DATASHEET
RF220UF1 Module
©2008-2016 Synapse Wireless, All Rights Reserved. All Synapse products are
patent pending. Synapse , the Synapse logo, SNAP, and Portal are all registered trademarks
of Synapse Wireless, Inc.
Doc# 116-061507-008-G000
6723 Odyssey Drive // Huntsville, AL 35806 // (877) 982-7888 // Synapse-Wireless.com
SNAP Engine RF220UF1 Modules Overview
The SNAP Engine Model RF220UF1 series consists of an SM220UF1 on a carrier
board. It is an IEEE 802.15.4, low-power, highly reliable solution for embedded
wireless control and monitoring networks that require high data rates. The Model
RF220UF1 embeds Synapse’s SNAP OS, the industry’s first Internet-enabled,
wireless mesh network operating system, into the Atmel ATmega128RFA1 single-
chip AVR®microcontroller with an integrated transceiver that delivers up to
2Mbits/sec. This low-cost module can have current consumption under 390nA to
enable a new generation of battery-driven systems. The RF220UF1 also includes
a Skyworks SE2431L front-end module, which provides a power amplifier and
LNAfor increased range.
SNAP’s on-board Python interpreter provides for rapid application development and over-the-air programming,
while Atmel’s low-power RF single-chip design saves board space and lowers power consumption. The modules
provide up to 15 channels of operation in the ISM 2.4GHz frequency band.
By default, the SNAPoperating system automatically forms a mesh network with other nodes immediately on
receiving power. No further configuration is necessary. Multiple unrelated SNAPnetworks can exist within the same
area through several configuration options outlined in the SNAPUser Guide available from www.synapse-
wireless.com.
NOTE: Channel 15 is receive-only due to FCCpower restrictions.
This data sheet covers part number RF220UF1:
20 GPIO with up to 7 A/D inputs
128k flash, 58.5k free for over-the-air uploaded user apps
Two UART ports for control or transparent data
Low power modes:
Timed Sleep Mode 1: 1.27 µA
Timed Sleep Mode 2 : 1.47 µA
Untimed Sleep Mode : < 390 nA
Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology
Up to 2 Mbps radio data rate
2.4 GHz RF Frequency
AES 128-bit encryption
Integrated on-board compact F antenna or U.FL connecter
Solder-able or socket-able
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2SNAP Engine RF220 Series Data Sheet 116-061507-008-G000
4K internal EEPROM
6 PWM outputs
Supports over the air firmware upgrades.
(This process is further defined in the Portal User Guide.)
Specifications
Performance
Outdoor LOS
Range
3 miles using u.fl antenna
.5 mile using on-board F antenna
Transmit
Power Output up to +20 dBm
RF Data Rate 250Kbps, 500Kbps, 1Mbps, 2Mbps
Receiver
Sensitivity -103 dBm (1% PER, 250Kbps)
Power
Requirements
Supply
Voltage 2.0 - 3.6 V
Transmit
Current
(Typ@3.3V)
at +20 dBm: 150 mA
at +6 dBm: 55 mA
Idle/Receive
On
(Typ@3.3V)
22 mA
Idle/Receive
Off
(Typ@3.3V)
7.8 mA
Sleep Mode
Current
(Typ@3.3V)
Timed Sleep: 1.27 µA
Untimed Sleep Mode : 390 nA
Table 1.1: RF220UF1 Specifications at 23° C and 3.3Vunless otherwise noted
General
Frequency ISM 2.4 GHz
Spreading
Method Direct Sequence (DSSS)
Modulation O-QPSK
Dimensions 33.86mm x 33.86mm
Operating
Temperature - 40 to 85 deg C.
Antenna
Options U.FL and on-board compact F antenna
Weight 3 grams
Networking
Topology SNAP
Error Handling Retries and acknowledgment
Number of
Channels
15 channels. To avoid exceeding FCClimits, channel 15 operates in a
receive only state.
Available I/O
UARTS with
optional HW
Flow Control
2 Ports
Note:The SNAPboot loader uses UART 1 and will transmit data
there on power-up. Consuming these pins for another purpose will
prevent node recovery in the case of a lost encryption key or similar
situation. For more information, consult the SNAPReference Manual.
