AppconWireless RF1276MN User manual

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Spread Spectrum Wireless MESH Networking
Module RF1276MN
——Distributed MESH Networking ——
Instruction Manual
Version：V2.0

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Catalogue
1、Product Overview ....................................................................................................................3
2、Product Feature........................................................................................................................3
3、Application Fields....................................................................................................................4
4、Dimensions & Construction.....................................................................................................5
5、Pin Definition...........................................................................................................................6
6、Technical Parameters...............................................................................................................6
7、Network Introduction and Application....................................................................................7
7.1 Introduction of Group Network Jump..............................................................................7
7.2 Introduction of Networking Applications........................................................................7
8、Introduction to Distributed Routing Protocol..........................................................................9
9、Parameter Configuration........................................................................................................12
9.1 Hardware Connection ............................................................................................................12
9.3 The User interface of MESH Network configuration RF tool...............................................13
9.4 Configuration RF tool Description ........................................................................................13
9.4.1 Check the Routing Function .......................................................................................15
9.4.2 Check the Full Routing Path Functionality.................................................................16
10、Details of operation command.............................................................................................16
10.1 Frame Format of command..............................................................................................16
10.1.1 Universal Frame Format........................................................................................16
10.1.2 Instruction of Frame Header.................................................................................16
10.1.3 Frame Load .............................................................................................................18
10.1.3.4 Frame End（CRC check）....................................................................................20
10.2 Frame Format of Parameter Configuration Command.................................................20
10.2.1 Read and Write the Configuration Parameter...........................................................20
10.2.2 Read the Routing Information of Mesh network......................................................22
10.2.3 Read the Version of module firmware..................................................................23
10.2.4 Reset the module.....................................................................................................24
10.3 Frame Format of Application Data(Such as sending the data packet).........................24
10.3.1 The Frame Format of Prohibit Routing、Automatic Routing and Mandatory
Routing................................................................................................................................25
10.3.2 Source Routing Data Frame Load Format...........................................................25
11、Wireless Firmware Upgrade................................................................................................26
12、Antenna Selection................................................................................................................27
13、Notes....................................................................................................................................28
14、Attentions.............................................................................................................................28
15、Eliminate of Frequent Malfunction......................................................................................29

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1、Product Overview
RF1276MN is a high-performance, low power consumption, long distance micropower wireless
MESH network module, the embedded wireless MESH network protocol, the MESH is distributed
peer-to-peer MESH network, can make full use of the network routing redundancy, excellent
self-healing network, stability, and excellent data throughput. The mesh process consumes very short
time. It can work as long as it is connected to the power supply, supporting level 7 routing, network
coverage reached more than 10 km.
The physical layer adopts many advanced wireless communication technologies such as
frequency-hopping, self-adaptive rate, safe and reliable full-network self-networking technology,
interleaving error correction coding, etc. The link layer adopts intelligent collision avoidance
algorithm with excellent anti-interference ability.
2、Product Feature
Based on LoRaTM spread spectrum modulation technology.
380-510MHz, 868MHz and 902-928MHz Free application frequency band
Production without debugging,3.3 -5.5V wide voltage range, can be customized for 2.1-3.6V
Micropower emission, standard power is 100mw,Seven levels can be set
Receiving sensitivity up to -148dBm,Maximum launch power +20dBm
Adopt high efficiency forward error correction coding technology and frequency hopping
mechanism, strong anti-interference ability, low error rate.
MESH protocol hierarchical processing, provides a stable link.
Distributed routing, a mesh network completely.
Work as long as it is connected to the power supply,only needs to be done for the first time
communication network function, establish a routing table.
Module parameters can be set by software or microcontroller command flexibly
1.5mm standard half hole welding disk, easy for embedded installation.
Built-in watchdog to ensure long-term reliable and stable operation.
Open space single effective communication distance can be 2~ 4km.
Level
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Power
2.5mw
5mw
9mw
18mw
35mw
64mw
100mw

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3、Application Fields
Smart home,smart transport ,sensor network
Industrial automation, agricultural modernization, intelligent building;
Water, electricity, gas and warm meter automatic centralized meter reading system;
Water conservancy, oil field, mine, meteorological information acquisition equipment;
Street lamp control system,grid monitoring, wind-solar hybrid system
Industrial equipment data wireless transmission ,industrial environmental monitoring;
Everything else needs to be wireless instead of wired.

