2004
User’ s G uide
SLLU090
IMPORTANT NOTICE
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Mailing Address: Texas Instruments
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Copyright 2004, Texas Instruments Incorporated
How to Use This Manual
iii
Preface
About This Manual This document presents the contents of the Dolphin frequency hopping spread
spectrum (FHSS) wireless UART demonstration and development tool kit.
The Dolphin chipset consists of the TRF6903 RF transciever and the ROM
coded MSP430U275 microcontroller. The term Dolphin will be used in the rest
of the document.
The MSP430U275 microcontroller is a standard MSP430C1351 with firmware
residing on the ROM based program memory.
For demo purposes, the Dolphin demo kit is developed with the TRF6903 RF
transceiver and Flash-based MSP430F135 since the flash-based
MSP430F135 can be reprogrammed using JTAG and the firmwware can be
updated and reloaded for evaluation.
The user manual provides information on how to operate the Dolphin demo kit
and describes its hardware and software. Users should understand the flash
based MSP430F135 and/or ROM based MSP430C1351 and the TRF6903 to
obtain the full benefit of this user manual.
How to Use This Manual
Different topics covered in this manual may require different levels of
expertise. The first chapter gives an overview of the kit. The second and third
chapters focus on how to use the kit and get started on the development. The
fourth and fifth chapters focus on the hardware and software details of the
Dolphin demo kit respectively. The frequency hopping protocol details are
presented in Chapter 5 and Chapter 6 demonstrates applications and
architectures that could use Dolphin.
Chapter 1 – Evaluation Kit Overview
Chapter 2 – Demonstrating a Wireless Link
Chapter 3 – PCB Hardware
Chapter 4 – Software
Chapter 5 –Protocol and Firmware Overview
Chapter 6 – Applications
Appendix A – RF Test Reports
Appendix B – FCC Prescan Documents
Appendix C – Range Results
Related Documentation From Texas Instruments
iv
Related Documentation From Texas Instruments
Other related Texas Instruments documents that may be helpful are:
-TRF6903 data sheet − SWRS022
-MSP430U275 data sheet – SWRS027
-Flash-based MSP430F135 data sheet http://focus.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/
msp430f135.pdf
-ROM-based MSP430C1351 data sheet http://focus.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/
msp430c1351.pdf
-TRF6903 design guide − SWRU009
-TRF6903 FAQ
-Interfacing Dolphin to an External System Microcontroller application note
− SWRA045
-Dolphin Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum Chipset Host Interface
Protocol application note − SWRA043
Product Websites
For design and product information related to the TRF6903, MSP430, and
similar products, go to:
-http://www.ti.com/ismrf
-http://www.msp430.com
-PDF documents and zip files may be located on Texas Instruments’
website by typing in the literature number in the Search text box; for
example, typing in SWRS022 locates the TRF6903 data sheet.
FCC Warning
This equipment is intended for use in a laboratory test environment only. It
generates radio frequency (RF) energy and has not been tested for
compliance within the limits of computing devices pursuant to Subpart J, Part
15 of United States FCC regulations, which are designed to provide
reasonable protection against radio frequency interference. Operation of this
equipment in other environments may cause interference with radio
communications, i n which case the user (at their own expense) will be required
to take whatever measures may be required to correct this interference.
Contents
v
Disclaimer
Please note that the enclosed demonstration boards are experimental printed
circuit boards and are therefore only intended for device demonstration and
evaluation.
The circuit boards have been manufactured by one or more of Texas
Instruments’ external subcontractors which may not be production qualified.
Device parameters that are measured with these circuit boards may not be
representative of production devices or typical production data. Texas
Instruments does not represent or guarantee that a final hardware version will
be made available after device evaluation.
THE DEMONSTRATION CIRCUIT BOARDS ARE SUPPLIED WITHOUT
WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESSED, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
TEXAS INSTRUMENTS ACCEPTS NO LIABILITY WHATSOEVER ARISING
AS A RESULT OF THE USE OF THESE CIRCUIT BOARDS.
The fee associated with the demonstration boards is a nonrecurring
engineering fee (NRE) to partially defray the engineering costs associated
with circuit board development and applications support for the integrated
circuit semiconductor product(s). The circuit board is a tool for demonstrating
and evaluating the RF semiconductors supplied by Texas Instruments. The
demonstration board is supplied to prospective customers to provide services
and software that will help them to evaluate the RF semiconductors.
The demonstration board may be operated only for product demonstration or
evaluation purposes and then only in nonresidential areas. Texas Instruments’
understanding is that the customer’s products using the RF parts listed shall
be designed to comply with all applicable FCC and appropriate regulatory
agency requirements and will, upon testing, comply with these requirements.
Operation of this device is subject to the conditions that it does not cause
harmful interference and that it must accept any interference.
vi
Contents
vii
1 Dolphin Demonstration and Evaluation Kit Overview 1-1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1 Description of Dolphin Chipset 1-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 Dolphin Chipset vs Dolphin Demo Kit 1-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3 Dolphin Features 1-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4 Low Power and High Power Chipset Solutions 1-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.5 Evaluation Software 1-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.6 Contents 1-6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.7 Equipment Requirement 1-6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Demonstrating a Wireless Link 2-1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1 Board Description 2-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2 Operational Overview 2-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2.1 Preparing for Operation 2-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2.2 Power Up 2-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2.3 Wireless Demonstration − Link Mode 2-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2.4 Test Mode 2-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2.5 Error Conditions 2-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 PCB Hardware Overview 3-1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.1 Hardware Overview 3-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.1.1 TRF6903 Block Diagram 3-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.1.2 MSP430F135 Block Diagram 3-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2 Low Power Version 3-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2.1 Overview 3-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2.2 Schematics 3-6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2.3 Top and Bottom Side of the LP Board 3-7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2.4 BOM for the LP Version 3-9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.3 High Power Version 3-11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.3.1 Overview 3-11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.3.2 Schematics 3-13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.3.3 Different Layers of the HP Board 3-14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.3.4 BOM for the HP Version 3-16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.4 Other Hardware Features 3-19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.4.1 Dolphin Interface Board 3-19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.4.2 Antenna and RF Shield 3-20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.4.3 Discrete LC Filter for Harmonic Suppression 3-20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.4.4 IF Filter 3-21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.4.5 Ceramic Discriminator 3-22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.4.6 TR Switch 3-23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.4.7 External Crystal for the TRF6903 3-23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents
viii
4 Software Overview 4-1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.1 Software Description 4-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.2 Software Setup 4-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.2.1 Setting Device Identification 4-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.2.2 RF Settings 4-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.2.3 Statistics 4-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.2.4 Test Settings 4-7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.2.5 Communication Settings 4-9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.3 Setting Up and Testing a Wireless Link 4-10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.3.1 Single-Ended Test 4-10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.3.2 Round Trip Test 4-12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.3.3 Single Transmission 4-12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Protocol and Firmware Overview 5-1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.1 Protocol Overview 5-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.1.1 RF Transmit / Receive Protocol Overview 5-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.1.2 RF Transmit Logic Diagram 5-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.1.3 RF Receive Logic Diagram 5-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.2 Firmware Overview 5-6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.2.1 Implementation of Frequency-Hopping Protocol 5-6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Applications 6-1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.1 Network Architecture 6-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.1.1 Point-Point Architecture 6-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.1.2 Broadcast Architecture 6-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.2 Applications 6-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.2.1 Wireless Metering − AMR 6-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 RF Test Reports A-1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A.1 RF Test Report for the Low-Power Band 1-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A.2 RF Test Report for the High-Power Band 1-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 FCC Prescan Results B-1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B.1 Low-Power Board FCC Prescan Results B-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B.1.1 SUMMARY B-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B.1.2 SETUP B-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B.1.3 RESULTS B-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B.2 High Power Board FCC Prescan Results B-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B.2.1 SUMMARY B-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B.2.2 SETUP B-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B.2.3 RESULTS B-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Range Test Results C-1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C.1 Range Test Results C-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C.1.1 Low Power Board Range Results C-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C.1.2 High Power Board Range Results C-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents
ix
1−1 Dolphin Chipset Architecture 1-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1−2 Dolphin Demo Kit 1-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1−3 Evaluation Using Software 1-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2−1 Top Side of the Demonstration Board 2-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2−2 Top Side of the Serial Interface Board 2-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2−3 Link Mode Demonstration 2-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−1 TRF6903 Block Diagram 3-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−2 MSP430F13x Block Diagram 3-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−3 Dolphin Low Power Board 3-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−4 Low Power Board Schematic 3-6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−5 Top Side (LP Version) 3-7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−6 Bottom Side (LP Version) 3-8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−7 High Power (HP) Board 3-12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−8 HP Board Schematic 3-13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−9 Top Layer and Layer 2 (HP Version) 3-14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−10 Bottom Layer and Layer 3 (HP Version) 3-15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−11 Dolphin Interface Board Schematic 3-19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−12 Top-Side Assembly of the Interface Board 3-20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−13 Discrete LC Filter 3-21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−14 Recommended IF Filter Response 3-22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−15 Murata Ceramic Discriminator – Frequency Characteristics 3-23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4−1 Evaluation Software− Main Screen 4-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4−2 Communication Setup Screen Under Settings Pull Down Menu 4-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4−3 RF Settings Screen 4-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4−4 Statistics Settings Screen 4-6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4−5 Test Settings Screen 4-7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4−6 Test Settings Transmit Mode 4-8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4−7 Test Settings Receive Mode 4-9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4−8 Transceiver Bit Rate Settings Screen 4-10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4−9 ID Setup for Single-Ended Link Test 4-11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5−1 RF Overhead in Hop Mode 5-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5−2 RF Overhead in Single-Channel Mode 5-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5−3 Transmit−Side Logic Diagram 5-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5−4 Receive-Side Logic Diagram 5-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5−5 Protocol Overview 5-6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6−1 Star Topology 6-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6−2 Ring Topology 6-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6−3 Complete Topology 6-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6−4 Broadcast Topology 6-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents
x
6−5 Overview of the AMR System 6-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6−6 Wireless Metering (AMR) Application Using Dolphin Wireless 6-6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C−1 Low Power Board – Outdoor Range Results C-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C−2 High Power Board – Outdoor Range Results C-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−1 Initial System Design Specifications 3-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−2 Low Power (LP) Board Performance Summary 3-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−3 HP Board Performance 3-12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−4 Murata IF Filter SFECS10M7EA00−R0 3-21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−5 Murata Ceramic Discriminator CDSCB10M7GA119−R0 3-22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3−6 Example Crystal Information: Crystek 017119 3-23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B−1 Fundamental Emissions: (15.249 limit = 94 dBmV/m) B-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B−2 FCC Part 15.247 – Maximum Power (A = 0 dB) B-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B−3 FCC Part 15.249 – Minimum Power (A = 20 dB) B-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B−4 FCC Part 15.247 − Transmit Mode, Maximum Power (A = 0 dB) B-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C−1 Range Test Results C-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1-1
Dolphin Demonstration and Evaluation Kit Overview
This chapter provides an overview of the Dolphin demonstration and
development kit.
