Nanotron Technologies NANONET-TRX nanoNET TRX 2.4 GHz CSS Transceiver User Manual UserMan

Nanotron Technologies GmbH nanoNET TRX 2.4 GHz CSS Transceiver UserMan

UserManual.wiki >

Nanotron Technologies >

NANONET TRX User Manual HTML Version

UserMan

FCC Required Exhibit 12

nanoNET TRX User

Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

FCC Information to the user pursuant to FCC Rules

Part 15, Subpart B, can be found on page iii.

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Page ii Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany

Document Information

Document title: nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

Version/release number: 1.00

Released (yyyy-mm-dd): 2001-01-21

Current printing: 2005-1-26, 11:13 am

Document ID: NA-04-0000-0304-1.00

Disclaimer

Nanotron Technologies GmbH reserves the right to make changes without further notice to the product to

improve reliability, function or design. Nanotron Technologies GmbH does not assume any liability arising

out of the application or use of any product or circuits described herein.

Trademarks

All product names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

Life Support Policy

These products are not designed for use in life support appliances, devices, or systems where malfunction

of these products can reasonably be expected to result in personal injury. Nanotron Technologies GmbH

customers using or selling these products for use in such applications do so at their own risk and agree to

fully indemnify Nanotron Technologies GmbH for any damages resulting from such improper use or sale.

Address Information

Nanotron Technologies GmbH

Alt-Moabit 61

10555 Berlin

Germany

Tel: +49 (0) 30 - 399954-0

Fax: +49 (0) 30 - 399954-188

Email: info@nanotron.com

Web: www.nanotron.com

This document and the information contained herein is the subject of copyright and intellectual property

stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical or optical, in

whole or in part, without the prior written permission of Nanotron

Technologies GmbH.

CAUTION! Electrostatic Sensitive Device. Precaution should be used when handling the

device in order to prevent permanent damage.

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany Page iii

Regulatory Information

Electromagnetic Interference / Compatibility

Nearly every electronic device is susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) if inadequately shielded,

designed, or otherwise configured for electromagnetic compatibility.

To avoid electromagnetic interference and/or compatibility conflicts, do not use this device in any facility

where posted notices instruct you to do so. In aircraft, use of any radio frequency devices must be in accor-

dance with applicable regulations. Hospitals or health care facilities may be using equipment that is sensi-

tive to external RF energy. With medical devices, maintain a minimum separation of 6 inches (15 cm)

between pacemakers and wireless devices and some wireless radios may interfere with some hearing aids.

If other personal medical devices are being used in the vicinity of wireless devices, ensure that the device

has been adequately shielded from RF energy. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio

interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

EC Declaration of Conformity

The 2.4GHz Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) Low-Power RF Transceiver, model number nanoNET TRX has

been certified to comply with the requirements of the R&TTE Directive

1999/5/EC and the standards EN 300 328 V 1.4.1:2003, EN 301 489-17 V1.2.1, and

EN 60950-1:2001.

FCC User Information

Statement according to FCC part 15.19:

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)

this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,

including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Statement according to FCC part 15.21:

Modifications not expressly approved by this company could void the user's authority to operate the equip-

ment.

RF exposure mobil:

The internal / external antennas used for this mobile transmitter must provide a separation distance of at

least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna

or transmitter."

Statement according to FCC part 15.105:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A and Class B digital device,

pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against

harmful interference in a residential installation and against harmful interference when the equipment is

operated in a commercial environment.

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in

accordance with the instructions as provided in the user manual, may cause harmful interference to radio

communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the

user will be required to correct the interference at his or her own expense.

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 following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced technician for help.

0681

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Page iv Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany

Page v

Table of Contents

1. About the nanoNET TRX RF Performance Evaluation Kit . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2. nanoNET TRX RF Test Module Version 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

3. nanoNET TRX RF Test Module Version 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

4. nanoNET MCF Microcontroller Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

5. Using the RF Performance Evaluation Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

5.1. Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

5.2. Flash Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

5.3. Setting Up the MCF Boards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

5.4. Error Indications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

5.5. Installing the RF Performance Analysis Tool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

5.6. Shutting Down an MCF Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

6. RF Performance Analysis Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

6.1. Preparing for RF Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

6.2. Starting the RFPAT Application. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

6.3. Initializing and Selecting a Chip Register Settings File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

6.4. Initializing Chip with Default Values. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

6.5. Test Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

7. Antenna Specifications for Model 17010.11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

7.1. Vertical Diagram for Model 17010.11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

7.2. Azimuth Diagram for Model 17010.11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Page vi Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany Page 1

1. About the nanoNET TRX RF Performance Evaluation Kit

The nanoNET TRX is a highly integrated mixed signal chip utilizing a new wireless communica-

tion technology – Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) – developed by Nanotron. It is designed for

robust wireless networks operating in the 2.45 GHz ISM band, and has extremely low power con-

sumption over a wide range of operating temperatures. The nanoNET TRX RF Performance

Evaluation Kit enables the testing and measurement of wireless communication using the

nanoNET TRX chip in real world conditions and facilitates the development of applications using

the powerful features of the nanoNET MCF microcontroller board. With the Evaluation Kit, the

range, robustness, and performance of the nanoNET TRX transceiver can be demonstrated.

