MDEV-915-250

MDEV-915-250 Datasheet

MDEV-915-250

Part	Datasheet
MDEV-915-250	MDEV-915-250 (pdf)

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250 Series Master Development System User's Guide ! Warning Linx radio frequency "RF" products may be used to control machinery or devices remotely, including machinery or devices that can cause death, bodily injuries, and/or property damage if improperly or inadvertently triggered, particularly in industrial settings or other applications implicating life-safety concerns. No Linx Technologies product is intended for use in any application without redundancies where the safety of life or property is at risk. The customers and users of devices and machinery controlled with RF products must understand and must use all appropriate safety procedures in connection with the devices, including without limitation, using appropriate safety procedures to prevent inadvertent triggering by the user of the device and using appropriate security codes to prevent triggering of the remote controlled machine or device by users of other remote controllers. Do not use this or any Linx product to trigger an action directly from the data line or RSSI lines without a protocol or encoder/ decoder to validate the data. Without validation, any signal from another unrelated transmitter in the environment received by the module could inadvertently trigger the action. All RF products are susceptible to RF interference that can prevent communication. RF products without frequency agility or hopping implemented are more subject to interference. This module does have a frequency hopping protocol built in, but the developer should still be aware of the risk of interference. Do not use any Linx product over the limits in this data guide. Excessive voltage or extended operation at the maximum voltage could cause product failure. Exceeding the reflow temperature profile could cause product failure which is not immediately evident. Do not make any physical or electrical modifications to any Linx product. This will void the warranty and regulatory and UL certifications and may cause product failure which is not immediately evident. Table of Contents Introduction Ordering Information 250 Series Transceiver Development Board 250 Series Transceiver Evaluation Module Using the Development Boards Using the Development Boards Troubleshooting The Prototyping Area Range Testing Master Development Software About Antennas In Closing 250 Series Master Development Board Schematic 250 Series Master Development System User's Guide Figure 1 250 Series Master Development System Introduction The Linx 250 Series RF modules offer a simple, efficient and cost-effective method of adding wireless communication capabilities to any product. The Master Development System gives a designer all the tools necessary to correctly and legally incorporate the 250 Series into an end product. The development boards serve several important functions: • Rapid Module Evaluation The boards allow the performance of the 250 Series modules to be quickly evaluated in a user’s environment. • Range Testing Windows-based demonstration software is included, which allows for a variety of tests. A pair of development boards can be used to evaluate the range performance of the modules. • Design Benchmark The boards provide a known benchmark against which the performance of a custom design may be judged. • Application Development An onboard prototyping area allows for the development of custom circuits directly on the development board. All signal lines are available on a header for easy access. The Master Development System includes two development boards, two 250 Series evaluation modules, two 250 Series transceivers, two CW Series antennas, two RH Series antennas, six AAA batteries, USB cables, demonstration software and full documentation. Ordering Information Ordering Information MDEV-915-250 250 Series Master Development System Figure 2 Ordering Information 250 Series Transceiver Development Board Figure 3 250 Series Transceiver Development Board Prototyping Area Batteries 3xAAA On-Off Switch Power LED USB Connector USB Jumpers RS-232 Connector RS-232 Jumpers Breakout Header EVM Module Socket Serial Port Indicators 250 Series Transceiver Evaluation Module Figure 4 250 Series Transceiver Evaluation Module Using the Development Boards The development system provides a stable platform to test and evaluate the performance of the modules. Everything required for basic testing is included in the box. The system includes two identical development boards and two evaluation modules. These are used to set up a bi-directional data link. The development boards have USB and RS-232 interfaces to connect to computers or peripheral devices. Windows-based software is included that is used to configure the modules and to establish a wireless chat that can send text between the modules. Using the Development Boards After unpacking the development system, the following steps are used to get started. Insert an EVM module into the evaluation boards, observing the correct orientation. The antenna connector should be closest to the edge of the development board Figure Make sure it is seated fully and correctly. Figure 5 250 Series Transceiver Evaluation Module on the Development Board Screw an antenna onto each EVM board and install the AAA batteries. Set the jumpers on the development boards. If using the USB interface then populate the USB jumpers and remove the RS-232 jumpers Figure 6 A . If using the RS-232 interface then populate the RS-232 jumpers and remove the USB jumpers Figure 6 B . Connecting both sets of jumpers at the same time could lead to short circuits and bit collisions, so only use one interface at a time. Connect one of the development boards to a computer. USB drivers are included on the CD, so install them if using the USB interface and prompted by the computer. The latest drivers may be downloaded from Silicon Labs at usbtouart/Pages/usb-to-uart-bridge.aspx Figure 6 250 Series Development Board Jumpers A for USB Interface B for RS-232 Interface Insert the CD that is included with the kit into the computer and install the Windows software. If already installed, skip this step. Run the software, select “Wi.232FHSS-250” and click “OK” Figure 7 A . On the next screen select the appropriate COM port and 2400 baud operation Then click “OK” Figure 7 B . Note that if the baud rate has been changed on the module, then the baud rate must be changed here as well. Figure 7 250 Series Transceiver Development System Software Setup The software opens on the Volatile Registers tab. Click on the “Wireless Chat” tab as shown in Figure Figure 8 250 Series Transceiver Development System Software Volatile Registers Tab This opens the wireless chat window Figure Figure 9 250 Series Transceiver Development System Software Wireless Chat Tab The second board can be connected to the same computer for bench top testing or to a second computer for range testing. Open a second instance of the software if using one computer. If two computers are used then repeat steps 4 through 7 for the second board on the second computer. Power-On both development boards, verifying that the version / copyright information is displayed on the screen from both modules Figure Figure 10 250 Series Transceiver Development System Software Wireless Chat Tab with Module Information Type a message into the bottom box in one of the windows. Figure 11 250 Series Transceiver Development System Software Wireless Chat Tab Press Enter and look for the message to appear in the top box of the window connected to the second module B . It appears in the middle box of the window for the sending module A . Figure 12 250 Series Transceiver Development System Software Wireless Chat Tab A Sent B Received Chat back and forth between evaluation boards, verifying that serial and RF communications are successful. Figure 13 250 Series Development System Software Wireless Chat Tab Response A Received B Sent 11 Troubleshooting If the boards fail to work out of the box, then try the following • Check the batteries to make sure they are not dead. • Make sure that the antennas are connected. • Make sure that the jumpers are set correctly. • Ensure that the latest USB drivers are installed. • Test additional baud rates. If all of these appear to be in order, then you can call 800-736-6677 or e-mail The Prototyping Area In addition to their evaluation functions, the boards may also be used for actual product development. They feature a prototyping area for the addition of application-specific circuitry. The prototyping area is the same on both boards and contains a large area of plated through-holes so that external circuitry can be placed on the board. The holes are set at on center with a diameter, making it easy to add most industry-standard SIP and DIP packages to the board. This circuitry can be interfaced with the transceiver through the breakout header at the bottom. On the right of this area is a row connected to the 3.3V power supply and on the left is a row connected to ground. Note The on-board 3.3-volt regulator has approximately 50mA of headroom available for additional circuitry. If added circuitry requires a higher current, the user must power the board from an external supply. Ground Bus Volt Bus Breakout Header Figure 14 The Development Board Prototyping Area Range Testing