Topic Page
1.1 Description of Dolphin Chipset 1-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 Dolphin Chipset vs Dolphin Demo Kit 1-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3 Dolphin Features 1-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4 Low Power and High Power Chipset Solutions 1-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.5 Evaluation Software 1-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.6 Contents 1-6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.7 Equipment Requirement 1-6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 1
Description of Dolphin Chipset
1-2
1.1 Description of Dolphin Chipset
The Dolphin is a frequency hopping wireless universal asynchronous
receiver/transmitter (UART) chipset solution and can be used to implement a
wireless link that end applications can interface to as a peripheral, shielding
the end-application from the implementation details. The Dolphin chipset
solution eases wireless system development while keeping the end
application highly integrated and flexible.
The Dolphin is a FCC pre-certified reference design and the chipset solution
consists of a Texas Instruments TRF6903 single-chip multi-band RF
transceiver and a ROM-based MSP430 digital baseband device (DBB)
MSP430U275. The MSP430U275 microcontroller is a standard ROM-based
MSP430C1351 with frequency hopping firmware residing on the ROM based
program memory.
The MSP430U275 can be controlled through an external evaluation software
or system microcontroller through the hardware UART interface of the
MSP430U275. This is illustrated in Figure 1−1. For further details on the
interfacing system micro to the Dolphin chipset and example firmware, see the
application note SWRA0XX.
Figure 1−1.Dolphin Chipset Architecture
Software
Wireless UART − Dolphin
RF
TRF6903 DBB
MSP430U275
Host Interface
Protocol via UART
System Micro
Application Layer
Data Link Layer
MAC Layer
PHY Layer
Note: The MSP430U275 is the same part as the ROM-coded MSP430C1351 with
the frequency hopping firmware residing in the ROM-based program memory.
See the MSP430U275 data sheet (SWRS0XX) for information on how to order
these ROM-coded parts.
Dolphin Chipset vs Dolphin Demo Kit
1-3
Dolphin Demonstration and Evaluation Kit Overview
1.2 Dolphin Chipset vs Dolphin Demo Kit
It is important to understand the difference between Dolphin chipset and the
Dolphin demo kit.
-The Dolphin demo kit as name indicates is used for demonstration/
evaluation purposes and consists of a TRF6903 RF transceiver and
flash-based MSP430F135 microcontroller for emulation purposes. Since
the flash-based MSP430F135 can be reprogrammed using JTAG, the
firmware can be updated and reloaded for demo purposes. This is shown
in Figure 1−2. The firmware cannot be changed/reloaded in ROM-based
devices. The MSP430F135 and the MSP430U275 (MSP430C1351) are
pin-pin compatible.
-See the http://www.ti.com/ismrf website for information on how to obtain
the Dolphin demo kits.
Figure 1−2.Dolphin Demo Kit
DBB
MSP430F135
RF TRF6903 s Evaluation
Software
Application Layer
Data Link Layer
MAC Layer
PHY Layer
Wireless UART –Dolphin
Host Interface Protocol
via UART
Dolphin Features
1-4
1.3 Dolphin Features
The end-system can treat Dolphin as a peripheral capable of establishing a
wireless link. The system microcontroller focuses on the end application level
protocol. Any catalog microcontroller can be used as a system microcontroller
which provides added flexibility. The interface between the system
microcontroller and the MSP430U275 digital baseband (DBB) is a simple
UART. The Dolphin demo kit has been provided with evaluation software that
communicates with the MSP430 DBB using a UART interface that follows a
defined protocol. This host interface protocol document is detailed in Dolphin
Host Interface Protocol Definition application report (SWRA043). The
MSP430 DBB controller contains the frequency hopping firmware and handles
the wireless communication protocols in the MAC and data link layer.
The Dolphin demo kit is used to demonstrate a FCC compliant (Sec 15.247)
frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) wireless data link. The firmware
resides on the MSP430F135 device and supports point-point, broadcast
networks with acknowledgement and retries. The reference design
(schematics and layout of the board) has been FCC precertified and can be
used to ramp up the FCC certification process and lower system development
hurdles.
1.4 Low Power and High Power Chipset Solutions
The Dolphin chipset solution is offered in two versions; low power (LP) and
high power (HP). The low-power version generates an output power of
+7 dBm, while the high-power version generated an output power of +23 dBm
(at VCC = 3.6 V) and +20 dBm (at VCC = 3 V) using an external PA.
Both LP and HP versions of the Dolphin demo kit are offered for evaluation.
The Dolphin demo kit provides an option to be powered from either a 3-V
battery or from an external dc-power supply.
Both the LP and HP designs are FCC precertified. For hardware descriptions
of low-power and high-power versions, see Chapter 3. The schematics,
Gerber’s, and BOM for both low-power and high-power versions can be
downloaded from the http://www.ti.com/ismrf website.
Evaluation Software
1-5
Dolphin Demonstration and Evaluation Kit Overview
1.5 Evaluation Software
Texas Instruments provides software to evaluate the performance of the
Dolphin demo kit. This software interfaces to the MSP430F135 DBB using a
simple UART. This is shown in Figure 1−3. A protocol has been developed to
establish communication between any external evaluation software (or
system microcontroller) and the MSP430F135 DBB. This is called Dolphin
Host Interface Protocol and is documented in detail in application report
SWRA043.
Figure 1−3.Evaluation Using Software
Wireless UART − Dolphin
RF
TRF6903 DBB
MSP430U275
RX
TX
Interface Board With
Serial Line Driver
TX
DB−9
Serial Cable
PC With Evalution
Software Installed
The evaluation software is dealt in detail in Chapter 4. The important features
provided by the evaluation software are:
-Single channel / frequency hopping mode of operation selection
-Enable acknowledgement / retries for reliable data transfer
-Programmable transceiver baud rate and serial port baud rate selection
-Test mode selection
-Packet error rate statistics
Contents
1-6
1.6 Contents
The Dolphin demonstration and development kit contains:
-Three Dolphin (TRF6903 +MSP430F135) demonstration boards
-User’s manual (this document)
-Three simple wire antennas
-Host protocol interface software
-Two serial port cables
The MSP430 is already loaded with the frequency hopping firmware.
Hardware and Software documentation related to this kit are documented in
Chapters 3 and 4 respectively. For more information visit the ISM band product
website at http://www.ti.com/ismrf.
1.7 Equipment Requirement
The following equipment is not included in this kit and may be required to
operate the Dolphin demo kit:
-DC power supply
-AA Batteries
2-1
Demonstrating a Wireless Link
This chapter explains how to operate Dolphin demo kit to demonstrate a RF
bidirectional link.
Topic Page
2.1 Board Description 2-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2 Operational Overview 2-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 2
Board Description
2-2
2.1 Board Description
The Dolphin demo kit consists of two circuit boards. One circuit board consists
of a TRF6903 RF transceiver and a MSP430F135 microcontroller as shown
in Figure 2−1. The second circuit board is a serial interface board which
consists of a RS232 serial line driver, low voltage detector, and two AA battery
holder. The interface board has an option to be powered up from an external
dc-power supply or two 1.5-V AA batteries. The interface board has a LED
which turns off when the supply voltage falls below 2.2 V.
Each board is capable of sending and receiving half-duplex wireless data on
North American/US ISM bands. The microcontroller firmware is configured to
use the 902 to 928-MHz ISM frequency band. Figure 2−1 shows top-side view
of the circuit board.
Figure 2−1.Top Side of the Demonstration Board
Figure 2−2.Top Side of the Serial Interface Board
Operational Overview
2-3
Demonstrating a Wireless Link
Dolphin demo kit features:
-TRF6903 RF transceiver
-MSP430F135 16 bit ultra-low power microcontroller
-Simple wire antenna
-Manual reset pin for the MSP430 microcontroller
-Header for external dc-power supply
-Battery holder for two 1.5−V AA batteries (batteries not included)
-Serial interface board
-Low battery voltage indicator
-SMA connector footprint for an external antenna or test equipment (SMA
connector not included)
-RS232 line driver/receiver
-Serial Port Connector
-External PA and SAW filter (HP version)
2.2 Operational Overview
The Dolphin kit was designed to quickly demonstrate a wireless link between
three unique devices. The interface board provides dc-power via the onboard
batteries and a serial link via RS232. This platform allows the user to easily
connect to the chipset and start communication. A detailed description to set
up the chipset software can be found in Chapter 4. The Dolphin demo kit can
operate in two modes.
-Link Mode –Section 2.2.3
-Test Mode − Section 2.2.4
2.2.1 Preparing for Operation
Before you start operating the units as a demonstration make sure that you
have done the following:
-Connect Dolphin demo board to the serial interface board by inserting the
headers into the header recepticle provided on the interface board.
-The Dolphin interface board requires two 1.5-V AA size batteries.
Batteries need to provide a minumum of 2.2 VDC.
-Connect the serial port cable between the host PC (with the evaluation
software installed) and the DB−9 connector on the interface board.
-Start the evaluation software and choose the appropriate serial port used
for communication. (Auto Detect feature can be used)
Operational Overview
2-4
2.2.2 Power Up
Insert batteries into interface board and verify LED1 blinking in two second
intervals. Upon power up, both units go into receive mode to monitor for any
transmit activity.
2.2.3 Wireless Demonstration − Link Mode
The link mode setup is shown in Figure 2−3. Upon power up of all three
devices and before communication can take place the individual devices must
have the following parameters properly programmed using the Texas
Instruments evaluation software.
-Destination ID (transceiver ID of the device you want to talk to)
-Network ID (identical to each other)
-System ID (identical to each other)
-Hop table (identical to each other)
-Transceiver ID (must be unique)
After the proper parameters have been programmed the user must enter data
into the RF data text box and press the Send Single Msg. Upon successful
transmission the communications log display’s an acknowledgement. For
more details on link mode demonstration, see Chapter 4 section 4.3.
