Amber Wireless AMB8425-M-EV User manual

Manual AMB8425-M-EV
Version 1.1
AMBER wireless GmbH
Albin-Köbis-Strasse 18
D-51147 Cologne
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: http://www.amber-wireless.de

AMB8425-M-EV manual V1.1 Page 2 of 12 Last update: 14/08/2009
Table of Contents
1 Functional Description..................................................................................................................... 3
2 Product Scope .................................................................................................................................. 3
3 The Development Board .................................................................................................................. 4
3.1 Overview....................................................................................................................................... 4
3.1.1 Jumpers..............................................................................................................................4
3.1.2 Connections........................................................................................................................5
3.2 Power Supply................................................................................................................................ 5
3.2.1 Power Adapter/Power Jack ................................................................................................5
3.2.2 JP11 / External Power Supply ............................................................................................5
3.2.3 JP6 / Current Measurement Bridge ....................................................................................5
3.3 Interfaces...................................................................................................................................... 6
3.3.1 UART / RS232....................................................................................................................6
3.3.2 RS232 Pinout......................................................................................................................7
3.3.3 UART / TTL ........................................................................................................................7
3.4 Reset ............................................................................................................................................ 7
3.5 Wiring Diagram............................................................................................................................. 9
4 The USB Stick ................................................................................................................................. 10
5 Using the AMB8425-M-EV Kit........................................................................................................ 11
5.1 Configuration with AMBER Commander .................................................................................... 11
5.2 Communication with Other Devices ........................................................................................... 11
6 Important notes .............................................................................................................................. 12
6.1 Disclaimer of liability ................................................................................................................... 12
6.2 Trademarks ................................................................................................................................ 12
6.3 Limitation of use ......................................................................................................................... 12

AMB8425-M-EV manual V1.1 Page 3 of 12 Last update: 14/08/2009
1 Functional Description
The evaluation board AMB8425-M-EV and the AMB8465-M USB-Stick makes possible the
establishment of a wireless connection between wireless M-bus devices within a very short
time. Moreover, the AMB8425-M-EV board provides easy connection to a computer or to an
external processor.
The radio module is addressed directly from the computer, using the Windows program
AMBER Commander.
The evaluation kit consists of one development board with mounted AMB8425-M modules, one
power supply adapters, one AMB8465-M USB-Stick and other connection material. The
development board can be connected either directly to the RS232 interface of a PC or to any
other microcontroller system. For this purpose, there are several plugs to which all signals of
the AMB8425-M are lead through all the way to the aerial connection.
All consumers of the board can be separated from each other; thus, the power supply of the
radio module can take place entirely from external components.
Characteristics:
•RS232 interface
•Pins of the AMB8425-M lead out
•Facilitates the evaluation of the power consumption (unused components can be
separated by means of jumpers)
2 Product Scope
The AMB8425-M-EV kit is delivered in a product case and comprises:
•1 x development board A84259100 with mounted AMB8425-M wireless M-bus module
•1 x SMA aerial OPC1981
•1 x power adapter OPC1901 5 V/650 mA
•1 x RS232 data cable 2 m
•1xAMB8465-M USB-Stick
•1xUSB data cable 1,8m
Figure 1: AMB8425-M-EV

AMB8425-M-EV manual V1.1 Page 4 of 12 Last update: 14/08/2009
3 The Development Board
Figure 2: Development board A84259100
3.1 Overview
3.1.1 Jumpers
JP11
For disconnecting the
power supply
JP12
For disconnecting the
RS232 converter
JP6
For disconnecting the
power supply
of the radio module
JP9
For disconnecting the
green LED
JP8
For disconnecting the
red LED
CONFIG
For selecting the
operating mode in
preselect mode

AMB8425-M-EV manual V1.1 Page 5 of 12 Last update: 14/08/2009
3.1.2 Connections
3.2 Power Supply
3.2.1 Power Adapter/Power Jack
The development board can be operated by connecting the supplied 5 V adapter or another 5 V
power source (pay attention to the polarity) to the power jack.
If the power supply is connected and the bridge on JP6 is set correctly (as in the factory state),
the power LED will be active.
3.2.2 JP11 / External Power Supply
The AMB8425-M and the RS232 converter can be powered via pin3 of JP1 (see following
figures). For this, earth can be connected to pin2 of JP1, pin24 of JP4, or one of the pins of
JP7. Voltage range: 3 V (RS232 converter) to 3.6 V.
In this case, JP11 must be opened (separation from the internal voltage control).
If the power supply is connected, the power LED will be active.
3.2.3 JP6 / Current Measurement Bridge
By default, JP6 is bridged for operation. If a current meter is connected instead of the bridge,
the power consumption of the radio module can be measured here.
JP7
GND
Power jack
For power supply
Sub-D jack
For RS232 interface
JTAG
Interface for programming
the module
Aerial jack
JP1/JP2/JP3/JP4
Direct access to the signals of
the radio module