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250 Series Master Development System

User's Guide
! Warning Linx radio frequency "RF" products may be
used to control machinery or devices remotely, including machinery or devices that can cause death, bodily injuries, and/or property damage if improperly or inadvertently triggered, particularly in industrial settings or other applications implicating life-safety concerns. No Linx Technologies product is intended for use in any application without redundancies where the safety of life or property is at risk.

The customers and users of devices and machinery controlled with RF products must understand and must use all appropriate safety procedures in connection with the devices, including without limitation, using appropriate safety procedures to prevent inadvertent triggering by the user of the device and using appropriate security codes to prevent triggering of the remote controlled machine or device by users of other remote controllers.

Do not use this or any Linx product to trigger an action directly from the data line or RSSI lines without a protocol or encoder/ decoder to validate the data. Without validation, any signal from another unrelated transmitter in the environment received by the module could inadvertently trigger the action.

All RF products are susceptible to RF interference that can prevent communication. RF products without frequency agility or hopping implemented are more subject to interference. This module does have a frequency hopping protocol built in, but the developer should still be aware of the risk of interference.

Do not use any Linx product over the limits in this data guide. Excessive voltage or extended operation at the maximum voltage could cause product failure. Exceeding the reflow temperature profile could cause product failure which is not immediately evident.

Do not make any physical or electrical modifications to any Linx product. This will void the warranty and regulatory and UL certifications and may cause product failure which is not immediately evident.

Table of Contents
Introduction Ordering Information 250 Series Transceiver Development Board 250 Series Transceiver Evaluation Module Using the Development Boards Using the Development Boards Troubleshooting The Prototyping Area Range Testing Master Development Software About Antennas In Closing 250 Series Master Development Board Schematic
250 Series Master Development System

User's Guide

Figure 1 250 Series Master Development System

Introduction

The Linx 250 Series RF modules offer a simple, efficient and cost-effective method of adding wireless communication capabilities to any product. The Master Development System gives a designer all the tools necessary to correctly and legally incorporate the 250 Series into an end product. The development boards serve several important functions:
• Rapid Module Evaluation The boards allow the performance of the 250 Series modules to be quickly evaluated in a user’s environment.
• Range Testing Windows-based demonstration software is included, which allows for a variety of tests. A pair of development boards can be used to evaluate the range performance of the modules.
• Design Benchmark The boards provide a known benchmark against which the performance of a custom design may be judged.
• Application Development An onboard prototyping area allows for the development of custom circuits directly on the development board. All signal lines are available on a header for easy access.