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4、Dimensions & Construction

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5、Pin Definition
Number
Pin Symbol
Pin Function
Pin Description
1
PB14
GPIO
Reserved IO port
2
PB13
GPIO
Reserved IO port
3
PB11
GPIO
Reserved IO port
4
RST
Hardware reset
Low level enable
5
PB8
GPIO
Reserved IO port
6
PB7
GPIO
Reserved IO port
7
RXD
Data entry pin
Level data input foot, connect the user's TXD.
8
TXD
Data output pin
Level data output foot, connect the user's RXD.
9
PA2
GPIO
Reserved IO port
10
PA1
GPIO
Reserved IO port
11
PA0
GPIO
Reserved IO port
12
PE1
GPIO
Reserved IO port
13
VCC
Power supply
Power range 3.3V-5.5V( customized 2.1-3.6V)
14
GND
PGND
GND（usually connected to the user's GND.）
Note：TXD,RXD 3.3V level, if the user’s MCU is 5V, it is suggested to make level conversion for stability,.
6、Technical Parameters
Modulation Mode: LoRaTM spread spectrum.
Working Frequency: 380-510MHz, 868MHz and 902-928MHz
Transmission Power: 20dBm.
Receiving Sensitivity: -148dbm.
Serial Port Speed: 1200bps ~ 57600bps (default 9600bps)
Interface Check: 8E1/8O1/8N1 (optional)
Working Voltage: 3.3 ~ 5.5V (customized 2.1 ~ 3.6v) (output 20dBm)
Emission Current: less than 120mA (transmitting power 20dBm)
Receiving Current: less than 15.2mA.
Forwarding Time: 200ms
Working Temperature: -40 ~ +80 ℃(industrial level)
Working Humidity: 10% ~ 90% relative humidity, no condensation.

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7、Network Introduction and Application.
7.1 Introduction of Group Network Jump
00
01
00
02
00
09
00
03
00
04
00
08
00
07
00
06
00
05
1KM
6-8KM
Sending
source Target
Source node Router node Target node
Figure 7.1 Seven - level eight - hop network schematic diagram
Description: The seven - level eight - hop network refers to the data sent by the source to the final
destination, which passes through seven routing nodes on the way. If the distance
between the two points is 1km, the transmission distance of a network can reach
6-8km or even further. And each participant in the network can be the target of
communication.
7.2 Introduction of Networking Applications.
A basic MESH network consists of multiple node modules(slave or node) and a concentrator
module(master or root).The slave module and master module have two-way data interaction, which
can be repeated by the slave module several times.The data flow from master to slave is called down
and vice versa.The downstream data transmission mode is broadcast (all nodes can receive the data
sent by the master);Uplink data transmission mode is unicast (slave sends data to the nearest
master) ,the selection of routing is done automatically. If you have more than one concentrator master,
the slave transfer data will automatically upload to the recently communicated master, and the other
master will not receive it.

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Figure 7.2.1 MESH network data transmission schematic diagram
With the RF1276MN module, you can easily build a MESH network with a minimum of 2 points
or up to thousands of points. MESH network is a completely distributed symmetric network, only a
single device type can be used in theory. Because it is a distributed peer network, there is no center or
node in the whole network, and all nodes have equal rights in the network.
Figure 7.2.2 RF1276MN module network application schematic diagram
The RF1276MN module can easily form good performance, mature and stable distributed ad-hoc
network MESH network, represents the most advanced level, ad-hoc network technology can replace
the cable, point to multipoint and centralized network mode, greatly expand the network coverage and
network robustness, and can effectively reduce the equipment cost and maintenance cost.
The RF1276MN module is applied in the field of self-organizing network, such as sensor
network,wireless meter reading, smart home, etc., which has obvious technical advantage and price
advantage.For example, the RF1276MN of wireless meter reading scheme, can only need to send a
broadcast message within a very short time to realize the entire network instrument set copy, don't
need to copy to read one by one, a single instrument greatly saved copy reading time.In the absence of