The nanoNET MCF microcontroller board uses the Motorola ColdFire microcontroller which pro-

vides a powerful platform for application development for wireless communication. It also pro-

vides an Xilinx FPGA to extend the microcontroller bus structure for further applications (for

example, a graphic display), two ADCs creating two analog input channels, a DAC with two ana-

logue output channels, a power supply block, and mounting connectors for up to two nanoNET

RF Test Modules.

Figure 1: RF Performance Evaluation Kit hardware

The evaluation kit includes:

Two nanoNET TRX RF Test Modules

The nanoNET TRX RF Test Module contains the nanoNET TRX transceiver along with exter-

nal circuitry required for its operation. It provides basic RF functionality including transmission

(TX), and reception (RX), as well as basic digital operations.

Two 2.4 GHz Omnidirectional Antennas

These high-quality sleeve dipole omnidirectional indoor antennas have a frequency range of

2.40 to 2.48 GHz.

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Page 2 Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany

Two nanoNET MCF Microcontroller Boards

The nanoNET MCF Microcontroller board provides an effective platform for the evaluation of

the nanoNET TRX chip, as it uses Motorola’s ColdFire® MCF5272 Integrated Microproces-

sor, an IC ideally suited for getting the highest performance out of the nanoNET TRX chip.

Note: The MCF boards have been preflashed with the RFPAT firmware required for use with

the RFPAT user interface and is, therefore, ready for use.

Two RS232 Serial Cables

These are used to connect the MCF boards to one or two PCs using the RS232 ports.

Software CD

This CD contains the nanoNET RF Performance Analysis Tool (RFPAT) and related configu-

ration files. The RFPAT application can be used to perform a wide range of tests, including

basic RF packet transmission and reception demonstrations, interference testing, and coex-

istence tests. Configuration files for the specific chip included on the RF Test Module are pro-

vided.

nanoNET TRX RF Performance Evaluation Kit Quick Start Guide

The nanoNET TRX RF Performance Evaluation Kit Quick Start Guide provides basic instruc-

tions for setting up and running the kit. This User Manual provides a description of the basic

and advanced tasks that can be performed using RFPAT software in conjunction with the

included MCF boards and the RF Test Modules.

FCC certification is valid only for the complete Evaluation Kit. To use components of

the Evaluation Kit individually, such as the RF Test Module, the user is responsible

for obtaining a separate grant from the FCC.

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany Page 3

2. nanoNET TRX RF Test Module Version 5

The nanoNET TRX RF Test Module Version 5 contains the nanoNET TRX (48 pin) transceiver

along with external circuitry required for its operation. It provides RF functions, including modula-

tion, transmission (TX), and reception (RX), as well as basic digital operations.

Each block of the RF Test Module Version 5 is described in the following sections.

nanoNET TRX (48 Pin) Transceiver (48 pin)

The nanoNET TRX transceiver has extremely low power consumption, operates over a wide

range of temperatures, and performs effortlessly in robust wireless networks operating in the

2.45 GHz ISM band. The new transmission technology Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) devel-

oped by Nanotron has up and down chirps with a symbol duration of Tsymbol = 1 µs and an

effective bandwidth of Bchirp = 64 MHz. The chip offers three different data rates: 500 kbps, 1

Mbps, and 2 Mbps.

Note: The RF Test Module Version 5 includes a preproduction phase nanoNET TRX Chip

and does not conform in all points to the nanoNET TRX Chip specifications.

SMA Connector

The SMA connector is used to connect a 50 Ω antenna to the RF Test Module.

Impedance Matching Circuits

At the RF interface of the TRX, there is a differential impedance of 150 Ω, which is matched to

the unsymmetrical (single ended) 50 Ω impedance of the SMA connector by a 150 Ω / 50 Ω

RF balun. Additional external components at the RF interface have a power and noise match-

ing function that allows a sharing of the antenna without an external RX/TX – RF switch.

CDDL - Complementary Dispersive Delay Line

The CDDL is a highly sophisticated SAW filter which incorporates two filters within a single

device. Within the nanoNET system, the SAW Filter is responsible for distinguishing between

two possible incoming signals that are generated by another nanoNET transceiver. This

received signal is either an up-chirp, a down-chirp, or a folded pulse (up-chirp and down-chirp

at the same time). All of these signals have the same center frequency and the same band-

width. The difference between an up-chirp and a down-chirp occurs only in the phase infor-

mation of the complete spectrum. This phase information is enough for the CDDL to

compress a pulse at one output port and expand it at the other (that is, to extend the incoming

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Page 4 Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany

signal to the doubled duration). In this way the CDDL acts like a matched filter for one of the

possible transmitted pulses.