Figure 2−3.Link Mode Demonstration
Interface Board
with DB−9
Connector
Dolphin
Demo board
TX Antenna
Serial
Cable
TX PC with Evaluation
Software
Interface Board
with DB−9 C
onnector
Dolphin
Demo board
Serial
Cable
RX PC with Evaluation
Software
RX Antenna
Operational Overview
2-5
Demonstrating a Wireless Link
2.2.4 Test Mode
The Dolphin can be configured to be in the test mode to evaluate the RF
performance of the TRF6903. The test mode provides an option to configure
and program the TRF6903 registers. This allows the system designers
additional flexibility to evaluate all the features of the TRF6903 for their
application-specific needs.
The test settings page can be selected by clicking the Test Settings tab in the
evaluation software. This is shown in Figure 4−5 in Chapter 4.
In order to evaluate the TRF6903 in test-mode, the Dolphin evaluation board
needs to be connected to the spectrum analyzer through an SMA connector.
See Chapter 4 for detailed transmit and receive test plans to evaluate the
TRF6903.
2.2.5 Error Conditions
If communication does not exist after numerous attempts, shutdown and
restart evaluation software and cycle power on the evaluation board. Next
select auto detect in the communication settings menu to establish
communications.
2-6
3-1
PCB Hardware Overview
! "
This chapter provides the default PCB hardware documentation in detail and
provides alternate configurations that the user may want to implement.
Topic Page
3.1 Hardware Overview 3-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2 Low Power Version 3-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.3 High Power Version 3-11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.4 Other Hardware Features 3-19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 3
Hardware Overview
3-2
3.1 Hardware Overview
The Dolphin demonstration and development kit (Dolphin demo) provides a
stand-alone demonstration of a bidirectional frequency hopping link using the
MSP430F135 digital baseband and the TRF6903 RF transceiver.
The TRF6903 ISM-band transceiver IC operates from 315 MHz to 950 MHz.
It has low power consumption and an operating voltage of 2.2 V to 3.6 V. It
features an integer-N PLL synthesizer and supports FSK and OOK operation.
Other features include on-chip clock recovery, brownout detector, and XTAL
frequency trimming in software.
The default Dolphin system design parameters are shown in Table 3−1.
Table 3−1.Initial System Design Specifications
Operating Band 915 MHz
Crystal Frequency 19.6608 MHz
Reference Divider 48
PLL Reference Frequency 409.6 kHz
Charge Pump Current 0.5 mA
Modulation FSK
Coding Scheme NRZ
Peak-to-Peak Frequency Deviation 100 kHz (±50 kHz)
Default RF Data rate 38.4 kbps
Hardware Overview
3-3
PCB Hardware Overview
3.1.1 TRF6903 Block Diagram
Figure 3−1 shows the block diagram of the TRF6903 ISM transceiver IC.
Figure 3−1.TRF6903 Block Diagram
Hardware Overview
3-4
3.1.2 MSP430F135 Block Diagram
Figure 3−2 shows the block diagram of the MSP430F135 microcontroller IC.
Figure 3−2.MSP430F13x Block Diagram
Low Power Version
3-5
PCB Hardware Overview
3.2 Low Power Version
The Dolphin demo kit is offered in two versions.
-Low power (LP) version (transmit power of +7 dBm max)
-High power (HP) version (transmit power of +23 dBm max) using an
external PA
The low power version board is explained in the following sections. All the
schematics and BOM for the Dolphin LP and HP demonstration boards can
be found at http://www.ti.com/ismrf.
3.2.1 Overview
The low power version of the Dolphin demo kit is shown in Figure 3−3.
Figure 3−3.Dolphin Low Power Board
MSP430F135
Digital baseband
3903 RF Transceiver
The performance of the Dolphin LP board is summarized in Table 3−2. For
detailed LP board performance results, see Appendix A.
Table 3−2.Low Power (LP) Board Performance Summary
Mode Parameter Value Units
Transmit current 35.3 mA
Transmit
Output power 7 dBm
Transmit
20-dB modulated bandwidth 210 kHz
Peak-peak deviation 100 kHz
Receive current 18.8 mA
Receive Sensitivity −101 dBm
Receive
LO power level −97.7 dBm
Standby Standby current 0.1 µA
Low Power Version
3-6
3.2.2 Schematics
The schematic of the LP board is shown in Figure 3−4.
Figure 3−4.Low Power Board Schematic
Low Power Version
3-7
PCB Hardware Overview
3.2.3 Top and Bottom Side of the LP Board
Figure 3−5 and Figure 3−6 show the top-side and bottom-side circuit board for
the LP version Dolphin demo board.
Figure 3−5.Top Side (LP Version)
Low Power Version
3-8
Figure 3−6.Bottom Side (LP Version)
Low Power Version
3-9
PCB Hardware Overview
3.2.4 BOM for the LP Version
Item Qty Reference Value Tol. Voltage /
Power Manufa
cturer Part Number Description Sup-
plier Substi-
tute PCB
Decal
1 1 ANT1 ??? ??? ANTENNA
WIRE−22AWG−
2.9” LENGTH
SIP−1P
2 3 C16, C17,
C19 2.2 pF 0.25
pF 50 V NPO Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
3 4 C2, C4,
C9, C10 2.7 pF 0.25
pF 50 V NPO Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
4 1 C3 4.7 pF 0.25
pF 50 V NPO Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
5 1 C15 6.8 pF 0.5
pF 50 V NPO Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
6 6 C1, C5,
C8, C18,
C28, C30
22 pF 5% 50 V NPO Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
7 1 C27 27 pF 5% 50 V NPO Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
8 2 C36, C37 39 pF 5% 50 V NPO Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
9 1 C22 68 pF 5% 50 V NPO Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
10 2 C31, C34 82 pF 5% 50 V NPO Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
11 2C20, C35 100 pF 5% 50 V NPO Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
12 2 C23, C32 120 pF 5% 50 V NPO Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
13 1 C42 1 nF 10% 50 V X7R Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
14 1 C29 2.2 nF 10% 50 V X7R Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
15 1 C24 4.7 nF 10% 50 V X7R Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
16 1 C26 10 nF 10% 50 V X7R Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
17 16 C6, C7,
C12, C13,
C21, C25,
C38, C39,
C43, C44,
C45, C46,
C48, C50,
C51, C52
100 nF 10% 16 V X7R Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
18 1 C47 220 nF 10% 10 V X5R Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
Low Power Version
3-10
Item PCB
Decal
Substi-
tute
Sup-
plier
DescriptionPart Number
Manufa
cturer
Voltage /
Power
Tol.ValueReferenceQty
19 3 C14, C40,
C49 10 µF 10% 10 W
VDC Surface Mount
Tantalum
Capacitor ’A’
Case Size
3216
20 1 CF1 Fc =
10.7
MHz,
BW =
330 kHz
Murata SFECS10M7
EA00−R0 PIEZOELECTRI
C Ceramic Filter Murata−
SFECS
21 1 CRS1 10.7
MHz Murata
ERIE CDSCB10M7
GA119−R0 Two Pin
Ceramic
Resonator
Murata−
CDSCB
22 1 D1 Fairchild MMBD914 High Condition
Ultra Fast Diode SOT23
23 1 D2 General
Semicon
ductor
1N4148WS Small Signal
Switching Diode SOD−323
24 1 D3 NP Diodes
INC BAT42WS−7 SMT Schottky
Diode SOD−323
25 1 J1 Johnson
Compon
ents
142−0711−82
10.062 Narrow
Edge Mount
SMA Connector
SMA−
NARROW
26 1 J2 3M 929834−02−0
4Four Pin 0.1”
Header Make
From 3M
929834−
02−36
SIP−4P
27 1 J3 3M 929647−02−0
6Six Pin 0.1” Strip
Header Make
From 3M
929647−
02−36
SIP−6P
28 1 J4 3M 2514−6002UB 7X2 Low Profile
Shrouded Male
Header
Header
7X2−POL
29 1 J5 AMP 640456−2 Two Pin 0.1”
Polarized
Friction Lock
Header
AMP6404
56−2
30 1 L3 220 µH
(NP) 5% TOKO FSLM2520−2
21J Chip Inductor 1008
31 1 L4 10 nH 5% TOKO LL1608−FS10
NJ 0603 Size Chip
Inductor TOKO
LL1608F
H
0603
32 3 L1, L2, L5 8.2 nH 5% TOKO LL1608−FS8N
2J 0603 Size Chip
Inductor TOKO
LL1608F
H
0603
33 2 L6, L7 4.7 nH 10% Murata LQM21NN4R
7K10L SMT Multilayer
Inductor 0805
34 2 LED1,
LED2 Green 2.1 V, 10
mA LITEON LTST−
C170GKT 0805 Size SMT
LED 0805−LE
D
35 1 PCB1 TEX02PCB
REV E Bare Printed
Circuit Board
36 2 R17, R52 NP 1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
37 10 R4,
R28−R34,
R38, R39
0 Ω1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
38 14 R1, R35,
R36,
R40−R50
10 Ω5% 1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
High Power Version
3-11
PCB Hardware Overview
Item PCB
Decal
Substi-
tute
Sup-
plier
DescriptionPart Number
Manufa
cturer
Voltage /
Power
Tol.ValueReferenceQty
39 2 R2, R15 100 Ω5% 1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
40 2 R26, R27 430 Ω5% 1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
41 18 R8−R14,
R16,
R18−R25,
R51, R53
1 kΩ5% 1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
42 1 R6 6.8 kΩ5% 1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
43 1 R5 15 kΩ5% 1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
44 2 R3, R37 100 kΩ5% 1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
45 1 R7 220 kΩ5% 1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
46 1 SHD1 BMI BMIS−103 26,2 mm X 26,2
mm X 5,08 mm
RF Shield
BMIS−2
03F/203
C
BMIS−103
47 2 TP1, TP2 3M 929647−02−0
1Test Point Pin Make
From 3M
929647−
02−36
SIP−1P
48 1 U1 Texas
Instrume
nts
MSP430F135
1IPM Mixed Signal
Microcontroller QFP64
49 1 U2 Texas
Instrume
nts
TRF6903 Single Chip
FHSS RF
Transceiver
QFP48−3
50 1 U3 Texas
Instrume
nts
TPS3838J25
DBV Nanopower
Supervisory
Circuit
SOT23−5
51 1 U4 Skywork
sAS222−92 PHEMT IC
SPDT Gas
Switch
AS179−
92 SOT363
52 1 X1 19.6608
MHz ±20
ppm CL 12 pF Crystek 17119 SMT Quart
Crystal ECS−
ECX−64
53 1 X2 4 MHz ±50
ppm ECS ECS−40−20−
5P CSM−7 Style
SMT Crystal ECS−
CSM−7
54 1 C11 10 µF
(NP) 10% 10 W
VDC Surface Mount
Tantalum
Capacitor ’A’
Case Size
3216
Note: NP = Not Populated
3.3 High Power Version
3.3.1 Overview
The Dolphin high power board is designed to obtain output powers of up to
+23 dBm using an external PA. The maximum output power of +23 dBm is
obtained with VCC = 3.6 V . If the demo board is powered using two AA batteries
(VCC = 3 V), the output power is +20 dBm. The external PA used is RFMD
RF2172. The data sheet for this external PA can be downloaded from the
http://www.rfmd.com/DataBooks/db97/2172.pdf website.
