Fluke Electronics FWCS Radio Module User Manual

Fluke FWCS Radio Transceiver Module Integration Manual

J. Swanzy

August 18, 2012

The Fluke wireless communication system (FWCS) radio module is a proprietary IEEE 802.15.4 type low power (<

1mW) radio that is approved for exclusive use in Fluke products. The range of the radio module is specified at 30ft

but under ideal conditions my reach 100 ft. The RF packet structure incorporates a point to point proprietary

method allowing communication with other Fluke instruments using the same packet structure technique. The

radio module is marked with the Fluke internal model number (FWCS). All Fluke products using the radio module

radio module is not intended to be sold commercially or used in products without the Fluke brand.

All radio components are mounted on a single 25mm x 10mm PCB. The module contains the transceiver IC (RF

transmit and receive), a voltage regulator, and an antenna. The transceiver and regulator circuits are covered by a

metal shield soldered to the PCB.

The transceiver IC (Texas Instruments CC2530F256) has an RF core that controls the internal radio segments. In

addition, it provides an interface between a core 8051 MCU and the other radio circuits. This makes it possible to

issue commands, read status, and automate and sequence radio events. The transceiver includes a low noise

amplifier, software controlled power amplifier, onboard RF transmit/receive, phase lock loop with internal voltage

The radio module is intended to be plugged into a host where the host CPU must communicate to the radio

module through a serial peripheral interface (SPI). The SPI provides communication path for receive (RX) and

transmit (TX) data transfer and control. The radio module must first be initialized by the host CPU before the

transceiver is able to communicate with other Fluke products. The radio will automatically cease operation and

thus communication once battery capacity reaches a specified minimum threshold. The module is used in a family

of products made by Fluke Corporation and branded Fluke. All radio protocols and module-host communication

protocols are Fluke proprietary and not available to the public.

Regulatory statements that must be in every User Manual of a Fluke product using the radio module are as

that follow:

1. This device can not cause interference.

2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that can cause undesired

operation of the device.

Class B digital device: A digital device that is marketed for operation in a residential environment

notwithstanding use in commercial, business and industrial environments. Examples of such

devices include, but are not limited to, personal computers, calculators, and equivalent electronic

devices that are marketed for operation by the general public.

interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful

interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment

off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the

measures that follow:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Exposure to RF Energy

The FWCS is a radio transmitter and receiver. It is designed and manufactured not to exceed the emission limits for exposure to

These limits are part of comprehensive guidelines that establish permitted levels of RF energy for the general population. The

guidelines are based on standards that were developed by independent scientific organizations through periodic and thorough

evaluation of scientific studies. The standards include a substantial safety margin designed to assure the safety of all persons,

regardless of age and health.

Before a device model is available for sale to the public, it must be tested and certified to operate within the limits for safe exposure

established by the FCC and international organizations. The tests are performed in positions and locations (e.g., next to the body)

as required by the FCC for each model. The FCC has granted an Equipment Authorization for this model device with all reported

SAR levels (see below) evaluated as in compliance with the FCC RF emission guidelines

Données en fréquence radio

Remarque

Toute modification ou altération de la radio sans fil 2,4 GHz non expressément

approuvée par Fluke Corporation pourrait annuler l'autorisation d'utilisation de l'appareil

par l'utilisateur.

Cet appareil est conforme au Chapitre 15 du règlement FCC. L'utilisation est soumise aux deux

conditions suivantes :

1. L'appareil ne peut pas provoquer d'interférences.

2. L'appareil doit accepter toutes les interférences, y compris les interférences pouvant

par le grand public.

Le multimètre a été testé et déclaré conforme aux limites pour les appareils numériques de

Classe B selon le chapitre 15 de la règlementation FCC. Ces limites sont établies pour assurer

une protection raisonnable contre les interférences nuisibles dans une installation résidentielle.

Cet appareil génère, utilise et peut émettre des fréquences radio, qui, s'il n'est pas installé et

utilisé conformément aux instructions, peuvent causer des interférences nuisibles aux

communications par radio. Il n'est toutefois pas garanti que de telles interférences ne se

produiront pas dans une installation donnée. Si cet appareil provoque des interférences nuisibles

à la réception de la radio ou de la télévision, ce qui peut être déterminé en mettant en route

l'appareil et en l'arrêtant, il est recommandé à l'utilisateur d'essayer de corriger les interférences

en prenant l'une ou plusieurs des mesures suivantes :

Additional statements may be required for other international approvals.