32768 Hz Quartz

The 32768 Hz Quartz is used for the real time clock oscillator.

16 MHz Quartz

The 16 MHz Quartz provides a frequency reference for the Local Oscillator and for other digi-

tal activities in the chip.

EEPROM

This memory is used for storing basic parameters for the nanoNET TRX transceiver and for

storing the ID of the chip.

Connectors

Two connectors are provided to mount the RF Test Module Version 5 on an either an Evalua-

tion Board or an Adapter Board. These connectors provide to the RT Test Module a regulated

3.3 V power supply as well as control signals and data.

Figure 2: RF Test Module Version 5

nanoNET TRX

SMA Connector

RX/TX input/output

CDDL

Impedance matching

circuits

(48 Pin) IC

Connectors

16 MHz Quartz

EEPROM

Top side

Bottom side

32768 Hz Quartz

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany Page 5

3. nanoNET TRX RF Test Module Version 12

The nanoNET TRX RF Test Module Version 12 contains the nanoNET TRX (44 pin) transceiver

along with external circuitry required for its operation. It provides basic RF functionality including

transmission (TX), and reception (RX), as well as basic digital operations.

Figure 3: nanoNET TRX RF Test Module (Ver. 12)

The nanoNET TRX RF Test Module consists of the following components:

nanoNET TRX Transceiver (44 pin)

The nanoNET TRX transceiver has extremely low power consumption, operates over a wide

range of temperatures, and performs effortlessly in robust wireless networks operating in the

2.45 GHz ISM band. The new transmission technology Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) devel-

oped by Nanotron Technologies has up and down chirps with a symbol duration of Tsymbol = 1

µs and an effective bandwidth of Bchirp = 64 MHz. The chip offers three different data rates:

500 kbps, 1 Mbps, and 2 Mbps.

SMA connector (RX/TX input/output)

The SMA connector is used to connect a 50 Ω antenna to the RF Test Module Version 12.

Impedance Matching Circuits

At the RF interface of the TRX, there is a differential impedance of 150 Ω, which is matched to

the unsymmetrical (single ended) 50 Ω impedance of the SMA connector by a 150 Ω / 50 Ω

RF balun. Additional external components at the RF interface have a power and noise match-

ing function that allows a sharing of the antenna without an external RX/TX – RF switch.

CDDL – Complementary Dispersive Delay Line

The CDDL is a highly sophisticated SAW filter which incorporates two filters within a single

device. Within the nanoNET system, the SAW Filter is responsible for distinguishing between

two possible incoming signals that are generated by another nanoNET transceiver. This

received signal is either an up-chirp, a down-chirp, or a folded pulse (up-chirp and down-chirp

at the same time). All of these signals have the same center frequency and the same band-

width. The difference between an up-chirp and a down-chirp occurs only in the phase infor-

mation.This phase information is enough for the CDDL to compress a pulse at one output port

and expand it at the other (that is, to extend the incoming signal to the doubled duration). In

this way the CDDL acts like a matched filter for one of the possible transmitted pulses.

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Page 6 Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany

32768 Hz Quartz

The 32768 Hz Quartz is used for the real time clock oscillator.

16 MHz Quartz

To provide the required 16 MHz, the RF Test Module uses either a 16 MHz Quartz or a 16

MHz external oscillator, depending on the chip used. Modules with the 16 MHz Quartz use the

internal oscillator circuitry and can operate within a range of between 0°C to 85°C. Modules

with the 16 MHz Quartz external oscillator do not use the internal oscillator circuitry and can

operate within a range of -40°C to 85°C.

Connectors

Two connectors are provided to mount the RF Test Module on an either an Evaluation Board

or an Adapter Board. These connectors provide to the Test Module a regulated 3.3 V power

supply as well as control signals and data.

Figure 4: nanoNET TRX RF Test Module (Version 12) Components

nanoNET TRX

SMA Connector

RX/TX input/output

CDDL

Impedance matching

circuits

transceiver

Connectors

Pads for 16 MHz

Quartz

Top side

Bottom side

32768 Hz

Quartz

16 MHz external

EEPROM

oscillator

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany Page 7

4. nanoNET MCF Microcontroller Board

The nanoNET MCF Microcontroller Board is designed to be used with the nanoNET TRX RF

Test Modules for evaluating the RX and TX of the nanoNET TRX transceiver. It supports up to

two RF Test Modules for wireless communication as well as supporting baseband communica-

tion for application testing free of interference from wireless transmissions. The MCF board

includes a 66 MHz Motorola ColdFire© microcontroller, 32 MB RAM, 2 MB flash memory, two

ADCs with two analogue input channels, a DAC with two analogue output channels, a power

supply block, and a wide range of interfaces.