The high power dolphin board is shown in Figure 3−7.
High Power Version
3-12
Figure 3−7.High Power (HP) Board
RFMD
External PA RF
Shield TRF6903 MSP430F135
The performance of the HP board is displayed in Table 3−3. For detailed HP
board performance results, see Appendix A.
Table 3−3.HP Board Performance
Mode Parameter VCC = 3 V VCC = 3.6 V Units
Transmit current 147.9 190.3 mA
Transmit
Output power 20 23 dBm
Transmit
20-dB modulated bandwidth 210 210 kHz
Peak-peak deviation 100 100 kHz
Receive current 18.8 18.8 mA
Receive Sensitivity −102 −102 dBm
Receive
LO power level −97.7 −97.7 dBm
Standby Standby current 0.1 0.1 µA
High Power Version
3-13
PCB Hardware Overview
3.3.2 Schematics
The schematic of the HP board is shown in Figure 3−8.
Figure 3−8.HP Board Schematic
High Power Version
3-14
3.3.3 Different Layers of the HP Board
Top, bottom, and middle layers of the four layer HP board are shown in
Figure 3−9 and Figure 3−10.
Figure 3−9.Top Layer and Layer 2 (HP Version)
High Power Version
3-15
PCB Hardware Overview
Figure 3−10. Bottom Layer and Layer 3 (HP Version)
High Power Version
3-16
3.3.4 BOM for the HP Version
Item Qty Reference Value Tol. Voltage /
Power Manufacturer Part Number Description Supplier Substitute PCB Decal
1 1 ANT1 TBD TEX03ANT 2.9”, 22 AWG
Antenna Wire SIP−1P
2 1 C71 0.5 pF 0.1 pF 250 V NPO ATC ATC600S0R5B
W250 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
3 1 C2 1.8 pF 0.1 pF 250 V NPO ATC ATC600S1R8B
W250 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
4 1 C62 2.2 pF 0.1 pF 250 V NPO ATC ATC600S2R2B
W250 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
5 2 C60, C76 3.3 pF 0.1 pF 250 V NPO ATC ATC600S3R3B
W250 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
6 3 C1, C3, C70 3.9 pF 0.25
pF 250 V NPO ATC ATC600S3R9C
W250 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
7 1 C61 5.6 pF 0.25
pF 250 V NPO ATC ATC600S5R6C
W250 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
8 1 C77 10 pF 5% 250 V NPO ATC ATC600S100J
W250 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
9 1 C72 20 pF 5% 250 V NPO ATC ATC600S200J
W250 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
10 1 C73 100
pF 5% 250 V NPO ATC ATC600S101J
W250 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
11 6C55, C56,
C57, C59,
C67, C78
NP 50 V NPO Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
12 3 C16 C17 C19 2.2 pF 0.25
pF 50 V NPO Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
13 11 C5, C8, C9,
C10, C1,8
C28, C30,
C53, C54,
C64, C65
22 pF 5% 50 V NPO Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
14 1 C27 27 pF 5% 50 V NPO Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
15 2 C36, C37 39 pF 5% 50 V NPO Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
16 1 C22 68 pF 5% 50 V NPO Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
17 2 C31, C34 82 pF 5% 50 V NPO Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
18 2 C20, C35 100
pF 5% 50 V NPO Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
19 2 C23, C32 120
pF 5% 50 V NPO Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
20 2 C42, C68 1 nF 5% 50 V NPO Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
21 1 C29 2.2 nF 10% 50 V X7R Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
22 1 C24 4.7 nF 10% 50 V X7R Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
23 5 C58, C63,
C66, C74, C75 22 nF 10% 50 V X7R Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
24 7 C7, C25, C38,
C39, C41,
C43, C48
100
nF 10% 16 V X7R Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
High Power Version
3-17
PCB Hardware Overview
Item PCB DecalSubstituteSupplierDescriptionPart NumberManufacturer
Voltage /
Power
Tol.ValueReferenceQty
25 1 C47 220
nF 10% 10 V X7R Any 0603 Size SMT
Ceramic
Capacitor
Any Any 0603
26 5 C4, C6, C40,
C49, C795 10 µF 10% 10 WVDC Surface Mount
Tant. Capacitor ’A’
Case Size
3216
27 1 CF1 Fc =
10.7
MHz,
BW =
330
kHz
Murata SFECS10M7EA
00−R0 Piezoelectric
Ceramic Filter MURATA−S
FECS
28 1 CRS1 10.7
MHz Murata Erie CDSCB10M7G
A119−R0 Two Pin Ceramic
Resonator MURATA−C
DSCB
29 1 D1 Fairchild MMBD914 High Cond. Ultra
Fast Diode SOT23
30 1 D2 GEN. SEMI. 1N4148WS Small Signal
Switching Diode SOD−323
31 1 D3 NP Diodes Inc. BAT42WS−7 SMT Schottky
Diode SOD−323
32 1 J1 Johnson
Components 142−0711−821 0.062 Narrow
Edge Mount SMA
Connector
SMA−Narro
w
33 1 J2 3M 929834−02−04 Four Pin 0.1”
Header MAKE
FROM 3M
929834−02
−36
SIP−4P
34 1 J3 3M 929647−02−06 Six Pin 0.1” Srip
Header MAKE
FROM 3M
929647−02
−36
SIP−6P
35 1 J4 3M 2514−6002UB 7X2 Low Profile
Shrouded Male
Header
Header
7X2−POL
36 1 J5 AMP 640456−2 Two Pin 0.1”
Polarized Friction
Lock Header
AMP640456
−2
37 1 L16 220
µH
(NP)
5% TOKO FSLM2520−221
JChip Inductor 1008
38 2 L6 L7 4.7 µH 10% Murata LQM21NN4R7K
10L Chip Inductor 1008
39 1 L4 10 nH 5% TOKO LL1608−FS10N
J0603 Size Chip
Inductor TOKO
LL1608FH 0603
40 1 L15 1.8 nH 0.3 nH TOKO LL1608−FS1N8
S0603 Size Chip
Inductor TOKO
LL1608FH 0603
41 2 L13, L14 3.9 nH 0.3 nH TOKO LL1608−FS3N9
S0603 Size Chip
Inductor TOKO
LL1608FH 0603
42 1 L11 4.7 nH 0.3 nH TOKO LL1608−FS4N7
S0603 Size Chip
Inductor TOKO
LL1608FH 0603
43 1 L12 6.8 nH 5% TOKO LL1608−FS6N8
J0603 Size Chip
Inductor TOKO
LL1608FH 0603
44 3 L1, L2, L5 8.2 nH 5% TOKO LL1608−FS8N2
J0603 Size Chip
Inductor TOKO
LL1608FH 0603
45 2 L9, L10 NP TOKO 0603 Size Chip
Inductor TOKO
LL1608FH 0603
46 2 LED1, LED2 Green 2.1 V 10 mA LITEON LTST−C170GK
T0805 Size SMT
LED 0805−LED
47 1 Q1 ROHM UMT3906 General Purpose
PNP
SiliconTransistor
SOT323
48 14 R1, R2,
R28−R35,
R38, R41,
R43, R52
0 Ω1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
49 5 R35, R36,
R40, R60, R61 10 Ω5% 1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
50 1 R51 18 Ω5% 1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
51 3 R55, R63, R70 100 Ω5% 1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
52 2 R49, R50 300 Ω5% 1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
High Power Version
3-18
Item PCB DecalSubstituteSupplierDescriptionPart NumberManufacturer
Voltage /
Power
Tol.ValueReferenceQty
53 2 R26, R27 430 Ω5% 1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
54 1 R53 510 Ω5% 1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
55 18 R8−R16,
R18−R25, R64 1 kΩ5% 1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
56 2 R54, R56 3.3 kΩ5% 1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
57 2 R6, R57 6.8 kΩ5% 1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
58 1 R5 15 kΩ5% 1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
59 1 R58 22 kΩ5% 1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
60 1 R59 33 kΩ5% 1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
61 2 R37, R71 100
kΩ
5% 1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
62 1 R7 220
kΩ
5% 1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
63 6 R3, R4, R39,
R42, R68, R69 NP 1/16 W Any 0603 Surface
Mount Resistor Any Any 0603
64 1 SF1 NP EPCOS B39921−B4637
−Z610 Low Loss Filter Murata−SA
FC
65 1 SF2
EPCOS B39921−B4637
−Z610 Low Loss Filter Murata−SA
FC
66 1 SHD1 BMI BMIS−105 25 MM X 37,7 MM
X 5,08 MM RF
Shield
BMIS−205
F/205C BMIS−105
67 1 SHD3 BMI BMIS−102 16,5 MM X 16,5
MM X 3,6 MM RF
Shield
BMIS−202
F/202C BMIS−102
68 1 U1 RF
Microdevices RF2172 ISM Band 250
mW Amp RFMD−LCC
16_SLUG
69 1 U2 Texas
Instruments TRF6903 Single Chip FHSS
RF Transceiver QFP48−3
70 1 U3 2.5 V Texas
Instruments TPS3838J25DB
VNanopower
Supervisory
Circuit
SOT23−5
71 1 U4 Requir
es
progra
mming
Texas
Instruments MSP430C1351I
PM Mixed Signal
Microncontroller,
ROM Version
QFP64
72 1 U5 Skyworks AS179−92 PHEMT IC SPDT
GaAs Switch SOT363
73 1 U6 NP 100 mA Texas
Instruments /
Burr Brown
REG101NA−A Low Dropout
Linear Regulator SOT23−5
74 1 X1 19.66
08
MHz
±20
ppm CL 12 pF Crystek 17119 SMT Quartz
Crystal ECS−ECX−
64
75 1 X2 4 MHz ±50
ppm ECS ECS−40−20−5P CSM−7 Style
SMT Crystal ECS−CSM−
7
76 1 PCB1 TBD TEX03PCB
REV B Bare Printed
Circuit Board
77 6 C80 10 µF
(NP) 10% 10 WVDC Surface Mount
Tant. Capacitor ’A’
Case Size
3216
Note: NP = Not Populated
Other Hardware Features
3-19
PCB Hardware Overview
3.4 Other Hardware Features
The external hardware features used for the Dolphin demo kit are detailed in
this section. See the TRF6903 design guide (SWRU009) for more in depth
discussion of external components used in the transmit and receive path.
