminary Information 1.2.1 Laboratory Equipment EV0171 The following laboratory equipment is needed to use this evaluation kit: 1.2.1.1 6 - 12 V dc Power Supply 1.2.1.2 Radio Communications Test Set or similar 1.2.1.3 Modulation source 1.2.2 Handling Precautions Like most evaluation kits, this product is designed for use in office and laboratory environments. The following practices will help ensure its proper operation. 1.2.2.1 Static Protection This product uses low power CMOS circuits which can be damaged by electrostatic discharge. Partially damaged circuits can function erroneously, leading to misleading results. Observe ESD precautions at all times when handling this product. 1.2.2.2 Contents - Unpacking Please ensure that you have received all of the items on the separate information sheet (EK0171) and notify CML within 7 working days if the delivery is incomplete. 1.2.3 Approvals This Evaluation Kit is capable of producing radio frequency emissions. Users are advised to observe local statutory requirements which may apply to this product. 1999 Consumer Microcircuits Limited 4 UM0171/2 Evaluation Kit User Manual for CMX017 1.3 EV0171 Quick Start This section provides instructions for users who wish to experiment immediately with the evaluation kit. A fuller description of the kit and its use appears later in this document. 1.3.1 Setting-Up The EV0171 comes pre-configured for an RF operating frequency of 860MHz. The output power at PAOUT, J1, is set to approximately 100mW when terminated with 50Ω. Using suitable coaxial cable and adapters, connect PAOUT, J1, to the 50Ω input of a Radio Communications test set, or similar. Ensure this input can accept power levels > +20dBm without damage. Use an appropriate 50Ω inline attenuator if necessary. Connect MODIN, TP1, to the output of a modulation (FM or FSK) source. Ensure the signal level does not exceed the maximum level specified in device datasheet. Select the required RF operating frequency (860 - 935 MHz) by setting the frequency potentiometer, RV2. Apply power to the input supply connector, J2, from a suitable 6 - 12 V dc power supply. Operate switches SW1:1 and SW1:2 to enable the PA stage and modulator respectively. To minimise the regulator (U2) power dissipation whilst operating for long periods with maximum gain, it is recommended that the input voltage, VIN, is kept below 9V. 1.3.2 Adjustments To adjust the gain of the CMX017 PA driver slowly turn the trimmer potentiometer, RV1. Using RV1, the power level at PAOUT can be adjusted by typically 20dB. A new RF operating frequency can be obtained by adjusting the trimmer potentiometer, RV2. 1999 Consumer Microcircuits Limited 5 UM0171/2 Evaluation Kit User Manual for CMX017 1.4 EV0171 Signal Lists CONNECTOR PINOUT Connector Ref. Connector Pin No. Signal Name Signal Type Description J1 1 PAOUT O/P CMX017 PA Output J2 1 VIN Power +ve power from external power supply 2 VSS Power 0V power from external power supply 1 PAIN or MODOUT BI CMX017 PA Input or Modulator Output J3 TEST POINTS Test Point Ref. Default Measurement Description TP1 - CMX017 Modulator Input TP2 0V VSS connection TP3 3V AVDD connection TP4 0V VSS connection TP5 0V VSS connection TP6 0V VSS connection TP7 0V VSS connection TP8 - CMX017 Buffered Oscillator Output TP9 - Frequency Control Voltage JUMPERS Link Ref. Positions Default Position Description JP1 1-2 S/C Disconnect to measure AVDD3 current JP2 1-2 S/C Disconnect to measure AVDD2 current JP3 1-2 S/C Disconnect to measure AVDD1 current 1999 Consumer Microcircuits Limited 6 UM0171/2 Evaluation Kit User Manual for CMX017 EV0171 ADJUSTMENTS Adjustment Ref. Adjustment Adjustment Range Description RV1 Gain 0 - 3V CMX017 PA Driver Gain RV2 Frequency 0 - 3V RF Operating Frequency Control SWITCHES Switch Ref. Positions Default Position Description SW1:1 on/off on CMX017 PA Enable SW1:2 on/off on CMX017 Modulator Enable Notes: I/P = O/P = BI = Input Output Bidirectional 1999 Consumer Microcircuits Limited 7 UM0171/2 PAOUT J1 L1 4.7uF(10V) C2 100pF 3.3pF C5 AVDD1 3.3nH L2 C6 100pF 100pF C7 C11 100pF C9 RV1 1.2nH 100pF 20k GND ENLPA VCC4 GND10 GND9 PAOUT GND8 GND7 IPAOUT GND6 GND5 GND4 GAIN VCC3 PA