GPIO 20 total; 7 can be analog-in with 10bit ADC
Agency
Approvals
FCC Part
15.247 FCCID: U9O-RF220UF1
Industry
Canada (IC) 7084A-RF220UF1
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4SNAP Engine RF220 Series Data Sheet 116-061507-008-G000
RF220UF1 Module Pin Definitions
For pin locations, consult the RF220UF1 Mechanical drawing later in this document.
RF220UF1
Pin Pin Name SNAPpy IO ATmega128RFA1
Pin Name Pin Description
1 GND GND Power Supply
2 GPIO0 7 PB7_OC0A_OC1C_PCINT7 IO or PWM or Interrupt
3 GPIO1 6 PB6_OC1B_PCINT6 IO or PWM or Interrupt
4 GPIO2 5 PB5_OC1A_PCINT5 IO or PWM or Interrupt
5 GPIO3 16 PE0_RXD0_PDI_PCINT8 IO or UART0 Rx or Interrupt
6 GPIO4 17 PE1_TXD0 IO or UART0 Tx
7 GPIO5 20 PE4_CTS0_OC3B_INT4 IO or UART0 CTS Output or
PWM or Interrupt
8 GPIO6 21 PE5_RTS0_OC3C_INT5 IO or UART0 RTS Input or
PWM or Interrupt
9 GPIO7 10 PD2_RXD1_INT2 IO or UART1 Rx or Interrupt
10 GPIO8 11 PD3_TXD_INT3 IO or UART1 Data Out or
Interrupt
11 GPIO9 12 PD4_CTS1_ICP1 IO or UART1 CTS output or
Input Capture
12 GPIO10 23 PE7_RTS1_ICP3_INT7_CLK0
IO or UART1 RTS input or
Clock Output Buffer or
Interrupt
13 GPIO11 24 PF0_ADC0 IO or Analog0
14 GPIO12 25 PF1_ADC1 IO or Analog1 or software
SPI MOSI
15 GPIO13 26 PF2_ADC2_DIG2
IO or Analog2 or software
SPI CLK1 or Antenna
Diversity Control
16 GPIO14 18 PE2_XCK0_AIN0
IO or software SPI1 MISO
or Analog Comparator or
External Clock
17 GPIO15 28 PF4_ADC4_TCK IO or Analog4 or JTAG Test
Clock
Table 1.2: RF220UF1 Pin Assignments
RF220UF1
Pin Pin Name SNAPpy IO ATmega128RFA1
Pin Name Pin Description
18 GPIO16 29 PF5_ADC5_TMS IO or Analog5 or JTAG Test
Mode Select
19 GPIO17 30 PF6_ADC6_TDO
IO or Analog6 or JTAG Test
Data Out or software I2C
SDA
20 GPIO18 31 PF7_ADC7_TDI IO or Analog7 or JTAG Test
Data In or software I2C SCL
21 VCC VCC Power Supply
22 GPIO19 19 PE3_OC3A_AIN1
IO or Analog Comparator or
PWM or Output Compare
Match
23 RESET# RESET# Module Reset, Active Low
24 GND GND Power Supply
Electrical Characteristics
Unless otherwise specified in this document, all electrical characteristics conform to the Atmel ATmega 128RFA1
microcontroller. Detailed specifications on all electrical characteristics are available on the Atmel website at
http://www.atmel.com/
Symbol Parameter Condition Min Typ Max Units
VCC
1Supply Voltage 2.0 3.3 3.6 V
Table 1.3: RF220UF1 DC Characteristics at 25° C
Symbol Parameter Condition Min Typical Max Unit
VREFH
2ADCVoltage Reference, High Programmable 1.5 1.6 1.8 V
VINDC Analog input voltage
Single Ended 0 1.8
V
Differential30 3.3
Table 1.4: ADC Electrical Characteristics (Operating)
1Absolute maximum stress rated voltage for VCC is -0.3 to 3.6. It is recommended that bulk capacitance be located as close as possible to the
VCC pin on the host board. Ideally, use a single 47µF capacitor rated at 10V directly at the VCC pin.
2VREFH is programmable to three fixed values; 1.5V, 1.6V, and 1.8V. The VREFH value will be 1.6 volts if you do not explicitly adjust it by
poking the ATmega128RFA1 registers.