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external interference and isolated nodes, the success rate of single- time net copying of MESH wireless
meter is 100%.
8、Introduction to Distributed Routing Protocol
Mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) is a multiple of mobile nodes have routing function multiple
hops network, data transmission needs collaboration of multiple nodes to complete, so part of the
routing protocol in MANET is crucial.Compared with the traditional wired network, MANET has its
own characteristics, such as distributed control, the dynamic change of network topology, the wireless
transmission bandwidth and node ability is limited, poor security, routing with short survival time,
etc.The ideal MANET routing protocol should have the following characteristics.：
Distribution of the law,distributed algorithm: more suitable for decentralized distributed control
network.
Strong adaptability:adaptable to rapidly changing network topology.
No loop:no loop is the basic requirement of any routing protocol, which can avoid routing errors
and bandwidth waste.
Low cost of routing calculation and maintenance control:the most complete and powerful
function with minimal control overhead is the goal of all routing protocols to work together.
Suitable for large-scale network;good robustness and extensibility.
The single-path routing protocol is not suitable for MANET, for the following reasons:
1. Wireless network node mobility is high, bandwidth resources are limited, and the connection
interrupt rate is high, resulting in high network splitting opportunity.Single path routing
algorithm is too expensive and slow to converge.
2. Routing need to be established by flooding technology, and when the nodes move led to the
original route expires, The maintenance of single path routing also requires flood, which will
occupy network bandwidth.when the network has a number of medium and even a large number
of routing need maintenance, frequent tech-oriented flood makes on-demand routing protocol
routing control overhead is very large.
3. Single path routing protocol does not take fairness into account , tend to take heavy load
distribution to the source to destination node on the nodes of the shortest path, unable to get well
and track the entire network topology information.
4. Single path routing protocol data sent using only one path, unable to send data in parallel or
concurrently, It leads to low network transmission rate, increasing delay time and unbalancing
network load, resulting in network congestion.
The path of the MANET from any source node to the destination node is usually multiple, and the
nodes have random mobility, so the topology of the entire network changes frequently.The multi-path

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routing protocol can overcome the disadvantages of the single path routing protocol, and can make full
use of network resources, balance network load, improve communication performance and avoid
network shock.MESH by private on-demand lightweight dynamic multipath routing protocols, this
protocol is for hardware resources strict mobile ad-hoc network design, suitable for mobile speed, fast
wireless network topology changes.Routing protocol can maximum limit reduce routing overhead,
establish and maintain process can be in multiple paths in parallel data packets to send, can sense the
change of network topology and right by the updated without the need for flood, seamless switching
between different routing.The main features are as follows: each node maintains as much routing
information as possible;There is no routing loop;Good route stability and fast establishment;Capable
of maintaining full use of wireless signal redundancy, constantly routing maintenance and update, no
additional overhead;The routing algorithm weighs many factors such as distance vector, signal energy,
link quality and battery voltage, etc.It is very sensitive to the change of network topology structure,
and the routing can be optimized quickly.High network throughput;Support 7- level routing, network
size.
Figure 8.1 Multipath schematic diagram
MESH multipath routing schematic diagram as shown above, network topology diagram as
shown on the left, black line represents the link between nodes.The right side is the data link
established by A and B, the red line is the path from A to B, and the blue line is the reverse path.The
route is built through flood, and there is no closed loop between multiple paths, allowing multiple
paths to intersect.Each node chooses as many nodes as possible for its next hop route, and the data
message can be dynamically switched between multiple paths and can be transmitted in
parallel.Failure routing detection, new path discovery, network topology change by listening to the
handshake between adjacent nodes to perceive, neither need to carry out flood or additional
overhead.All nodes, including source node, only need to look for his next hop relay nodes, and don't
need to make sure the whole path .Therefore, the cost of routing protocol is very small, which is
suitable for the fast changing mobile network of topology structure. It can quickly find the real-time
best route, and support the large-scale network of 7 level routes.
MESH Routing protocol combines multiple selection algorithms for Routing, including distance
vector, signal quality (link state) and node residual power - MMBCR (Min-Max Battery Cost
Routing).The distance vector algorithm determines the path based on the distance of the destination,

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and each node maintains a vector table, which lists the best distance from the current known target to
each target.Nodes can choose nodes that are closer to the destination than themselves as forwarding
routes based on this vector table.According to the distance vector algorithm, the shortest path between
two nodes can be found, but it is not necessarily the best path.
Unlike wired networks, for MANET, wireless signals are easily affected by external interference,
resulting in short survival time and poor stability of data link.The routing protocol must be able to
correctly select the path with good signal quality and link stability to ensure the stability, real time,
reliability and anti-interference ability of the network. MESH routing protocol can quickly detect
multiple routing instant link quality, can choose the best link quality path in a very short time as
routing path, and can choose closest path as routing path when necessary.MESH link-state routing
algorithm diagram as shown below, A through B relay to C is A - B - C path interference for unstable
link, but this is also A to have another link quality good path C A - D - E - C.Although the path of a-b-c
is closer, the success rate of the receiving of the link instability message is very low, which will greatly
increase the probability of retransmission of the message.However, if a-d-e-c is selected, although the
distance is far away, it can guarantee the reliability and real-time performance of the message
transmission.
Figure 8.2 MESH Link state algorithm route selection schematic diagram
In addition, for MANET, routing selection needs to fully consider the power of the node battery,
and should avoid the nodes with low battery power.MESH routing protocol adopts MMBCR algorithm,
which will automatically select the nodes with relatively large amount of power to route.MESH node
routing algorithm diagram as shown below, soc can B relay to C is A - B - C but node B remaining
power is low, at the same time A to C with another A bit far from the path of A - D - E - C, path of
nodes in the remaining power is higher.The choice of A-B-C is closer, but it will soon run out of B.If
you choose a-d-e-c, although the distance is far away, it will increase the service life of the whole
network and reduce the maintenance cost of the system.