Figure 5: MCF Microcontroller board component locations

The nanoNET MCF Microcontroller Board consists of following components:

Motorola ColdFire© Microcontroller

The Motorola ColdFire© microprocessor MCF5272, clocked at 66 MHz, is based on a vari-

able-length RISC processor with a 32-bit address bus and a 32-bit data bus. A 2 MByte boot

flash as well as a 32 MByte SDRAM are provided as external components on the board.

Xilinx FPGA

The MCF board provides an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) to extend the microcon-

troller bus structure for add on applications using connectors X7a and X7b.

Connector X1 (Power Supply Jack)

This 2.1 mm barrel connector provides a supply voltage to the board. For details on the power

supply for the MCF board, see "Power Supply" on page 11.

Connector X2 (USB)

The MCF board provides a USB interface (full speed specified by version 1.1). The USB inter-

face is not used for the Evaluation Kit.

Connector X3 (Ethernet 10/100BASE TX)

The MCF Board provides a 10/100BASE TX Ethernet interface to use, for example, to con-

nect to boards for a fast wired communication channel or to a network if a TCP/IP stack is part

of the software. The Ethernet interface is not used for the Evaluation Kit

TX_RX

JP4

X8a

X8b

X10a

X10b

TX_RX

X7a

Module 1

Module 2

TX_RX1

MISO

MOSI

SPISS2

µCVCC1

SPISS1

/INT

µCRESE

PWRUPR

SPICLK

X7b

X11

BDM

CFG3 CFG2 CFG1

L2 L1

X1 PWR

JP1

Reset

MK1

JP2

JP3

RS232

connector

Ethernet

connector

USB

connector

Power

connector

BDM

connector

Te r m i n al

blocks

Socket one

for RF Module

Socket two

for RF Module

SPI Bus con-

nector

Digital I/O

Add-on application

connector

RS232

Ethernet

USB

Coldfire

MCF5722

Xilinix

FPGA

flash

memory

RAM

memory

RAM

memory

DIP

switch

nanotron

TECHNOLGOGIES

Add-on application

connector

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Page 8 Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany

Connector X4 (RS232 Serial Interface)

The MCF board provides an RS232 serial interface for connecting to a serial port of a PC.

The UART1 of the controller uses an external driver that provides RS232 compatibility for

connection of terminal.

Connector X5 (Terminal Blocks)

This power supply using a CAGE CLAMP® (series 236) provides an alternate power supply

for the board. See Table 1: "MCF board power supply guidelines" on page 5–11 for minimum

and maximum voltage requirements for the board. The polarity of the terminal blocks are

shown below:

Figure 6: Connector X5 (Terminal Blocks)

The analogue and digital 3.3 V supply voltages of the RF Test Module mounted on connec-

tors X8a and X8b are fed separately from connector X5 to connector X8a so that both cur-

rents of the module can be measured. Connect the Ampere meter between pins 3 and 4 to

measure the power supply current of the digital part of the TRX chip, and between pins 5 and

6 for the power supply current of the analogue part of the TRX chip.

In normal operation, both pins 3 and 4 and pins 5 and 6 must be shorted.

Connector X6 (BDM for Flash Memory and MCF5272 Debugging)

The MCF board provides a BDM connector that can be used to program the flash memory as

well as to run the MCF5272 microcontroller in debug mode. A special adapter is required to

interface between a parallel port cable connected to a standard IBM PC parallel port (DB25

female connector) on the PC and the BDM connector on the MCF board. The BDM is not

used for the Evaluation Kit.

Note: The RF Performance Evaluation Kit does not include a development environment nor

an adapter to connect a parallel port cable to the BDM connector. Contact a Nanotron

Technologies sales representative for information about the RF Performance Develop-

ment Kit.

Connectors X7a and X7b (add-on application board)

The MCF board provides an interface for extending the microcontroller bus structure for fur-

ther applications, such as an LCD matrix display. The Evaluation Kit does not require an add-

on application and, therefore, X7a and X7b are, therefore, not used.

Connectors X8a and X8b (Digital I/O signals of Module 1)

The nanoNET TRX RF Test Modules included in the Evaluation Kit are mounted on these

interfaces (labeled Module 1) on each MCF board. Connector X8a provides a supply power

to the RF Test Module, while connector X8b provides signals between the RF Test Module

and the MCF5272 ColdFire© microprocessor.

Note: Do not mount the RF Test Module on the set of connectors X10a and X10b (labeled

Module 2) as they are not used in the Evaluation Kit.

Connector X9 (ADC and DAC)

This user-definable connector provides two ADCs (analogue to digital converter) creating two

analogue input channels, a DAC (digital to analogue converter) with two analogue output

channels. This connector is not used in the Evaluation Kit.

