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JN-DS-JN5142 1v0
© NXP Laboratories UK 2012
8.2 Modem
The modem performs all the necessary modulation and spreading functions required for digital transmission and
reception of data at 250kbps in the 2450MHz radio frequency band in compliance with the IEEE802.15.4 standard.
AGC
Demodulation
Symbol
Detection
(Despreading)
Modulation
Spreading
TX
RX
TX Data
Interface
RX Data
Interface
VCO
Sigma-Delta
Modulator
IF Signal
Gain
Figure 18: Modem Architecture
Features provided to support network channel selection algorithms include Energy Detection (ED), Link Quality
Indication (LQI) and fully programmable Clear Channel Assessment (CCA).
The Modem provides a digital Receive Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) that facilitates the implementation of the
IEEE 802.15.4 ED function and LQI function.
The ED and LQI are both related to receiver power in the same way, as shown in Figure 19. LQI is associated with a
received packet, whereas ED is an indication of signal power on air at a particular moment.
The CCA capability of the Modem supports all modes of operation defined in the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, namely
Energy above ED threshold, Carrier Sense and Carrier Sense and/or energy above ED threshold.
Figure 19: Energy Detect Value vs Receive Power Level