The Master Development System includes two development boards, two 250 Series evaluation modules, two 250 Series transceivers, two CW Series antennas, two RH Series antennas, six AAA batteries, USB cables, demonstration software and full documentation.
Ordering Information
Ordering Information

MDEV-915-250
250 Series Master Development System
Figure 2 Ordering Information
250 Series Transceiver Development Board

Figure 3 250 Series Transceiver Development Board

Prototyping Area Batteries 3xAAA On-Off Switch Power LED USB Connector USB Jumpers

RS-232 Connector RS-232 Jumpers Breakout Header EVM Module Socket Serial Port Indicators
250 Series Transceiver Evaluation Module

Figure 4 250 Series Transceiver Evaluation Module

Using the Development Boards

The development system provides a stable platform to test and evaluate the performance of the modules. Everything required for basic testing is included in the box. The system includes two identical development boards and two evaluation modules. These are used to set up a bi-directional data link. The development boards have USB and RS-232 interfaces to connect to computers or peripheral devices. Windows-based software is included that is used to configure the modules and to establish a wireless chat that can send text between the modules.

Using the Development Boards

After unpacking the development system, the following steps are used to get started. Insert an EVM module into the evaluation boards, observing the correct
orientation. The antenna connector should be closest to the edge of the development board Figure Make sure it is seated fully and correctly.

Figure 5 250 Series Transceiver Evaluation Module on the Development Board

Screw an antenna onto each EVM board and install the AAA batteries. Set the jumpers on the development boards. If using the USB interface
then populate the USB jumpers and remove the RS-232 jumpers Figure 6 A . If using the RS-232 interface then populate the RS-232 jumpers and remove the USB jumpers Figure 6 B . Connecting both sets of jumpers at the same time could lead to short circuits and bit collisions, so only use one interface at a time. Connect one of the development boards to a computer. USB drivers are included on the CD, so install them if using the USB interface and prompted by the computer. The latest drivers may be downloaded from Silicon Labs at usbtouart/Pages/usb-to-uart-bridge.aspx

Figure 6 250 Series Development Board Jumpers A for USB Interface B for RS-232 Interface

Insert the CD that is included with the kit into the computer and install the Windows software. If already installed, skip this step.

Run the software, select “Wi.232FHSS-250” and click “OK” Figure 7 A . On the next screen select the appropriate COM port and 2400 baud operation Then click “OK” Figure 7 B . Note that if the baud rate has been changed on the module, then the baud rate must be changed here as well.

Figure 7 250 Series Transceiver Development System Software Setup

The software opens on the Volatile Registers tab. Click on the “Wireless Chat” tab as shown in Figure

Figure 8 250 Series Transceiver Development System Software Volatile Registers Tab

This opens the wireless chat window Figure

Figure 9 250 Series Transceiver Development System Software Wireless Chat Tab

The second board can be connected to the same computer for bench top testing or to a second computer for range testing. Open a second instance of the software if using one computer. If two computers are used then repeat steps 4 through 7 for the second board on the second computer.

Power-On both development boards, verifying that the version / copyright information is displayed on the screen from both modules Figure

Figure 10 250 Series Transceiver Development System Software Wireless Chat Tab with Module Information

Type a message into the bottom box in one of the windows.

Figure 11 250 Series Transceiver Development System Software Wireless Chat Tab

Press Enter and look for the message to appear in the top box of the window connected to the second module B . It appears in the middle box of the window for the sending module A .

Figure 12 250 Series Transceiver Development System Software Wireless Chat Tab A Sent B Received

Chat back and forth between evaluation boards, verifying that serial and RF communications are successful.

Figure 13 250 Series Development System Software Wireless Chat Tab Response A Received B Sent 11

Troubleshooting

If the boards fail to work out of the box, then try the following
• Check the batteries to make sure they are not dead.
• Make sure that the antennas are connected.
• Make sure that the jumpers are set correctly.
• Ensure that the latest USB drivers are installed.
• Test additional baud rates. If all of these appear to be in order, then you can call 800-736-6677 or e-mail

The Prototyping Area

In addition to their evaluation functions, the boards may also be used for actual product development. They feature a prototyping area for the addition of application-specific circuitry. The prototyping area is the same on both boards and contains a large area of plated through-holes so that external circuitry can be placed on the board. The holes are set at on center with a diameter, making it easy to add most industry-standard SIP and DIP packages to the board. This circuitry can be interfaced with the transceiver through the breakout header at the bottom. On the right of this area is a row connected to the 3.3V power supply and on the left is a row connected to ground.

Note The on-board 3.3-volt regulator has approximately 50mA of headroom available for additional circuitry. If added circuitry requires a higher current, the user must power the board from an external supply.

Ground Bus

Volt Bus

Breakout Header Figure 14 The Development Board Prototyping Area

Range Testing

Notice: we do not provide any warranties that information, datasheets, application notes, circuit diagrams, or software stored on this website are up-to-date or error free. The archived MDEV-915-250 Datasheet file may be downloaded here without warranties.

Datasheet ID: MDEV-915-250 645748