–+3456

PWR

JP4

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany Page 9

Connector X10a and X10b (Digital I/O signals of Module 2)

This second set of connectors (labeled Module 2) is provided for a second RF Test Module

or for an SPI interface and is used in a development environment only. These connectors are

not used with the Evaluation Kit. If an RF Test Module is mounted on the MCF board using

these connectors, an error will be generated.

Connector X11 (Digital I/O)

This connector is used to transmit digital I/O signals from/to RF Test Module(s). Its voltage

level is 3.3 V and it is not buffered. It can be used to provide a baseband connection without

RF interference. It is used primarily for testing applications and is not used for the Evaluation

Kit.

Status Indication LEDs

The LEDs CFG1, CFG2, and CFG3 provide a boot up status indication. During boot up, all

three LEDs (CFG1, CFG2, CFG3) are illuminated briefly to indicate that the boot up was suc-

cessful. They are also used as error indicators. If a few seconds after boot up, they begin to

start flashing intermittently, then the MCF board needs to be rebooted. The boot process can

be restarted by pushing the Reset button to restart. They can also be configured by software

to provide an indication of the status of the Ethernet controller during board operation. They

are configured for this purpose for the Evaluation Kit.

LEDs L0, L1, L2, L3 are used as error indicators. If a few seconds after boot up, they begin to

continuously blink 5 times per second, the likely cause is that an RF Test Module has been

placed in the wrong socket. Reinstall the RF Test Module in connectors X8a and X8b

(Module 1). Also, after the MCF board has booted up, LED L3 will flash continually indicat-

ing the board is operating. These LEDs are also part of the user interface for the Coldfire©

microcontroller and can be configured by software as user-definable status indications.

Except LED3, they are not configured for the Evaluation Kit.

The power indication LED (PWR) will be illuminated to indicate a correct power supply has

been attached to the board, either in the Power Supply Jack (X1) or in the Terminal Blocks

(X5). The TX_RX LEDs indicates an RF Module is transmitting or receiving data. It is switched

off by default. To enable this LED, check the RfTxExtPampOutEn register in the more set-

tings dialog. See "Viewing Chip Register Settings" on page 33 for details.

Jumpers

The MCF board provides a number of jumpers for taking measurements, changing settings,

or giving access to I/O lines:

Jumper 1 is used (closed as default) to connect the appropriate ports of the controller to

the LEDs. Otherwise these ports can be used for another purpose instead of the LEDs.

Jumper 2 (default is opened) is the parallel connection of the appropriate ports of the con-

troller to the key buttons (K1, K2, M1 and M2). They can also be used for another purpose

instead of key buttons if desired.

Jumper 3 (default is opened) is the output of the Pulse Width Modulator, it can be con-

nected to a speaker for example.

Jumper 4 is (default is closed) used to measure the load current of the ColdFire board.

In the Evaluation Kit, the default settings are used.

Key Buttons

The MCF board provides a set of five key buttons (labeled RESET, M, K1, K2 and K3). The

RESET button is used to reset the microprocessor in the event of an error during boot up. The

remaining four are software configured and not used for the Evaluation Kit.

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Page 10 Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany Page 11

5. Using the RF Performance Evaluation Kit

For a smooth operation of the Evaluation Kit, two computers that have RS232 connector ports

(or one computer with two RS232 connector ports) are required with both running Microsoft®

Windows® 2000 or XP operating system and each having a minimum of 5MB hard disk space.

Also, a power supply is required, either as a 2.1 mm barrel connector or as a bare wire for use

with the board’s terminal block.

5.1. Power Supply

The power supply is provided by either connector X1 or x5 (see "nanoNET MCF Microcontroller

Board" on page 7). The MCF board provides connectors (X7a and X7b) for an external periph-

eral device such as an LED display, although the Evaluation Kit does not include an external

device. Nevertheless, the following guidelines should be followed when providing a power supply

for the board.

Warning: Recommended voltage for the Evaluation Kit without the use of an external device is

7.5 V as a higher voltage will generate heat due to power dissipation.

A lower supply voltage is preferable as higher supply voltages cause the voltage regulator to

heat up.The polarity of the inner connector is positive.

The board provides three supply voltages: 3.3 V, 1.8 V and 5 V. The microcontroller and the

nanoNET TRX RF Test Modules operate at 3.3 V while the core voltage of the FPGA is 1.8 V. A

5 V supply is fed to the external connectors X7a and X7b for add-on applications.

As soon as the external supply voltage is applied, the power LED is illuminated.

5.2. Flash Software

The MCF Boards have been pre-flashed with the RFPAT flash software for use with the RF Per-

formance Evaluation Tool.

5.3. Setting Up the MCF Boards

Warning: Since the Coldfire Microprocessor does not boot when the RX line on the serial (D-

Sub 9) connector has a voltage level above 1.3 Volts, connect the RS232 serial cable

AFTER the board has finished its boot sequence and the LED L3 begins to continu-

ously blink indicating a successful boot-up.