Enable 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 SW1:1 CMX017D6 U1 AVDD2 100pF 100nH C1 L3 4.7uF(10V) C4 C12 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 AVDD2 GND ENLMOD GND MODIN OSCGND TANK GND1 VCC1 OSCOUT VCC2 GND2 MODOUT GND3 PAIN C13 SW1:2 C14 MOD Enable C31 C16 C15 10pF C18 C17 100pF 100pF 22nH L8 C32 TP2 TP1 MODIN 15pF C19 TP8 OSCOUT PA and IPA Modulator and PA Driver CMX017 OSCOUT signal can be routed to TP8 by fitting C32. C20 D1 AVDD1 C3 100nH C8 L4 C10 L5 22nH 100pF 100pF JP3 JP2 JP1 1 1 1 R11 4k7 C26 4.7uF(10V) TP4 VSS TP9 RV2 Frequency Control AVDD2 2 2 R7 C24 100nH L9 AVDD1 AVDD2 2 10k Baseband Modulation Input C22 C23 L6 R5 R6 100nH PR1 4.7uF(10V) Not Fitted 10k 100R 1 SIG GND 2 C21 SMV1233-011 L7 3 20k 100pF TP5 VSS 270R U2 VI TP6 VSS TP7 VSS 47R C28 R9 TO-220 3 1uF(16V) VO 330R R10 R8 2 LM317T +3V Analog Supply AVDD AVDD3 TP3 K D2 1N4001 A J2 Input Voltage 6V to 12V 1 PAIN or MODOUT R1 4 1 R2 1k 100k 100pF 1k 2 R3 R4 C25 A AVDD3 C27 J3 TXRESRG405 8 100k 100uF(10V) 1999 Consumer Microcircuits Limited 1 Frequency Control 2 1.5 C30 100nF(16V) Signal can be routed to the PA input or from the modulator output by modifying components L7, C14, C15 and C31. Evaluation Kit User Manual for CMX017 EV0171 Circuit Schematics and Board Layouts Figure 2 Evaluation Board - Circuit Schematic UM0171/2 22uF(25V) C29 100pF Evaluation Kit User Manual for CMX017 EV0171 PAIN or MODOUT J3 Board Mod 1 2 3 4 L6 C27 L7 C14 C17 2.70 IN J2 VSS C26 R8 C29 + JP2 R4 R2 R11 VIN R7 PR1 R3 MOD Enable PA Enable TP7 VSS TP9 C24 C19 C13 R1 L3 C16 U1 CMX017D6 C23 D1 C28 + C18 C21 C22 C12 C4 TP4 JP1 RV2 FREQUENCY L5 L4 L2 C3 C10 C7 C25 C32 L9 C20 + C2 TP8 L8 C30 C11 C5 C8 + + OSCOUT C31 + L1 C1 RV1 C15 GAIN + TP5 J1 PAOUT 5 TP6 C6 C9 JP3 SW1 R9 R10 R5 R6 TP1 TP2 D2 TP3 AVDD MODIN VSS U2 2.70 IN Note: Board material is FR4 Figure 3 Evaluation Board Layout - Assembly 1999 Consumer Microcircuits Limited 9 UM0171/2 Evaluation Kit User Manual for CMX017 EV0171 Figure 4 Evaluation Board Layout - Top Copper Figure 5 Evaluation Board Layout - Layer Two Copper 1999 Consumer Microcircuits Limited 10 UM0171/2 Evaluation Kit User Manual for CMX017 EV0171 Figure 6 Evaluation Board Layout - Layer Three Copper Figure 7 Evaluation Board Layout - Bottom Copper 1999 Consumer Microcircuits Limited 11 UM0171/2 Evaluation Kit User Manual for CMX017 1.6 EV0171 Detailed Description The EV0171 Evaluation Kit comprises a single board containing the CMX017 UHF FM/FSK transmitter, frequency and gain potentiometers, VCO tank circuitry and miniature control switches. A multi turn potentiometer allows the user to select an RF operating frequency between 860935MHz. The operating bandwidth and centre frequency can be adjusted by simply modifying the VCO tank components. The board is powered from a single 6 - 12 V dc power supply. Regulation circuitry sets the analog(AVDD) supply for 3V operation. CMX017 supply currents may be measured by removing appropriate jumpers. A low profile 2-way DIL switch controls the device enable lines, to obtain CMX017 powersave and zero-power modes. Links, test points and SMA connector provide access to various points in the circuit. This open-loop configuration is not recommended for the majority of customer applications. A closed-loop PLL design is required to improve controllability and overcome stability and drift problems. External PLL circuitry could be connected to test points TP8 (OSCOUT) and TP9 after removal of RV2. 1.6.1 Hardware Description 1.6.1.1 Operating Voltage The supply regulation circuitry contains a single regulator and associated components to provide the analog supply (AVDD). The operating voltage is set to 3.0V. The supply feed is split three ways to reduce interference and to enable the user to separately measure various device/circuitry currents. The supply regulation can be bypassed and external supplies applied, via jumpers JP1-JP3. Note, due to the inductors dc resistance which is approximately 0.5Ω (100nH), small voltage drops will occur across inductors L3 and L1. 1.6.1.2 Current Measurement Supply currents for the evaluation device and other board circuitry can be measured by removing the appropriate jumper and replacing it with a multimeter. 