AMB8425-M-EV manual V1.1 Page 6 of 12 Last update: 14/08/2009
If the meter is not attached and the bridge is not set, the module will not receive any supply
voltage. However, the power LED may be active, as it is connected upstream of the current
measurement bridge in order not to distort the module's power consumption.
Parts connected to the module, such as LEDs, can be separated from the module via JP8 and
JP9.
Power can also be supplied to the module via JP6 (2.85 V – 3.6 V). However, in this case the
RS232 converter will not be powered.
3.3 Interfaces
3.3.1 UART / RS232
The UART of the module can be connected to the RS232 converter by setting the bridge to
JP12; in this case, it is available as RS232 at the sub-D-9 jack. In this way, the module can be
connected directly to a PC.
Figure 3: RS232
RS232 converter
JP12
Pin 1

AMB8425-M-EV manual V1.1 Page 7 of 12 Last update: 14/08/2009
3.3.2 RS232 Pinout
RS232 sub-D-9 jack
Pin Name Meaning Direction
1 N.C. Not connected -
2 Tx Transmit data Output
3 Rx Receive data Input
4 N.C. Not connected -
5 GND Earth -
6 N.C. Not connected -
7 CTS Clear to send Input
8 RTS Request to send Output
9 N.C. Not connected -
Table 1: Sub-D-9
3.3.3 UART / TTL
If a microcontroller is to be connected to AMB8425-M, remove the bridges on JP12. The UART
can be accessed directly on the pin bar JP1/JP2 to which all other pins of AMB8425-M are
connected.
Figure 4: Pinout JP12
Watch the level compatibility. When powered over the power jack (section 3.2.1), the levels of
the AMB8425-M are 3.3 V. If the power supply is implemented according to section 3.2.2, the
levels of the AMB8425-M can be adjusted in the range from 3 V to 3.6 V.
3.4 Reset
On the AMB8425-M, the low active reset input of the µC is wired to the supply voltage by
means of an RC combination, so that the module is switched on correctly. On the development
board, there is a reset button by means of which the AMB8425-M can be reset. Moreover, the
reset is available on JP4 pin 19.

AMB8425-M-EV manual V1.1 Page 8 of 12 Last update: 14/08/2009
Reset

AMB8425-M-EV manual V1.1 Page 9 of 12 Last update: 14/08/2009
3.5 Wiring Diagram
Power supply
Set operating mode

AMB8425-M-EV manual V1.1 Page 10 of 12 Last update: 14/08/2009
4 The USB Stick
As a counter point of the radio link a USB stick is used, which also contains a AMB8425-M. It is
a USB-to-Serial converter, which integrates multiple LED arriving from radio data, the sending
of radio data and the voltage signal.
Before you connect the stick to the PC, it is necessary to install the USB driver (FTDI). The
installation routine is in the manual of the USB sticks (AMB8465-M) described in greater detail.
After installation, the USB stick is reachable via a virtual COM port and approached the same
as the AMB8425-M on the development board will be handled.
Figure 5 AMB8465-M

AMB8425-M-EV manual V1.1 Page 11 of 12 Last update: 14/08/2009
5 Using the AMB8425-M-EV Kit
5.1 Configuration with AMBER Commander
The AMB8425-M can easily be parameterised with the Windows software "AMBER
Commander" and the respective configuration file/command library. Please install this software
from the enclosed AMBER CD or from the Internet under Service/Download on your computer.
Then connect the evaluation kit to your PC by way of the RS232 interface and open the
AMBER Commander with the respective configuration file.
The functions of the AMBER Commander are described in the accompanying manual.
5.2 Communication with Other Devices
Following the correct configuration of the radio module with the help of the AMBER
Commander, the module can communicate with other wireless M-bus devices (provided these
run in the same operating mode or in a compatible operating mode).

AMB8425-M-EV manual V1.1 Page 12 of 12 Last update: 14/08/2009
6 Important notes
6.1 Disclaimer of liability
AMBER wireless GmbH believes the information contained herein is correct and accurate at the time of
this printing. However, AMBER wireless GmbH reserves the right to change the technical specifications or
functions of its products, or to discontinue the manufacture of any of its products or to discontinue the
support of any of its products, without any written announcement and urges its customers to ensure, that
the information at their disposal is valid. AMBER wireless GmbH does not assume any responsibility for
the use of the described products, neither does it convey any license under its patent rights, or its other
intellectual property rights, or any third party rights. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure that his
system or his device, in which AMBER wireless products are integrated, complies with all applicable
regulations.
6.2 Trademarks
AMBER wireless® is a registered trademark owned by AMBER wireless GmbH. Windows is a registered
trademark of the Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks, registered trademarks and product names
are the sole property of their respective owners.
6.3 Limitation of use
AMBER wireless products are not authorised for use in life support appliances, devices, or other systems
where malfunction can reasonably be expected to result in significant personal injury to the user, or as a
critical component in any life support device or system whose failure to perform can be reasonably
expected to cause the failure of the life support device or system, or to affect its safety or effectiveness.
AMBER wireless GmbH customers using or selling these products for use in such applications do so at
their own risk and agree to fully indemnify AMBER wireless GmbH for any damages resulting from any
improper use or sale.
Use of AMBER wireless products commits the user to the terms and conditions set out herein.
© 2009, AMBER wireless GmbH. All rights reserved.
AMBER wireless GmbH
Albin-Köbis-Straße 18
D-51147 Cologne
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
e-mail [e-mail]
Internet http://www.amber-wireless.de