3Each differential analog input may be as high as 3.3V but the single-ended voltage is still limited to the voltage reference.
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6SNAP Engine RF220 Series Data Sheet 116-061507-008-G000
Mechanical Drawings
RF220UF1 Mechanical Drawing on page 6and Block diagram showing the major subsystems comprising
Model RF220UF1 on page 7are for modules with the compact F antenna and U.FL Connector options.
NOTE: For best performance, the module should be mounted on the outside edge of the circuit board with the
antenna side as close to the edge of the board as possible.
Figure 1.1: RF220UF1 Mechanical Drawing
NOTE: The area under the module's antenna (marked KEEPOUTAREA)should have no components, no
traces, and no copper on any layer of the printed circuit board.
Figure 1.2: Block diagram showing the major subsystems comprising Model RF220UF1
Selecting an Antenna
The RF220UF1 uses the on-board compact F antenna by default. If you wish to use an external U.FL antenna with
your application, you will need to set bit 0x0010 of NV ID 64 to 1 and reboot your node. This is a one-time change that
will persist through reboots and program changes. To revert to the on-board antenna, change bit 0x0010 of NV ID
64 back to 0 and reboot the node.
Antenna Gain Performance
NOTE: Antenna gain performance information is based on information from the individual companies at the
time this document's release. For added assurance, it's best to obtain antenna performance information directly
from that antenna's manufacturer.
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8SNAP Engine RF220 Series Data Sheet 116-061507-008-G000
HyperLink Technologies HG2405RD-RSP
Figure 1.3: HyperLink Technologies HG2405RD-RSP Antenna Gain Performance
Pulse W1027
Figure 1.4: Pulse W1027 Antenna Gain Performance
Board Mounting Considerations
Processing
Parameter Value
Ramp up rate (from Tsoakmax to Tpeak) 3º/sec max
Minimum Soak Temperature 150ºC
Maximum Soak Temperature 200ºC
Soak Time 60-120 sec
TLiquidus 217ºC
Time above TL 30-60 sec (recommended: 40 sec)
Tpeak 230º - 25C (recommended: 235ºC)
Time within 5º of Tpeak 20-30 sec
Time from 25º to Tpeak 8 min max
Ramp down rate 6ºC/sec max
Table 1.5: Recommended Reflow Profile
Figure 1.5: Reflow Profile Graph
Additional Grounding
Attempts to improve module or system grounding by soldering braids, wires, or cables onto the module RF shield
cover is done at the customer's own risk. The numerous ground pins at the module perimeter should be sufficient for
optimum immunity to external RF interference.
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10 SNAP Engine RF220 Series Data Sheet 116-061507-008-G000
Agency Certifications
United States (FCC)
The Model RF220 modules comply with Part 15 of the FCC rules and regulations. Compliance with the labeling
requirements, FCC notices, and antenna usage guidelines is required. In order to comply with FCC Certification
requirements, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) must fulfill the following requirements.
1. The system integrator must place an exterior label on the outside of the final product housing the RF220
Modules. FCCLabel on page 10 below shows the contents that must be included on this label.
2. RF220 Modules may only be used with the antenna that has been tested and approved for use with the
module. Please refer to the antenna table provided in this section.
OEM Labeling Requirements
NOTICE: The OEM must make sure that FCC labeling requirements are met. This includes a clearly visible exterior
label on the outside of the final product housing that displays the contents shown in FCCLabel on page 10 below.
MANUFACTURERSNAME
BRANDNAMEor TRADENAME
Contains RF220 FCC ID: U90-RF220
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 interferences, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Figure 1.6: FCCLabel
FCC Notices
WARNING: The RF220 modules have been tested by the FCC for use with other products without further
certification (as per FCC Section 2.1091). Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by
Synapse Wireless Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
NOTICE: OEM’s must certify final end product to comply with unintentional radiators (FCC Sections 15.107 and
15.109) before declaring compliance of their final product to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
NOTICE: The RF220 modules have been certified for remote and base radio applications. If the module will be used
for portable applications as defined by the FCC, the device must undergo SAR testing.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a 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. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that 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
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 which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Approved Antennas
The RF220UF1 modules are FCC-approved for fixed base station and mobile applications.