1.6.1.3 VCO Tank Circuitry The tank resonator circuit is formed by two capacitors, C16 and C19, RG405 coaxial resonator, PR1, and varacter diode, D1, which is driven by the frequency control potentiometer, RV2. The dc control voltage derived from the frequency control potentiometer, RV2, can be measured at TP9. Alternatively the potentiometer can be removed and control voltage applied to the VCO tank circuitry via the test point TP9. 1999 Consumer Microcircuits Limited 12 UM0171/2 Evaluation Kit User Manual for CMX017 EV0171 1.6.1.4 FM/FSK Modulator The modulation input, MODIN, TP1, is designed to be directly driven by a dc-coupled baseband input signal, to generate a frequency modulated (FM or FSK) RF signal. Please refer to the CMX017 device datasheet for specifications on maximum modulation frequency/voltage at the device input (MODIN, pin 18). The resistors R6 and R5 can be modified depending on the modulation source and required frequency deviation. The output impedance at the CMX017 MODOUT pin is typically 50Ω. Using microstrip techniques the MODOUT track on the 4-layer PCB has been designed to provide a line impedance of 50Ω. The CMX017 Modulator output signal can be routed to an SMA connector (not fitted), J3, by modifying components C14, C15, C31 and L7. 1.6.1.5 Power Amplifier The input/output impedances at the CMX017 PAIN/PAOUT pins are typically 50Ω. Using microstrip techniques their tracks on the 4-layer PCB have been designed to provide line impedances of 50Ω. Additional power gain improvement is achieved by employing the simple output matching network, C2, C3 and L2. Both amplifier output stages, IPAOUT and PAOUT, must have a dc connection to the supply rail through RF chokes, L4 and L5. The evaluation device can be used as a standalone UHF Power Amplifier by modifying components C14, C15, C31 and L7. The RF signal should be input via an SMA connector (not fitted), J3. 1.6.2 Adjustments and Controls 1.6.2.1 Frequency Control The trimmer potentiometer, RV2, controls the RF operating frequency. The control voltage derived (03V) from this potentiometer allows the RF operating frequency to be set between 860 - 935MHz. The frequency control potentiometer draws a typical current of 150µA from the AVDD3 supply. 1.6.2.2 Gain Control The trimmer potentiometer, RV1, controls the gain of the CMX017 PA driver. The output power, at the MODOUT pin, is variable over a 20dB range. The output power is maximum when the CMX017 GAIN pin is connected to 3V and is reduced by typically 20dB when this pin is connected to 0V. The gain potentiometer draws a typical current of 150µA from the AVDD2 supply. 1999 Consumer Microcircuits Limited 13 UM0171/2 Evaluation Kit User Manual for CMX017 EV0171 1.6.2.3 Powersave and Zero-Power Modes The evaluation device enable lines are controlled by switch SW1. This switch allows the user to configure the CMX017 transmitter for powersave or zero-power. The Modulator and Buffered Oscillator stages of the evaluation device can be powered down independently of the PA Driver and Power Amplifier stages. In SLEEP mode (SW1:1 and SW1:2 are Off) all sections of the device are powered down and the device current consumption is reduced to typically 10µA. This is the zero-power mode. In TRANSMIT-STANDBY mode (SW1:1 is Off and SW1:2 is On) only the PA Driver and Power Amplifier stages are powered down, whilst the Modulator and Buffered Oscillator remain active. In TRANSMIT mode (SW1:1 and SW1:2 are On) both the Modulator and Power Amplifier sections of the device are fully operational. 1.6.2.4 VCO Tank Circuitry The coaxial resonator, PR1, consists of a length of RG405 semi-rigid cable. The outer is cut to approximately 0.370” (9.4mm). One end of the inner is soldered to the outer whilst the other is soldered to the tank PCB Pad. The resonator is laid down and outer soldered to PCB ground points using tinned wire. The overall length of the resonator is approximately 0.430” (11mm). Reducing the length of the coaxial resonator will increase the resonant frequency and vice versa. Increasing C16 and C19 will reduce resonant frequency. The capacitance ratio of C19 to varactor diode, D1, will determine the achievable operating band for the 0-3V control voltage. Therefore to reduce the bandwidth, reduce C19 and/or insert a small picofarad capacitor, C22. The introduction of C22 will also reduce resonant frequency. 