It is important that the steps described below be followed precisely to bring the MCF Boards up to

a running state.

Table 1: MCF board power supply guidelines

Operating Mode

Minimum Maximum

Absolute Recommended Recommended Absolute

Without external device 4.5 V 4.8 V 6 V 9 V

With external device 6.2 V 6.5 V 7.5 V 9 V

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Page 12 Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany

For each MCF board:

1. Attach to one of the nanoNET TRX RF Test Modules a 2.4 GHz sleeve dipole antenna model

17010.11 that has been provided in the Evaluation Kit.

Figure 7: Attaching antenna to RF Test Module

Warning: To use the Evaluation Kit, you MUST use the antennas that have been provided

with the Evaluation Kit in order to remain within the scope of FCC Certification

for FCC Class A and Class B devices. The usage of any other antenna voids the

users authority to operate the equipment under FCC regulations.

For specifications of the 2.4 GHz sleeve dipole antenna model 17010.11, see

"Antenna Specifications for Model 17010.11" on page 21.

2. Carefully install the RF Test Module onto the MCF board using the two connectors labelled

Module 1 (connectors X8a/b).

Note: The Evaluation Kit uses only one RF Test Module per board and for the kit to operate

correctly, the RF Test Module MUST be mounted on the connectors labelled Module 1

or an error will be generated (LEDs 1 to 4 blinking continuously indicating this error).

Figure 8: Mounting the RF Test Module on the MCF board

3. Connect the MCF board to an external DC power supply. The guidelines described in Table 1:

"MCF board power supply guidelines" on page 11 should be followed when providing a power

supply for the board.

The MCF board provides two power supply connectors - a 2.1 mm barrel connector (label X1)

as well as terminal blocks (label X5) with CAGE CLAMP® (series 236). The terminal blocks

(maximum 2.5mm2 conductor) can be used when a reliable power supply connection is

required. The polarity of the power supply is as shown.

nanoNET TRX Module_v12

X2 X1

2.4 GHz antenna

nanoNET MCF µC

nanoNET TRX Module_v11

X2 X1

Module 1Module 2

Assembled

TRX RF Test Module

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany Page 13

Figure 9: Terminal blocks, barrel connector and power supply options

Figure 10: Connecting the barrel connector power supply

4. Once the power supply has been provided, the Power LED will illuminate to indicate the board

has been powered up. It then begins its boot up process.

Figure 11: Power supply indicator

5. After a period of a few seconds, three LEDs (CFG1, CFG2, CFG3) will illuminate briefly to indi-

cate that the Ethernet controller has been initialized.

Figure 12: MCF board LEDs

+–

–

red

black

+–

Terminal Blocks Barrel connectorBare wire

pwr

+–

To Power supply

Terminal blocks

2.1 mm barrel connector

Socket 1

nanoNET TRX Module_v11

X2 X1

pwr

power LED

nanoNET MCF µC

Socket 1

nanoNET TRX Module_v1

X2 X1

MCF LEDs

CFG3CGG2 CFG1

L3 L2 L1

nanoNET MCF µC

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Page 14 Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany

6. Once the MCF board has been successfully booted up, LED L3 will flash continually indicat-

ing the board is operating.

Figure 13: Running indicator (LED 3)

7. Finally, connect a 9-pin RS232 cable to the RS232 connector on the MCF board (label X4)

and to a RS232 serial port on a computer running either Microsoft® Windows® 2000 or XP.

Figure 14: Connecting the RS23 cable to the MCF board

Repeat this procedure with the second MCF board and then launch the RF Performance Evalua-

tion Tool. See "Installing the RF Performance Analysis Tool" on page 15.

5.4. Error Indications

A number of conditions will generate an error, the most common of which is the nanoNET TRX

RF Test Module installed in the wrong socket on the MCF board. To indicate this and any other

error condition, the MCF board causes the LEDs (L0, L1, L2, L3) to blink continuously.

Socket 1

nanoNET TRX Module_v1

X2 X1

Running LED

nanoNET MCF µC

Socket 1

nanoNET TRX Module_v11

X2 X1

RS232

To RS232 Serial Port on

computer

nanoNET MCF µC

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany Page 15

To resolve this error condition:

1. Disconnect from power supply and the RS232 cable from the MCF board before attempting

any troubleshooting.

2. Ensure that the RF Test Module is installed in the socket labeled Module 1.

3. Reconnect the power supply as in step 3 in "Setting Up the MCF Boards" on page 11.

4. If the MCF board continues to show an error condition (LEDs blinking continuously), then

push the Reset button to restart the boot process.

The power LED and LEDs (CFG1, CFG2, CFG3) will illuminate briefly to indicate that the boot up

was successful.