Notice: To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be chosen so that
the equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) is not more than that permitted for successful communication. This
module has been designed to operate with the antennas listed in RF220UF1 Approved FCC Antenna on page 11
and RF220UF1 Approved FCC Antennas on page 11 below. The required antenna impedance is 50 ohms.
Part Number Type Gain Impedance Application Min. Separation
Compact F Antenna PCBoard Trace
Antenna 0.0 dBi 50Ω Fixed/Mobile 20 cm.
Table 1.6: RF220UF1 Approved FCC Antenna
Part Number Type Gain Impedance Application Min.
Separation
Pulse W1027 Dipole (quarter-
wave RPSMA) 3.2 dBi 50Ω Fixed/Mobile 20 cm.
HyperLink HG2405RD-
RSP
Dipole (quarter-
wave RPSMA) 5.5 dBi 50Ω Fixed/Mobile 20 cm.
Table 1.7: RF220UF1 Approved FCC Antennas
For more information on approved antennas, please consult the manufacturer’s website.
WARNING: RF Exposure: This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20 cm
between the radiator and your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any
other antenna or transmitter.
NOTICE: The preceding statement must be included as a CAUTION statement in OEM product manuals in order to
alert users of FCC RF exposure compliance.
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12 SNAP Engine RF220 Series Data Sheet 116-061507-008-G000
NOTE: Antenna and transmitters may be co-located or operated in conjunction with this device only if the
transmitters do not simultaneously transmit. Otherwise, additional regulatory requirements will apply.
Canada (IC)
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de
licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de
brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage
est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.
Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and
maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To reduce potential radio interference to
other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power
(EIRP) is not more than that necessary for successful communication.
Conformément à la glementation d'Industrie Canada, le présent émetteur radio peut fonctionner avec une
antenne d'un type et d'un gain maximal (ou inférieur) approuvé pour l'émetteur par Industrie Canada. Dans le but
de réduire les risques de brouillage radioélectrique à l'intention des autres utilisateurs, il faut choisir le type
d'antenne et son gain de sorte que la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (p.i.r.e.) ne passe pas
l'intensité nécessaire à l'établissement d'une communication satisfaisante.
This radio transmitter Model: RF220UF1, IC: 7084A-RF220UF1 has been approved by Industry Canada to operate
with the antenna types listed below with the maximum permissible gain and required antenna impedance for each
antenna type indicated. Antenna types not included in this list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain
indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with this device.
Le présent émetteur radio Model : RF220UF1, IC : 7084A-RF220UF1 a été approuvé par Industrie Canada pour
fonctionner avec les types d'antenne énumérés ci-dessous et ayant un gain admissible maximal et l'impédance
requise pour chaque type d'antenne. Les types d'antenne non inclus dans cette liste, ou dont le gain est
supérieur au gain maximal indiq, sont strictement interdits pour l'exploitation de l'émetteur.
Part Number Type Gain Application Min.
Separation
Compact F Antenna PCBoard Trace Antenna 0.0 dBi Fixed/Mobile 20 cm.
Table 1.8: RF220UF1 Approved IC Antenna
Part Number Type Gain Application Min. Separation
Pulse W1027 Dipole (quarter-wave RPSMA) 3.2 dBi Fixed/Mobile 20 cm.
HyperLink HG2405RD-RSP Dipole (quarter-wave RPSMA) 5.5 dBi Fixed/Mobile 20 cm.
Table 1.9: RF220UF1 Approved IC Antennas
IC OEM Labeling Requirements
Labeling requirements for Industry Canada are similar to those of the FCC. A clearly visible label on the outside of
the final product housing must display the contents shown in ICLabel on page 13 below.
MANUFACTURERSNAME
BRANDNAMEor TRADENAME
MODEL:
Contains RF220 IC: 7084A-RF220
Figure 1.7: ICLabel
NOTE: The OEM can choose to implement a single label combined for both FCC and IC labeling requirements. If
a combined single label is chosen, there must be a clearly visible label on the outside of the final product housing
displaying the contents shown in Combined FCCand IC Label on page 13 below.
MANUFACTURERSNAME
BRANDNAMEor TRADENAME
Contains RF220 FCC ID: U9O-RF220
Contains RF220 IC: 7084A-RF220
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 interferences, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Figure 1.8: Combined FCCand IC Label
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