1.6.3 PCB Design The EV0171 PCB is a 4-layer design, with an overall thickness of 0.062”, including top and bottom layer copper. The top layer comprises the regulation circuitry connections, RF signal tracks and CMX017 ground plane. The second layer is purely a ground plane for the supply. Layer three contains The bottom layer the analog power supply tracks, AVDD which feed all the board’s sub-circuits. contains another ground plane for screening purposes. CMX017 ground pins are connected directly to the top layer ground plane as close to the package as possible. The power supply pins are bypassed to ground directly at the package using decoupling capacitors with direct returns to ground. Using microstrip techniques the PAOUT and PAIN/MODOUT tracks on the 4-layer PCB have been designed to provide line impedances of 50Ω. This design technique is based on the track width and separation distance between track and ground plane for a given dielectric constant of the PCB material. The layout assumes the board material is FR4 with a ground plane on the second layer, separated from the top layer by 0.016”. Therefore, for a dielectric constant between 4-5 and track widths of 0.032”, approximately 50Ω line impedances are obtained. Refer to an RF/Microwave designer’s guide to obtain more information on microstrip line impedance design. 1999 Consumer Microcircuits Limited 14 UM0171/2 Evaluation Kit User Manual for CMX017 1.7 Performance Specification 1.7.1 Electrical Performance EV0171 1.7.1.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings Exceeding these maximum ratings can result in damage to the Evaluation Kit. Notes Supply (VIN - VSS) Current into or out of VIN and VSS pins Storage Temperature Operating Temperature Input Power to PAIN, J3 (not fitted) Min. -0.3 0 -10 +10 1 Max. 40.0 +1.5 +70 +35 +7 Units V A °C °C dBm 1.7.1.2 Operating Limits Correct operation of the Evaluation Kit outside these limits is not implied. Notes Supply (VIN - VSS) Supply (AVDD - VSS) Operating Temperature Min. 6V 2.7V +10 Max. 12V 3.3V +35 Units V V °C 1.7.1.3 Operating Characteristics For the following conditions unless otherwise specified: AVDD = 3.0V, Tamb = +25°C RF = 860MHz, 50Ω load impedance. Notes DC Parameters IDD (evaluation board - output power = + 20dBm) IDD (evaluation board - PA and MOD disabled) Notes: 2 3 Min. Typ. Max. Units 135mA 5mA 1. With optional SMA connector fitted. 2. SW1:1 and SW1:2 are on 3. SW1:1 and SW1:2 are off. Refer to current CML CMX017 data sheet for further information. 1999 Consumer Microcircuits Limited 15 UM0171/2 Evaluation Kit User Manual for CMX017 EV0171 CML does not assume any responsibility for the use of any circuitry described. No IPR or circuit patent licences are implied. CML reserves the right at any time without notice to change the said circuitry and this evaluation kit specification. Evaluation kits are supplied for the sole purpose of demonstrating the operation of CML products and are supplied without warranty. They are intended for use in a laboratory environment only and are not for re-sale, end-use or incorporation into other equipments. Operation of evaluation kits outside a laboratory environment is not permitted within the European Community. All software is supplied "as is" and is without warranty. It forms part of the evaluation kit and is licensed for use only in this kit, for the purpose of demonstrating the operation of CML products. Whilst all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that software contained in this product is virus free, CML accepts no responsibility whatsoever for any contamination which results from using this software and the onus for checking that the software is virus free is placed on the purchaser of this evaluation kit. 1 WHEATON ROAD WITHAM - ESSEX CM8 3TD - ENGLAND Telephone: +44 1376 513833 Telefax: +44 1376 518247 e-mail: [email protected] http://www.cmlmicro.co.uk