5. Reconnect the RS232 cable.

5.5. Installing the RF Performance Analysis Tool

To install the RF Performance Analysis Tool:

1. Copy to a destination directory, for example, C:\RFPAT\, (on both PCs if two PCs are to be

used) the RF Performance Analysis Tool (RFPAT) executable (RFPAT.exe) from the nanoNET

RF Evaluation Kit CDROM.

2. Ensure that the two MCF boards are connected to the RS232 ports.

3. Launch two instances (two on one PC or one each on two PCs) of the RFPAT software by

running rfpat.exe.

For details on using the RFPAT software, see "RF Performance Analysis Tool" on page 17.

5.6. Shutting Down an MCF Board

To safely shut down the MCF board:

1. Close the RFPAT applications running on the MCF boards.

2. Disconnect the power supply and the RS232 cables from the boards.

3. Disconnect the antennas from the nanoNET TRX RF Test Modules.

4. Carefully remove the nanoNET TRX RF Test Module from the MCF boards.

5. Store the Evaluation Kit hardware in ESD protection bags.

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Page 16 Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany Page 17

6. RF Performance Analysis Tool

The RF Performance Analysis Tool (RFPAT) provides a convenient means of evaluating the

wireless link between two stations. It does so by evaluating the RF performance of the nanoNET

TRX hardware. It enables the user to perform short and long term measurements of several

types of error rates for different nanoNET TRX register configurations. And since the RFPAT

application is also used for internal chip evaluation purposes, it gives access to many TRX chip

registers that are not used for common operations.

The RFPAT application cannot be expected to demonstrate all features of the nanoNET TRX

transceiver. In fact, only a small fraction of features are used while many others remain

untouched, such as CSMA, RTS/CTS, real time clock, time beacon packets, TDMA mode, pack-

ets longer than 128 bytes, and so on.

The RFPAT tool consists of two parts:

Firmware portion flashed onto the MCF Microcontroller Board

This program accesses the nanoNET TRX hardware. It performs the transmission and recep-

tion of packets and updates a variety of statistic counters. The two MCF boards included in

the kit have been pre-flashed with the firmware portion of the tool.

Executable and a configuration file provided on the software CD

The executable RFPAT.exe is a GUI that runs on a Windows® PC. It sends commands to the

MCF Microcontroller Board, reads the statistic counter values, calculates and averages the

values and rates to be displayed, and then formats them appropriately.

Figure 15: RF Performance Analysis Tool Version 7.02

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Page 18 Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany

6.1. Preparing for RF Evaluation

Once the Evaluation Kit has been assembled and connected to a PC(s), prepare the RFPAT

application for RF evaluations as follows:

1. Start two instances of the RFPAT application, one for each TRX transceiver connected to the

MCF board.

2. Load the configuration files and verify that the settings have been written to each of the trans-

ceivers.

3. Select a test mode on the TX station.

4. Select a test mode on the RX station.

5. Perform the evaluation.

These steps are described in detail in the remainder of this document.

6.2. Starting the RFPAT Application

It is assumed in this section that the hardware of the Evaluation Kit has been set up and running

properly. If not, refer to the document nanoNET TRX RF Performance Evaluation Kit Quick Start

Guide for set up procedures.

To start up the RFPAT application

1. Ensure that the Evaluation Kit hardware is powered on and running, as described in "Setting

Up the MCF Boards" on page 11.

The LED L3 should be flashing intermittently on each MCF board indicating both boards are

running properly.

2. Start two instances of the RFPAT application RFPAT.exe (in the RFPAT_702_104 directory) .

The Evaluation Kit requires two sets of stations for the evaluation of RF performance. There-

fore, one instance of the application needs to be running for each of the two MCF boards in

the Kit. Launch a second instance of the application for the second MCF board.

With two applications running, one will serve as a sending station (TX) while the second will

serve as the receiving station (RX).

Manually Selecting the COM Ports

Manual setting of the COM port is possible by choosing an available COM port from the drop-

down list.

If a different COM port is required than the one automatically selected by the RFPAT application,

choose an available port from the dropdown list.

On each running RFPAT application, a drop-down list is provided which shows all the available

COM ports on the PC to which one (or both) of the MCF boards via the RS232 cable are con-

nected. When the RFPAT application is launched, it searches for the first free COM port on the

PC and automatically selects that free port. It appears as the port displayed.

Figure 16: COM port drop-down list

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany Page 19

6.3. Initializing and Selecting a Chip Register Settings File

The chip register settings file is an ASCII configuration file that provides a set of parameters for

the specific chip on the RF Test Module included in the kit. It also provides additional configura-

tion settings required for the RFPAT application (for example, autocalibration). The file can be

visually inspected, if required, to check which chip register settings are in the file. These same

settings are also displayed in the various fields of the RFPAT application user interface, where

they can be overwritten, if required.

To load the chip register settings file

1. Select the Load button and navigate to the RFPAT directory that contains the configuration

file (same directory as the RFPAT application).

