April 2013
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CC2538 Evaluation Module Kit Quick Start Guide
Opening the Box and Running the Packet Error Rate Test
1. Kit Contents
2 x CC2538 Evaluation Modules (CC2538EM)
The EMK is an add-on kit to supplement the
CC2538DK with evaluation boards.
The RF boards in this kit are FCC and IC
certified and tested/comply with ETSI/R&TTE
over temperature from 0 to 35°C.
2. How to use the Modules
The CC2538EM boards can be plugged into the
SmartRF06 Evaluation Board from Texas
Instruments. This board is included in the
CC2538DK and in the SmartRF06EBK.
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
This guide will show how to use the modules
together with SmartRF06EB.
3. CC2538EM Overview
4. Plug the EM into the 06EB
Insert a CC2538EM board into the
SmartRF06EB as shown above.
NB! Note the
jumper on the upper row on the header on
the CC2538EM.
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.
5. Power Options
The CC2538EM should be powered through the
SmartRF06EB, which will supply a voltage from
2.1V to 3.6V to the daughter card. The
SmartRF06EB can be powered in several
different ways:
USB (5V)
2 x 1.5V AAA alkaline batteries
1 x 3.0V CR2032 coin cell battery
External regulated power supply
Voltage regulators on the SmartRF06EB will set
the on-board voltage to 2.1V or 3.3V.
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
The power source is selected using the Source
switch on the left hand side of the SmartRF06EB.
In “USB” position, the EM is powered over USB,
running at 3.3V. In “BAT” position, the board is
powered from batteries or an external source,
running at 2.1V. The 2.1V regulator can be
bypassed by shorting the pins on the “regulator
bypass” jumper. In this case, the EM is powered
directly from the external source or batteries.
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 board is correctly powered
(see step 5 and 6 above).
8. Select Board and Channel
Start by selecting the plug-in board you have,
either the CC2538EM or the combo board
CC2538-CC2591EM.
Then select which channel (frequency) to use.
9. Select Mode
One of the boards must operate as a transmitter
and the other as a receiver.
Select transmitter on one board …
… and receiver on the other board.
The receiver does not require any further set-up
and is now ready to receive packets.
Power Select Jumper
1-2: Vdd from EB
1-3: Vdd from USB
Micro USB
connector for
testing USB on
CC2538
Emulator
LEDs
USB 5V to
3.3V LDO
10-pin
ARM Debug
Connector
20-pin
ARM-JTAG
Connector
PCB Antenna
Footprint for SMA connector
(for conducted RF testing)
CC2538
SWRU348