3.4.1 Dolphin Interface Board
The Dolphin demo kit consists of an interface board that consists of circuitry
for serial interface between the host PC (with the evaluation software) and the
hardware U A R T of the MSP430DBB device. The interface board also supplies
power to the RF module and features a low voltage detector circuit for battery
powered operation. The board features are summarized below. The
schematic is shown in Figure 3−11 and the top side of the PCB is shown in
Figure 3−12.
-On-board DB−9 connector
-Serial Line Driver
-Two AA Battery Holder
-Jumper for External DC Power Supply
-Low Voltage Detector (<2.2 V)
Figure 3−11. Dolphin Interface Board Schematic
Other Hardware Features
3-20
Figure 3−12. Top-Side Assembly of the Interface Board
3.4.2 Antenna and RF Shield
Both the LP and HP boards use a low cost solid 20 gauge wire antenna. The
length has been trimmed to provide an input return loss of at least 10 dB across
the 902-MHz to 928-MHz frequency band. With the wire antenna removed,
room has been provided on the boards to use a commercially available
antenna. In this case, use a reverse polarity SMA connector to remain FCC
compliant. See the TRF6903 design guide (SWRU009) Section 8.6 for a
complete list of various antenna manufacturers/suppliers.
A standard size RF shield has to be used to ensure that the radiated emissions
are FCC compliant. See Section 3.3.4 for information on the manufacturer and
part number for the RF shield used with the Dolphin demo kit.
3.4.3 Discrete LC Filter for Harmonic Suppression
The second and third harmonics generated by the TRF6903 power amplifier
are typically −25 dBc and −30 dBc respectively, see the TRF6903 data sheet
(SWRS022). If higher suppression is needed, the second and third harmonics
Other Hardware Features
3-21
PCB Hardware Overview
can be attenuated (to meet governmental regulations) through the use of a
discrete LC filter or a SAW filter. However, for most applications an external
SAW filter or discrete LC filter may not be necessary.
A discrete LC filter, if needed, is the preferred method to gain additional
suppression. The discrete LC filter for the low power Dolphin demo kit is shown
in Figure 3−13. The filter must have low insertion loss in the RF pass band to
avoid excessive loss of signal.
This two stage filter attenuates the harmonics to be at least 6 dB below the
estimated conducted FCC limit. The FCC limits are in terms of radiated
emissions (electric field), measured at a three meter distance. It can be shown
that the relationship between the conducted power and the electric field can
be estimated using: P = E – 95.2, where P is in dBm and E is in dB µV/m. An
antenna gain of 0 dBi is assumed.
Figure 3−13. Discrete LC Filter
L
L1
R = TBD
L=8.2 nH
L
L2
R = TBD
L=8.2 nH C
C3
C=2.7 pF
C
C2
C=4.7 pF
C
C1
C=2.7 pF
3.4.4 IF Filter
The recommended IF filter is a Murata SFECS10M7EA00−R0, which is a
10.7-MHz ceramic filter with a bandwidth of 330 kHz. The frequency
characteristics of recommended Murata SFECS10M7EA00 330 kHz filter is
shown in the Figure 3−14. The center frequency of this filter varies by ±30 kHz
and the 3-dB bandwidth varies by as much as ±50 kHz. This is summarized
in Table 3−4.
Table 3−4.Murata IF Filter SFECS10M7EA00−R0
Center
Frequency
(MHz)
3-dB
Bandwidth
(kHz)
Attentuation
(kHz) Insertion Loss
(dB)
Spurious
Attentuation
(dB)
Input/Output
Impedance
(W)
10.7 ±30 kHz 330 ±50 kHz 700 max 3 ±230 min 330
Other Hardware Features
3-22
Figure 3−14. Recommended IF Filter Response
3.4.5 Ceramic Discriminator
FSK demodulation (frequency to amplitude conversion) is accomplished
through an external ceramic discriminator. The recommended discriminator is
the MURATA CDSCB10M7GA119−R0. The frequency characteristics are
shown in Figure 3−15 and the specifications are tabulated in Table 3−5.
Table 3−5.Murata Ceramic Discriminator CDSCB10M7GA119−R0
Center
Frequency (MHz) Recovered Audio
3-dB Bandwidth (kHz) Distortion (%) Detection Method
10.7 ±30 kHz 500 min 1 max Quadrature
Other Hardware Features
3-23
PCB Hardware Overview
Figure 3−15. Murata Ceramic Discriminator – Frequency Characteristics
3.4.6 TR Switch Using a TR switch allows a separate but individually optimized impedance
match between the antenna and the transmit path or receive path. Transmit
power and receive sensitivity can be degraded by as much as 3 to 5 dB if a
common port configuration is used instead of a TR switch.
The recommended TR switch is Skyworks AS222−92 with a typical insertion
loss of 0.3 dB and isolation of 27 dB at 900 MHz.
3.4.7 External Crystal for the TRF6903
The default clock crystal for the TRF6903 is Crystek 017119, 19.6608 MHz.
The TRF6903 works with other clock frequencies from 9.5 to 20 MHz. Other
crystals include Citizen CS10, HCM49 and HC49US, ECS−196.6−20−5P, SMI
97SMX, and ICM HC45U.
Table 3−6.Example Crystal Information: Crystek 017119
CHARACTERISTIC VALUE
Overall tolerance ±45 ppm
Operating temperature 40°C to +80°C
Load capacitance 12 pF
Shunt capacitance 2 pF
Drive level 100 µW
4-1
Software Overview
#$
This chapter describes the external control software used for RF test and
evaluation. This chapter can be used as the evaluation software user’s guide.
Topic Page
4.1 Software Description 4-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.2 Software Setup 4-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.3 Setting Up and Testing a Wireless Link 4-10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 4
Software Description
4-2
4.1 Software Description
The external control software is used to evaluate the performance of the
Dolphin demo kit. It interfaces to the MSP430F135 DBB using a UART
interface as shown in Figure 4−2. The features provided by this control
software are explained in the following sections. A screen shot of the
evaluation software is shown in Figure 4−1.
The Dolphin demo kit is been provided with this evaluation software to
communicate with the MSP430F135 DBB using a UART interface with a
defined protocol. This host interface protocol document is detailed in the
Dolphin Host Interface Protocol Definition application report (SWRA043).
Figure 4−1.Evaluation Software− Main Screen
Software Setup
4-3
Software Overview
4.2 Software Setup
Install the evaluation test tool using the self extracting setup program and
execute the TRF6915_EvaluationTool.exe to start the program.
Before communication with the module is possible it is necessary to initialize
the serial port. Pull down the Settings menu and click the Communications
entry. The screen shown in Figure 4−2 appears.
Figure 4−2.Communication Setup Screen Under Settings Pull Down Menu
Click the Auto Detect button to cause the computer to search for the Dolphin
module. When successful communication occurs, the status line on the
bottom of the screen updates with the name of the COM port, the baud rate
at which it is communicating, and a status message.
By clicking the Get Version button the module returns the firmware version
number and date.
4.2.1 Setting Device Identification
The Dolphin supports both point-point and broadcast networks and is
configured through the ID’s tab in the evaluation software. The evaluation
software supports hierarchical device definition and is defined as follows.
Each transceiver is defined by a unique 16-bit ID and can be set by clicking
the Set Txcvr ID button in the IDs tab. Each transceiver has an associated
16-bit network ID (set by clicking the Set Network ID button) and 16-bit System
ID (set by clicking the Set System ID button) thus resulting in a 48-bit unique
ID. Up to 65536 transceivers can be configured to operate in a system (with
unique System ID). Only transceivers with the same system and Network ID’ s
will be able to communicate with each other. This is summarized below and
is shown in Figure 4−1.
Software Setup
4-4
4.2.1.1 Transceiver ID
-Set Transceiver ID – Set Transceiver ID (0−65534)
Note: 65535 is reserved for general broadcast address
-Get Transceiver ID – Returns stored value
4.2.1.2 Network ID
-Set Network ID – Range 0 to 65535
-Get Network ID – Returns stored value
4.2.1.3 System ID – Unique Manufacturers ID
-Set System ID – Range 0 to 65535
-Get System ID – Returns stored value
4.2.2 RF Settings
The RF settings page can be accessed by selecting the RF Settings tab in the
software and is shown in Figure 4−3. The following features are provided in
the RF settings page.
-Enable or disable acknowledgements.
-Set the number of message retries (range 0−20).
-Set hop table – (range 0−14)
Note: All devices in the network must use the same hop table.
-Set RF channel operating mode (single-channel or frequency hopping).
-Enable or disable receive all RF messages.
Software Setup
4-5
Software Overview
Figure 4−3.RF Settings Screen
4.2.3 Statistics
The statistics page can be selected by clicking the Statistics tab in the
software. This is shown in Figure 4−4. The statistics option can be used to
evaluate the wireless link for packet error rates and throughput.
Software Setup
4-6
Figure 4−4.Statistics Settings Screen
The various fields in the statistics page are explained below.
1) Packets Sent
Total: Total number of packets transmitted, including retries.
Unique: Number of message sessions initiated.
2) Acknowledgements (ACK) Sent
Total: Total number of acknowledgements sent by receiver.
Unique: Number of unique acknowledgements sent by receiver.
3) Packets Received
Total: Number of packets received, including retries.
Unique: Number of unique sessions seen by receiver.
4) Acks Received
Total: Total number of acknowledgements seen by transmitter.
Unique: Number of unique acknowledgements seen by transmitter
5) Evaluation Program Statistics
The window toward the bottom the page labeled Evaluation Program
contains information about the integrity of the link between the host
computer and the radio board.
