RN2483 LoRa™ TECHNOLOGY
PICtail™/PICtail PLUS DAUGHTER
BOARD USER’S GUIDE
2015 Microchip Technology Inc.
Advance Information
DS50002366A-page 15
Chapter 2. Getting Started
2.1
INTRODUCTION
This chapter describes the hardware requirements for RN2483 LoRa Technology
PICtail/PICtail Plus Daughter Board and also provides the different types of
communication modes.
The module accepts commands via UART interface. Basically, two communication
modes are supported by the daughter board, USB mode and PICtail mode.
PICtail mode gives more computing power to the user program, since motherboards
contain additional MCUs.
This chapter discusses the following topics:
•
•
•
2.2
COMMUNICATION MODES
2.2.1
USB mode
USB mode is initiated if the daughter board is connected to a USB port via a mini-USB
cable. In this mode, the on-board PIC18 MCU provides a USB-to-UART bridge.
Supply voltage is provided via USB and the on-board LDO (IC1) which regulates 5V to
the nominal 3.3V.
2.2.2
PICtail mode
PICtail mode is initiated if no USB cable is attached to the board and the board is
plugged into the appropriate motherboard.
When USB power is
not
attached, the on-board PIC18 MCU does
not
influence UART
communication.
2.2.3
PICtail mode with USB connected
The daughter board can be used in a third mode when it is connected to a PICtail
motherboard while the USB is also connected. It is useful when the user wants to set
the supply voltage from the PICtail connector while the communication must be
continuously active via the USB interface. The on-board PIC18 MCU takes over the
control of the UART interface. In this case, the motherboard is unable to send UART
messages to the module, however, the messages sent by the module appear on the
PICtail UART.
Note:
User must ensure that PICtail/PICtail Plus port pins are fully compatible to
the pinout of the daughter board.
Note:
Some motherboards may adjust the supply voltage to the attached MCU
Plug-in Module. Do
not
exceed the supply voltage limits of the module.