Figure 17: Configuration file

2. Select Open to initialize the chip registers with settings from the configuration file and to con-

figure the RFPAT application. A message should appear indicating the initialization was suc-

cessful.

Figure 18: Configuration load successful message

If the initialization was unsuccessful, a message should appear indicating the MCF Evaluation

Board is not responding correctly.

Figure 19: Configuration load unsuccessful message

Some possible reasons for the error message include no power connection (is the LED L3

flashing?), RS232 cable not connected properly, or the configuration file not compatible with

the chip on the RF Test Module.

3. Click OK to complete the configuration load.

After the values have been written to the chip, the frequency values of the Local Receive

Oscillator Capacitors (LoRxCaps) and Local Transmit Oscillator Capacitors (LoTxCaps) are

read back from the chip and displayed in the RFPAT user interface, as shown below.

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Page 20 Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany

Figure 20: Local receive and transmit oscillator capacitor settings

This provides a means of verifying that the chip registers have been updated. If the

LoRxCaps and LoTxCaps values are either 0x0000 or 0x0FFF, then the RFPAT firmware

has not properly initialized the chip with the configuration values. In this case, reload the con-

figuration file.

After you have successfully run two instances of the RF Performance Evaluation Tool and initial-

ized the chip with register settings, you are ready to start the measurements. See "Test Modes"

on page 20.

6.4. Initializing Chip with Default Values

Normally, the loading of the configuration file will initialize the chip. However, if the RFPAT appli-

cation attempts to communicate with the chip before the configuration file has been loaded, the

chip will be initialized with default values taken from the firmware. A message should appear indi-

cating this initialization.

Figure 21: Chip initialization with default values message

As with loading the configuration file, after the values have been written to the chip, the fre-

quency values LoRxCaps and LoTxCaps are read back from the chip and displayed in the

RFPAT application.

6.5. Test Modes

The RFPAT application provides a wide range of test modes for evaluating the wireless link.

Continuous Transmission Mode

This mode is used to determine the throughput of the wireless link by measuring the correct

payload receive rate.

Reference Packet Mode

This mode is used for measuring the precise frame error rate, frame drop rate, and bit error

rate at a user-defined TX output power and payload size.

Continuous Chirp Test Mode

This mode is used to determine the chip output power by sending a continuous stream of

chirps that can be measured by laboratory test equipment.

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany Page 21

7. Antenna Specifications for Model 17010.11

This section provides the specifications for the antenna used by the nanoNET TRX, namely,

Antenna Model 17010.11, as shown below:

Figure 22: Model 17010.11

Electrical Items Specifications

Model 17010.11

Type of antenna Sleeve dipole antenna

Frequency range 2.40~2.48 GHz

Electrical length 1 / 2 λ

Nominal impedance 50 Ω

Polarization Vertical

V.S.W.R Less than 2.0

Gain 2.15 dBi

Mechanical Items Specifications

Element ø 0.1x7 CuAg -wire

Sleeve Urethane (black)

Connector SMA-male (right angle)

Antenna total length 90 ± 2mm

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Page 22 Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany

7.1. Vertical Diagram for Model 17010.11

The following shows the vertical diagram for the antenna model 17010.11 measured at

2.40 GHz, 2.45 GHz, and 2.50 GHz

Figure 23: Vertical Diagram for Antenna model 17010.11

Beam Peak Values

Null Depth Values

Frequency [dB] at [deg]

2.40 GHz -0.61 -99.94

2,45 GHz -0.74 81.95

2,50 GHz -0.64 67.96

Frequency [dB] at [deg]

2.40 GHz -38.47 -4.00

2,45 GHz -53.94 -2.00

2,50 GHz -41.44 177.90

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany Page 23

7.2. Azimuth Diagram for Model 17010.11

The following shows the Azimuth diagram for the antenna model 17010.11 measured at

2.40 GHz, 2.45 GHz, and 2.50 GHz

Figure 24: Azimuth Diagram for Antenna model 17010.11

Beam Peak Values

Null depth values

Frequency [dB] at [deg]

2.40 GHz 0.85 61.97

2,45 GHz -0.38 111.94

2,50 GHz -0.69 143.92

Frequency [dB] at [deg]

2.40 GHz -2.26 135.92

2,45 GHz -3.57 125.93

2,50 GHz -2.59 113.94

nanoNET TRX User Manual (UserMan)

FCC ID: SIFNANONET-TRX

Page 24 Nanotron Technologies GmbH, Alt-Moabit 61, 10555 Berlin, Germany

Nanotron Technologies NANONET-TRX nanoNET TRX 2.4 GHz CSS Transceiver User Manual UserMan

Nanotron Technologies GmbH nanoNET TRX 2.4 GHz CSS Transceiver UserMan

UserMan

Navigation menu

Namespaces

Views

Navigation