SWRU291B
November 2012
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CC112x Evaluation Module Kit Quick Start Guide
Opening the Box and Running the Packet Error Rate Test
1. Kit Contents
2 x CC1120 or CC1121 Evaluation Modules
2 x Antennas (type depending on frequency)
The EMK is an add-on kit to supplement the
CC1120DK with evaluation boards supporting
additional frequency bands. This document
covers the CC1120EMK and CC1121EMK.
Antenna types:
955 & 868-915 MHz:
Pulse W5017
420-470 MHz:
Pulse SPWH24433TI
169 MHz:
Pulse SPHL24169TI
2. How to use the Modules
The CC112xEM boards can be plugged into
several
development
boards
from
Texas
Instruments. Most notably, you can use the
SmartRF Transceiver EB, which is included in
the CC1120DK. This board lets you run a packet
error rate (PER) test, control the device from
SmartRF™ Studio and it can be used as a
development platform.
It is also possible to connect the EM to other TI
development
boards
with
the
appropriate
connectors or to the basic “SoC Battery Board”.
The latter can be used as a carrier board for the
EM to simplify the connection to other boards
with a microcontroller. See:
This guide will show how to use the modules
together with SmartRF Transceiver EB (TrxEB).
3. Plug the EM into the TrxEB
Insert a CC112xEM into the TrxEB. Do not use
excessive force on the EM. Remember to mount
the antenna.
Caution!
The kit contains ESD sensitive
components. Handle with care to
prevent
permanent
damage.
To
minimize risk of injury, avoid touching
components
during
operation
if
symbolized as hot.
The hardware in this kit is tested and complies with
ETSI/R&TTE over temperature from 0 to +35°C. The
W5017 whip antenna from Pulse has a gain of 2 dBi
4. Select Board Mode
Use the switches S1 and S2 to select the
operating mode of the board. For the sake of this
quick start guide, please select “Enable” and
“UART”. This configuration will make it possible
to communicate directly with the MSP430 over a
virtual COM port on the PC.
5. Power Options
There are several ways of applying power to the
TrxEB.
2 x 1.5 V AA batteries
USB
External Power Supply
MSP430 Debugger
For the batteries and USB, there are voltage
regulators on the TrxEB that will set the on-board
voltage to 3.3 V.
Warning!
To minimize risk of injury or property
damage, never use rechargeable batteries to
power the board. Always select a power source
that is suitably rated for use with this EVM,
not
exceeding 3.6 VDC, with a current output
rating between 0 and 500 mA.
6. Select Power Source
Depending on the power source, make sure you
connect jumpers to the appropriate pins on the
“Power Source” header. For instance, if you use
batteries, use a jumper to short-circuit pin 1 and
2 on the header. See back side of board for
explanation of the jumpers.
Note that there should only be one active
power source at any one time. Do not
leave the EVM powered when unattended.
7. Welcome Screen
Turn on power with the Main Power switch. You
should now see the Texas Instruments logo and
a short description of the buttons on the LCD.
Pushing any of the five buttons on the board will
take you to the main menu.
NB! If you don’t see anything on the screen
make sure the mode switches are in the
correct positions (see step 4 above).
8. Packet Error Rate Test
Select the PER (Packet Error Rate) test by
highlighting the selection using the up/down
buttons. Confirm your selection by pressing
Enter (right button).
9. Select Test Mode
The PER test can be run is several modes. Easy
Mode sets up a one-way test and uses default
settings. This test is convenient for practical
range testing.
The other test modes are described in the
“
Software Examples for CC112x, CC11xL and
CC1101 U
ser’s Guide
”.
To proceed, h
ighlight “Easy Mode” and press
Enter (right button).