Software Setup
4-7
Software Overview
4.2.4 Test Settings
The test settings page can be selected by clicking the Test Settings tab in the
software. This is shown in Figure 4−5. The Dolphin can be configured to be in
the test mode to evaluate the RF performance of the TRF6903. The test mode
provides an option to configure and program the TRF6903 registers. This
allows the system designers additional flexibility to evaluate all the features of
the TRF6903 for their application-specific needs. For detailed definition of the
TRF6903 see the TRF6903 data sheet (SWRS022).
In order to evaluate the TRF6903 in test mode, the Dolphin evaluation board
needs to be connected to the spectrum analyzer through an SMA connector.
Figure 4−5.Test Settings Screen
4.2.4.1 Transmit Test Plan
To evaluate the TRF6903 in transmit mode, the following steps are needed
-Connect the SMA connector (PA output) to the spectrum analyzer
-Go the test setting tab in the evaluation software as shown in Figure 4−5.
-Click Test Mode −> Enabled
-Choose Mode −> Mode 0 (Default). All the TRF6903 register values are
set to default values.
-Click Set Registers
-A CW signal at 915.0464 MHz is observed with a power level of 7 dBm in
low power board and +20 dBm in high power board. See the TRF6903
data sheet (SWRS022) for more details on the TRF6903 register settings.
Software Setup
4-8
This is illustrated in Figure 4−6.
Figure 4−6.Test Settings Transmit Mode
Spectrum Analyzer
Dolphin
Demo Board
Interface Board
with DB−9
Connector
Serial
Cable
TX PC with Evaluation
Software − Transmit Mode
SMA Cable
4.2.4.2 Receive Test Plan
To evaluate the TRF6903 in the receive mode, the following steps are
required:
1) Connect the SMA connector (LNA input) to a RF signal generator (Rohde
and Schwartz SMIQ07 for example).
2) Choose Mode −> Mode 1 (receive mode). By default the LO frequency is
set to 904.3968 MHz.
3) Click Set Registers
4) Set the RF signal generator center frequency to 904.3968 + 10.7 =
915.0968 MHz to obtain low-side injection.
5) Set the RF Power level to < −30 dBm to avoid saturating the LNA.
6) Set the modulation settings to 19.2 kHz and frequency deviation of 50 kHz.
7) Turn the RF power and the modulation ON.
8) A demodulated square wave at 19.2 kHz (38.4 kbps NRZ) can be ob-
served at the RXDATA terminal of the TRF6903.
This is illustrated in Figure 4−7.
Software Setup
4-9
Software Overview
Figure 4−7.Test Settings Receive Mode
Dolphin
Demo Board
Interface
Board With
DB−9
Connector
RX PC with Evaluation
Software – Receive Mode
SMA Cable
Oscilloscope
DCLKRXDATA
RF Signal Generator with 19.2 kHz
Modulated FSK at 915.0968 MHz
and 50 kHz deviation.
4.2.5 Communication Settings
The communication settings page can be selected by clicking the Comm tab
in the software .This is shown in Figure 4−8.The serial port baud rate can be
set by using this option.
Note:
Once the serial port baud rate is changed from the default value (19.2 kbps)
the Settings−>Communications−>AutoDetect option has to be chosen to
synchronize the baud rates between the evaluation software and the
hardware UART of the MSP430.
Setting Up and Testing a Wireless Link
4-10
Figure 4−8.Transceiver Bit Rate Settings Screen
4.3 Setting Up and Testing a Wireless Link
Operational testing of the unit requires at least two units in order to establish
a link. One unit will be the initiator and the other will be the responder. In order
for a link to be established, it is necessary to setup the transceiver identification
numbers, hop tables, network identification, and system identification.
Link testing may be performed in either a single ended or a round trip fashion.
This can help to differentiate between real world packet error performance and
raw radio performance. If acknowledgement settings are not used then it’s a
single-ended test if not it’s a round trip test.
4.3.1 Single-Ended Test
Single-ended performance requires two computers, since it will be necessary
to read the statistics from each radio.
Start by setting the hop table, system identification, and network identification
to match on both ends of the system as shown in Figure 4−9. If you are unsure
about what values to use, a good default is hop table 0, and network and
system ID’s set to 1. Set different transceiver identification values for each
radio. Values of 1 and 2 will suffice for testing. Figure 4−7 shows the correct
setup screen for the initiating transceiver. The destination transceiver ID has
to be inserted in the Dest ID field.
Setting Up and Testing a Wireless Link
4-11
Software Overview
Place the two units in physically separate locations and apply power to them.
The statistics clear when power is cycled, but they need to be cleared manually
after each test if power is not cycled.
Connect the PC serial port to one of the units and bring up the ID screen. Type
the transceiver ID number for the remote unit into the Dest ID field at the upper
left of the screen. Type a short message into the RF Data window. The
message can be any text or numbers. If no message is entered it will not be
possible to transmit.
Set the Repeat Delay to 100 ms if it isn’t already set. Click the Repeat button
to start transmission. The radio sends one message every 100 ms until the
Stop Repeat button is clicked.
Allow the test to run for some convenient amount of time and then stop
transmission. Go to the Statistics screen to read the number of unique
messages sent. Record this number and read the Packets Received statistic
from the computer connected to the receiving transceiver. Link success is
simply the ratio of the Packets Received to the Packets Sent.
This test gives the raw performance of the link in one direction without retries.
It is a good indicator of the RF environment in which the radios are being used.
High levels of noise or other products operating in the 900-MHz ISM band can
cause lower packet success rates.
Figure 4−9.ID Setup for Single-Ended Link Test
Setting Up and Testing a Wireless Link
4-12
4.3.2 Round Trip Test
To test the ability of the system to retry messages in a noisy environment it is
necessary to use a round trip test where the remote end can acknowledge
receipt of packets. Use the setup screen as shown in Figure 4−9, but enable
acknowledgements and retries.
Perform the test in the same manner as the single ended test. Run enough
transmissions t o get a statistically valid sampling of the radio environment over
a reasonable period of time.
Look a t the Statistics screen on the initiating radio to find the number of unique
transmissions and the total number of transmissions. The total will likely be
higher then the unique due to retried messages. The important numbers are
the Unique packets sent and the Acks Received. Total link success is the ratio
of Acks Received to unique Packets Sent.
Statistics are automatically calculated and displayed at the bottom of the
screen.
It has been found through previous tests that there may be message failures
with three retries. In a noisy environment, it is possible to see success rates
between 96% and 99%. Increasing the number to six has resulted in success
rates of over 99.99%.
4.3.3 Single Transmission
A message may also be sent only once using the Send Single Msg button. The
user should be aware that this function contains a feature to reduce network
clutter and eliminate redundant messages. If a message is sent with this
function, and it is successfully acknowledged by the remote end, it will not be
possible to send that same message again. The Pkt ID field must be manually
updated to generate a new message that is different from the last message.
5-1
Protocol and Firmware Overview
%
This chapter describes the system level protocol along with the firmware
implementation for the Dolphin demo kit.
Topic Page
5.1 Protocol Overview 5-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.2 Firmware Overview 5-6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 5
Protocol Overview
5-2
5.1 Protocol Overview
This section discusses the RF transmit and receive protocols implemented in
the TR6915 firmware. The transmit and receive path logic diagrams are also
presented.
5.1.1 RF Transmit / Receive Protocol Overview
The two modes of operation for the Dolphin chipset are single-channel mode
and hop mode. The main difference between the two modes is the TX
preamble length. Single channel mode requires considerably less preamble
time since the RF Channel for communication is known.
Hop mode uses a 70 ms preamble which consists of 010101… sequence (see
Figure 5−1). This preamble length allows the receive device 1.4 ms per
channel (50 channels x 1.4 ms = 70 ms) to sync up with the transmit device.
Once both devices are on the same channel through the receive device
determining a valid preamble, a sync pattern occurs between the TX and RX
device with a 00110011… sequence. After the devices are in sync, the TX
device communicates with the RX device as stated in the host protocol
document. Note that the next message to be communicated by the TX device
occurs on another channel in the current mode of operation.
Figure 5−1.RF Overhead in Hop Mode
Host Protocol
Preamble 0101....
70 mS Sync Pattern 00110011.....
Single-channel transmit protocol (see Figure 5−2) is similar to the hop mode
preamble with the exception of the preamble length. Since the RF channel is
preselected, the preamble length required in single channel mode is 4 ms.
Protocol Overview
5-3
Protocol and Firmware Overview
Figure 5−2.RF Overhead in Single-Channel Mode
Host Protocol
Preamble 0101....
4 mS Sync Pattern 00110011.....
5.1.2 RF Transmit Logic Diagram
The RF transmit side logic diagram is shown in Figure 5−3. The logic diagram
shows the various steps performed to transmit a host message from the
evaluation software wirelessly over to the receiver. The RF receive side logic
diagram is shown in Figure 5−4.
Protocol Overview
5-4
Figure 5−3.Transmit−Side Logic Diagram
Transmit RF
Preamble and
Sync Pattern
Transmit Header,
Data, and CRC
Acks Enabled?
Set Wait Timer
for Acks
Set Retry Count
as Determined
by Host
Received Msg?
Ack T imeout
Retries
Enabled
Retry Count =
0?
Decrement Retry
Count
Hop to Next
Channel
Resend RF Msg
Received Ack?
Y
N
N
YY
N
1
1
Y
Go into Receive
Mode
Receive Host
Message
N
Hop To Next
Channel in Hop
Table and Wait for
Acknowledgement
Y
2
2
N
N
Go Into Receive
Mode
Y
Send Ack
to Host
Send Nack
to Host
Protocol Overview
5-5
Protocol and Firmware Overview
5.1.3 RF Receive Logic Diagram
Figure 5−4.Receive-Side Logic Diagram
Scan X Channel in
Hop Table
Set 1.4mS
Channel T imer
Valid Preamble and
Timer not Equat to 0?
Valid Sync
Pattern?
(TYPE)
Data or Ack?
Valid System
ID?
Valid Network
ID?
Get Destination ID
Y
N
Y
N
Y
N
Y
N
Y
N
Y
N
Y
N
Y
N
Y
N
Y
N
Scan X+1 Channel
in Hop Table
Data
Ack
Receive All
Enabled?
Get Source ID of
TX Device and
Data Payload CRC Correct?
Send Data
Msg to Host
Is Dest ID
Broadcast
(FF)?
Is Dest ID Our
ID?
Get Source ID of
TX Device and
Data Payload
CRC Correct?
Send Data
Msg to Host
Acks Enabled?
Send RF Ack to
Originating Device
1
1
1
Firmware Overview
5-6
5.2 Firmware Overview
This section discusses parts of the firmware implemented in the Dolphin FHSS
chipset solution.
5.2.1 Implementation of Frequency-Hopping Protocol
FHSS is an acronym for frequency-hopping spread spectrum. FHSS system
implements a signal that hops in a random sequence from frequency to
frequency as determined by firmware. The hop table selected determines the
random sequence for the transmitter and the receiver. The Dolphin chipset
firmware implementation specifics are described in the following paragraph
and shown in Figure 5−5.
First, the transmit and receive devices must be set to identical hop tables. The
originating device once activated to transmit transmits data on a random
channel determined by firmware. The receive device scans each channel
looking for the TX preamble consisting of a 0101… sequence. Once the
receive device determines a valid preamble it remains on the valid channel.
Once the originating device transmits the 70-ms preamble it sends the sync
pattern with the sequence of 00110011… The receive device syncs up with the
originating device and prepares to receive valid data. Upon receiving valid
data the receiver hops to the next channel predetermined by firmware to
transmit an acknowledgement to the originating device. The originating device
goes into receive mode after transmission and listens for the
acknowledgement on the next channel determined by firmware. Upon
successful communication, the originating device passes to the host a
successful transmission acknowledgement from the intended receiver.
(Acknowledgements must be enabled)
Figure 5−5.Protocol Overview
Originating Device Transmits Sync
Patter to Eliminate Erroneous Data
From Being Received by the
Receiving Device Transmits Message Data
Transmit Device Transmits 70-ms Preamble
On Specific Channel Determined
by Hop Table Receives ACK on Next
Channel of Hop Table
Originating Device Protocol
Receive Device
DeterminesSync Patter Receive Message Data
Receive Device Scans Each Channel Until
It Verifies TX Preamble and Remains On
Current Channel Until Data Is Complete Transmits ACK on Next
Channel of Hop Table
Receive Device Protocol
6-1
Applications
&%
This chapter provides an overview of the architectures that Dolphin supports
along with some examples of sample applications that are based on the
Dolphin solution.
Topic Page
6.1 Network Architecture 6-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.2 Applications 6-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 6
Network Architecture
6-2
6.1 Network Architecture
This section discusses the different network topologies supported by the
Dolphin chipset solution.
Dolphin supports the following network architectural topologies.
-Point-Point
-Broadcast
6.1.1 Point-Point Architecture
The point-point architecture can be configured into the following topologies:
-Star (See Figure 6−1)
-Ring (See Figure 6−2)
-Complete (See Figure 6−3)
Note:
The firmware on the Dolphin chipset supports the Complete point-point ar-
chitecture. The Star and Ring topologies are subsets of the Complete topol-
ogy and minor changes in the firmware needs to be done to implement them.
Note:
The star topology (see Figure 6−1) is a master-slave configuration. In the
above illustration, the Transceiver ID 0 is the master and the rest of the
transceivers are slaves under the System ID 1. Slaves communicate with each
other through the Master.
Figure 6−1.Star Topology
TxCvr ID 1 TxCvr ID 2
TxCvr ID 0 − Master
TxCvr ID 4
System ID 1
TxCvr ID 3
Network Architecture
6-3
Applications
In the ring topology (see Figure 6−2), all the transceivers are connected in the
form of a ring forming a closed network. There is NO central point or the master
in the topology.
Figure 6−2.Ring Topology
System ID 1
TxCvr ID 1 TxCvr ID 2
TxCvr ID 3
TxCvr ID 4
TxCvr ID 5
TxCvr ID 6
In the complete topology (see Figure 6−3), all the nodes are connected to each
other and the system is fully connected. The star and ring topologies are
subsets of the complete topology. The firmware for the Dolphin chipset
supports complete point-point topology. The firmware needs to be customized
for any other network topology.
Figure 6−3.Complete Topology
System ID 1
TxCvr ID 1 TxCvr ID 2
TxCvr ID 3
TxCvr ID 4
TxCvr ID 5
TxCvr ID 6
Applications
6-4
6.1.2 Broadcast Architecture
The Dolphin is designed to support broadcasting. This is enabled by setting
the transceiver ID as 65535 in the evaluation program, IDs window. No
acknowledgements are supported when broadcast is used. The architecture
is shown in Figure 6−4.
Figure 6−4.Broadcast Topology
System ID 1
TxCvr ID 1 TxCvr ID 2
TxCvr ID 5
TxCvr ID 3
TxCvr ID 4
TxCvr ID 6
In the architecture above, TxCvr ID 6 initiates the broadcast.
6.2 Applications
This section discusses wireless metering application based on the Dolphin
solution.
6.2.1 Wireless Metering − AMR
Automatic meter reading, or AMR, is a fast growing sector of the metering
industry. Increasing the speed and accuracy with which meter readings can be
taken is the key to improving billing efficiency. There are various technologies
which have been proven to be successful in multiple applications: wireless
communication using radio frequency (RF) and inductive transmission
through wireless contact devices, or touch pads are some of them.
Wireless metering is a facility to allow data collection from remote sites. The
technology is particularly suited to automated meter reading for electricity,
water, and gas utilities, but is equally suited to a wide range of remote
monitoring and telemetry applications.
Applications
6-5
Applications
Automatic meter reading (AMR) technology enables the meter readers to read
electric meters remotely, via radio signals. AMR meters are read by specially
equipped vehicles, or handheld devices carried by the meter readers. They
allow the metering company to provide accurate and timely meter reads each
month, simply by driving or walking by one’s residence.
An overview of the AMR system is shown in Figure 6−5.
Figure 6−5.Overview of the AMR System
The AMR system can be configured in many ways. Two of them are described
below.
WALK BY
Readings are taken while walking along the route where the meters are
located. The reader is equipped with a special transceiver (transmitter
/receiver) uni t a n d a hand-held terminal/PC loaded with software that enables
him/her to read every meter in the route without having to approach it
physically. An RF interrogating signal is sent and every meter within the
reception range is activated and responds through a transmitter/receiver unit.
The data is later downloaded into the PC in the central office and processed
as desired by the software.
DRIVE BY
The transceiver is installed on a vehicle that is driven along the route where
the meters are located. The process is identical to that of the walk-by
configuration but the data collection is quicker.
An overview of the AMR system using the Dolphin solution is shown in
Figure 6−6.
Applications
6-6
Figure 6−6.Wireless Metering (AMR) Application Using Dolphin Wireless
Dolphin Energy
Meter 2
Dolphin Energy
Meter 3
Dolphin Energy
Meter n
Dolphin Energy
Meter 1
Remote Site
Dolphin Central
Meter Reader
Centralized Meter Reader
System Micro
– Application
Processor
PC For Data Logging
The Dolphin low cost radio transceiver is fitted to or integrated with existing
metering or monitoring equipment and an interface to that equipment allows
local data storage. The data is then transmitted to a central operations center
for processing.
The energy meters at the remote sites are interfaced to the Dolphin. The DBB
in the Dolphin chipset interfaces to the meter hardware and reads the meter
value. This value is then transmitted wirelessly using the RF chip in the Dolphin
chipset, the TRF6903 RF transceiver.
The periodicity of transmissions from the remote unit can be made
programmable and can be set to occur from several times per hour to daily or
even weekly according to the application. The remote units can go into
standby mode when they are not transmitting (with a STANDBY current of
1µA) reducing power consumption and extending battery life dramatically.
A-1
RF Test Reports
The RF test reports for the Dolphin low power and the high power boards are
tabulated in this section.
Topic Page
A.1 RF Test Report for the Low-Power Band A−2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A.2 RF Test Report for the High-Power Bnad A−3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix A
RF Test Report for the Low−Power Band
A-2 RF Test Reports
A.1 RF Test Report for the Low-Power Band
tdeg 0 −40 −40 −40 25 25 25 85 85 95
Supply V V 2.2 2.9 3.6 2.2 2.9 3.6 2.2 2.9 3.6
Mode Parameter Goal Units
Standby Standby current 4.0 max µA 0.05 0.08 0.11 0.03 0.10 0.10 0.62 0.77 1.11
Transmit Transmit current 40 max mA 30.1 33.7 40.2 32.0 35.3 39.8 33.4 36.5 40.1
Transmit
Output power (15.247) 8.0 dBm 5.90 6.75 7.46 6.03 6.96 7.70 5.61 6.57 7.38
f data 0 915.0464 MHz 915.0263 915.0300 915.0288 915.0430 915.0455 915.0455 915.0525 915.0550 915.0550
f data 1 915.1472 MHz 915.1213 915.1238 915.1238 915.1335 915.1380 915.1380 915.1463 915.1488 915.1488
f center 915.0968 MHz 915.0738 915.0769 915.0763 915.0883 915.0918 915.0918 915.0994 915.1019 915.1019
p−p dev 100.8 kHz 95.0 93.8 95.0 90.5 92.5 92.5 93.8 93.8 93.8
f center error 0 kHz −23.0 −19.9 −20.5 −8.6 −5.0 −5.0 2.6 5.1 5.1
dev. error 0 kHz −5.8 −7.0 −5.8 −10.3 −8.3 −8.3 −7.0 −7.0 −7.0
20 dB mod. BW <250 kHz 182.0 177.1 207.0 212.0 209.8 217.0 209.5 204.5 199.5
Transmit Transmit current 27 typ mA 23.9 26.3 29.8 25.7 28.1 30.9 27.0 29.5 32.0
Transmit
Output power (15.249) −1.0 dBm −4.97 −3.61 −2.39 −4.40 −3.06 −1.85 −4.15 −2.76 −1.52
20 dB mod. BW <250 kHz 177.1 177.1 179.6 204.5 204.5 207.0 204.5 207.0 204.5
Receive Receive current 23 max mA 15.3 16.5 17.3 17.5 18.8 19.6 19.1 20.6 21.3
Receive
Sensitivity −98 dBm −100 −100 −100 −101 −101 −100 −99 −99 −99
LO power level dBm −96.77 −96.48 −97.76 −98.90 −97.70 −96.40 −96.36 −97.60 −94.08
LO frequency 904.3968 MHz 904.3758 904.3786 904.3786 904.3923 904.3943 904.3946 904.4020 904.4038 904.4043
LO f error 0 kHz −21.0 −18.2 −18.2 −4.5 −2.5 −2.2 5.2 7.0 7.5
Notes: 1) Unit 7, Revision A3 used for all tests. Component value changes listed below
2) IF filter bandwidth = 330 kHz
3) C27 = 27 pF, C28 = 22 pF, Cint = 17.9 pF
4) RXS = D<19> = 1 = Closed
5) Both LED resistors: R26 = R27 + NP
6) uC section powered with a separate supply.
7) PC interface removed for all current measurements
SPECTRUM ANALYZER SETTINGS:
Output power: 200 MHz
f data 0 and 1: 500 MHz
20 dB Mod. BW: 1 MHz
Receive LO: 100 kHz
RF Test Report for the High Power Band
A-3
RF Test Reports
A.2 RF Test Report for the High-Power Band
Temperature (_C) −40 −40 25 25 85 85
Supply Voltage (V) 3 3.6 3 3.6 3 3.6
Mode Parameter Units
Transmit current 132.8 179 147.9 190.3 136.8 170.5 mA
Output power 20.7 22.7 20.6 22.5 20 22 dBm
Transmit f center 915.07166 915.07136 915.08234 915.08452 915.08641 915.08835 MHz
Transmit
f center error −25.1 −25.4 −14.5 −12.3 −10.4 −8.5 kHz
20 dB mod. BW 198.8 195 206.3 196.3 206.3 192.5 kHz
Receive
Receive current 19.2 20.9 23.1 21.5 23.6 24.6 mA
Receive
Sensitivity −101 −101 −100 −100 −100 −100 dBm
Notes: 1) Unit 502, Revision B used for all tests.
2) IF filter bandwidth = 330 kHz
3) PC interface removed for all current measurements.
Equipment Settings:
Output power: HP8596E Spectrum Analyzer, 200-MHz span
f center: HP 53310A Modulation Domain Analyzer 20 µs/division, 50 kHz/division
20 dB Mod. BW: HP8596E Spectrum Analyzer, 1-MHz span, video averaging on
B-1
FCC Prescan Results
%
The Dolphin low power and high power boards were prescanned for FCC
compliance and passed the prescan in both transmit and receive mode.
Topic Page
B.1 Low1−Power Board FCC Prescan Results B-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B.2 High-Power Board FCC Prescan Results B-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix B
B-2
B.1 Low-Power Board FCC Prescan Results
B.1.1 SUMMARY
The Dolphin low power board passed an FCC prescan in transmit mode with
shielding.
B.1.2 SETUP
A 2.9 inch, 22-gauge solid strand wire antenna was used for all testing. The
length was determined empirically using a vector network analyzer (HP
8753E). A minimum return loss of 17 dB was achieved across the 902-MHz
to 928-MHz band. The antenna was orientated in the same direction as the
longer dimension of the board. Note that, the above minimum return loss was
achieved with the antenna also orientated in the same direction as the shorter
dimension of the board.
The transceiver was only tested in transmit mode between 0.9 − 6 GHz at the
maximum supply voltage of 3.6 V, at a single carrier frequency of 915.1 MHz.
The transceiver was orientated with the antenna perpendicular to the floor.
This operational mode, supply voltage, orientation, carrier frequency, and
frequency range represents the highest compliance risk. All combinations of
the above test variables are examined in a full certification of a final product.
The transceiver was tested at full output power (0-dB attenuation setting) as
a frequency hopping spread spectrum transmitter under FCC Part 15.247. The
transceiver was also tested at low output power (20-dB attenuation setting) as
non−spread spectrum transmitter under FCC Part 15.249.
A calibrated receive antenna and an EMI receiver (HP8546A and HP 85460A)
were used to measure the radiated electric field at a 3-meter distance. The
device rotational angle and receive antenna height was varied to determine
the maximum radiated fields. For measurements above 1 GHz, an additional
1-GHz high pass filter was added to the EMI receiver to prevent overloading
the front-end while measuring the low radiated signal levels of the harmonics.
B.1.3 RESULTS
The measurement results are tabulated on the next page. The first table shows
the radiated field at the fundamental for different power level settings. Note that
the 15.249 limit is 94 dBµV. The radiated output at the middle power level
(10-dB attenuation setting) is 6 dB over the Part 15.249 fundamental signal
limit.
The second table includes the radiated emissions at the harmonics. Entries
for example < 44 indicate that no emissions at the particular harmonic were
observed below the indicated analyzer noise floor level. In all cases, the
analyzer noise floor level was at least 6 dB below the limit. Finally, the levels
of the radiated harmonics above 6 GHz were measured at a one meter
distance. All emissions were below the noise floor of the analyzer.
B-3
FCC Prescan Results
Table B−1.Fundamental Emissions: (15.249 limit = 94 dBmV/m)
A (dB) Conducted P (dBm) Measured E (dBmV/m)
0 7 109.1
10 −2.5 99.9
20 −12.2 90.5
Table B−2.FCC Part 15.247 – Maximum Power (A = 0 dB)
Vertical Polarization Horizontal Polarization
f (MHz) E-Field Limit E-Field Angle Height E-Field Angle Height
1 915 125.2 dBµV/m 109 154 1 99 151 1
2 1830 20 dBc 60 29 1 49 9 1
3 2745 54 dBµV/m 48 160 1 45 0 1.6
4 3660 54 dBµV/m < 44 NM
5 4575 54 dBµV/m < 46 NM
6 5490 54 dBµV/m < 48 NM
Note: NM = Not measured
Table B−3.FCC Part 15.249 – Minimum Power (A = 20 dB)
Vertical Polarization Horizontal Polarization
f (MHz) E-Field Limit E-Field Angle Height E-Field Angle Height
1 915 94 dBµV/m 91 160 1 NM
2 1830 54 dBµV/m 40 23 1 < 38
3 2745 54 dBµV/m < 43 NM
4 3660 54 dBµV/m < 44 NM
5 4575 54 dBµV/m < 46 NM
6 5490 54 dBµV/m < 48 NM
Note: NM = Not measured
B.2 High Power Board FCC Prescan Results
B.2.1 SUMMARY
The Dolphin high power board passed an FCC prescan in transmit mode with
shielding.
B.2.2 SETUP
A 3.1 inch, 22-gauge solid strand wire antenna was used for all testing. The
length was determined empirically using a vector network analyzer
(HP 8753E). A minimum return loss of 12 dB was achieved across the
902-MHz to 928-MHz band. The antenna was orientated in the same direction
as the shorter dimension of the board.
The transceiver was tested in transmit mode between 0.9 – 5 GHz at the
maximum supply voltage of 3.6 V, at a single carrier frequency of 915.1 MHz.
The transceiver was orientated with the antenna perpendicular to the floor.
B-4
This operational mode, supply voltage, orientation, carrier frequency, and
frequency range represents the highest compliance risk. All combinations of
the above test variables are only examined in a full certification of a final
product.
The transceiver was tested at full output power (0-dB attenuation setting) as
a frequency hopping spread spectrum transmitter under FCC Part 15.247.
A calibrated receive antenna and an EMI receiver (HP8546A and HP 85460A)
were used to measure the radiated electric field at a 3-meter distance. The
device rotational angle and receive antenna height was varied to determine
the maximum radiated fields. For transmit mode measurements above 1 GHz,
an additional 1-GHz high-pass filter was added to the EMI receiver to prevent
overloading the front-end while measuring the low radiated signal levels of t h e
harmonics.
B.2.3 RESULTS
The measurement results are tabulated on the next page. The first table shows
the radiated field at the fundamental at the maximum power level settings.
Table B−4.FCC Part 15.247 − Transmit Mode, Maximum Power (A = 0 dB)
Vertical Polarization Horizontal Polarization
Mode f (MHz) Limit d (m) E-Field
(dBµV/m) Angle
(deg) Height
(m) E-Field
(dBµV/m) Angle
(deg) Height
(m)
1 CW 915.1 24 dBm 3 123.9 256 1.1 119.3 335 1.5
2 CW 1830.2 20 dBc 3 45.3 199 1.2 41.7 0 1.1
3 Hopping 2745.3 54 dBµV/m 3 47.1 0 1 43 95 1.3
4 CW 3660.4 54 dBµV/m 3 48.6 220 1.3 44.1 120 1
5 CW 4575.5 54 dBµV/m 3 50.5 302.5 1 52 321 1
Note: Hop set 15 (five channels) used hopping modes to test the third harmonic. This hop set should only be used for FCC
testing.
B.2.3.1 FCC Part 15.109 − Receive Mode LO and Harmonics
The local oscillator and all harmonics were at least 6 dB below the
46.4 dBµV/m limit.
C-1
Range Test Results
The outdoor line of sight range test results for the Dolphin low power and high
power boards are presented in this Appendix. A simple wire antenna (see
Section 3.4.1) was used for range testing.
Topic Page
C.1 Range Test Results C-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix C
Range Test Results
C-2
C.1 Range Test Results
The range test results are tabulated in Table C−1.
Table C−1. Range Test Results
Board Max. TX Power
(dBm) RX Sensitivity
(dBm) Link Budget
(dB) Range
(Feet) Range
(Mile)
Low power 7 100 107 1050 0.25
High power 20 100 120 5500 1
C.1.1 Low Power Board Range Results
The low board range results are shown in Figure C−1. It can be observed that
more retries results in better range at the cost of additional power consumption
and increased transmit duty cycle.
Figure C−1.Low Power Board – Outdoor Range Results
TI Low Power Dolphin Open Field Range
(Firmware Version 1.0 Date:9/24/2004)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
Distance (feet)
Two Direction Packet Success Rate (% )
20 Retries
3 Retries
6 retiries
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 500 600 650550 700 750 800 850 900 950 1000 105
0
450
Range Test Results
C-3
Range Test Results
C.1.2 High Power Board Range Results
This is shown in Figure C−2.
Note: Since the range tests were done in an outdoor mobile environment, the
transmit an d receive units were 3-V battery powered. Thus, the transmit power
was about +20 dBm. If the units are powered using a +3.6-V supply the
transmit power is 3 dB better (+23 dBm) yielding significantly better range.
Based o n calculations the expected range at 3-dB higher output power will be
approximately 1.4 mile (40% increase in range).
Figure C−2.High Power Board – Outdoor Range Results
TI High Power Dolphin Open Field Range
(Firmware Version 1.0 Date:9/24/2004)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
Distance (feet)
Two Direction Packet Success Rate (% )
20 Retries
3 Retries
6 retiries
0 250 500 750 1000 15001250 1750 2000 22502500 2750 32503000 3500 4000 42504500 4750 50005250550
0
3750
C-4