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Figure 8.3 MESH node residual power routing schematic diagram
MESH routing protocol is an ideal routing protocol for MANET design. It has the characteristics
of distributed, robust, self-healing capability, light weight, multi-path, no loop, largenetwork scale and
suitable for mobile network.
9、Parameter Configuration
After connecting the module to the computer, we can modify the parameters through the computer
software of our company, or send the command setting directly through the user's SCM, and refer to
the computer communication protocol.
9.1 Hardware Connection
1、Confirm the interface level of the module,TTL.
2、Switch the computer serial port to the corresponding level and then connect the module,as shown
in figure 9.1.
Figure 9.1 Wireless module and computer connection diagram (TTL)
9.2 Parameter Configuration
First, the serial port parameters of the module can be confirmed, and the serial port parameters
can be obtained through the serial debugging assistant.Method is to open the serial debugging
assistants, choose corresponding port, port parameter is set to 9600 BPS, no check, 8 data bits, 1 stop
bit, connection module,A power supply will send the current serial port parameters of the module
and display it on the debugging assistant.as shown in figure 9.2.1.

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Figure 9.2.1 Use serial debugging assistant to obtain the current serial port parameters and software
version
9.3 The User interface of MESH Network configuration RF tool.
9.4 Configuration RF tool Description

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Graphic Symbol
Name
Function Description
Serial
parameter
Open the module to connect the COM port corresponding to the
computer, select the same serial port parameter as the module to read or
write module parameters normally.
Frequency
configuration
According to the user demand, can set the module's launch
frequency.Note: this parameter should avoid the multiple frequency of
32M, otherwise it will affect the communication distance.
Power
configuration
According to the user's demand, the transmitting power can be set by
itself, and the higher the power, the farther the transmission distance is.
Routing Time
The effective routing path stored in the module does not occur during the
setting time, and the path will be cleared automatically at the end of the
lifetime.
Network ID
configuration
Can be configured as 1~65535;
Only modules under the same network address can communicate.
Node ID
configuration
Can be configured as 1~65535;
As an identifier in the network.
Uart
rate
The default is 9600bps, configured to be the same as the connection
device (the baud rate read by the serial debugging assistant).
Uart
check
The default is uncheckable, configured to be the same as the connection
device.
Writing
configuration
Write the parameters in the current software page to the module.
Reading
configuration
Read the configuration read configuration
View routing
The node, the next level and the target node of the node are displayed
graphically.Easy user view path (detailed below)
Check path
The complete network path structure is displayed graphically or
graphically.Note: this feature can only be viewed in the source module
(detailed below)
Destination
Address
Communication object identification code.

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Routing Type
Prohibit routing:No routing is prohibited.
Automatic routing ：After First communication save the path
successfully , no secondary search network process.
Forced routing: Every time thereis a process of finding a network when
sending the date
Source routing:Transmitted by the set path.
ACK request
Enable ACK reply after check.(Not recommended)
Sending data
Sending data
Sending data
continuously
Sending data continuously(optional interval)
Source
routing path
configuration
According to the requirement, the routing path will be filled in. The
module will push the data according to the set path, and the maximum
can be set to 6 routes.
9.4.1 Check the Routing Function
The following is the entire routing process for the 00 01 source sending data to the target of 00 03, of
which 00 02 is the routing node between the source and target.
00 01 00 02 00 03
00 02
00 01 00 01
00 03 00 03
00 03 00
02 00 01
Downward
path
Upward
path
Downward
path
Upward
path
00 01
Source path
00 02
Source path
00 03
Target path
Source node
Routing node
Target node
Figure9.4.1 Routing diagram
Explanation:Each participant in the network can view the local node, the next hop node, and the final
destination node through the "view route" function in the upper computer.

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9.4.2 Check the Full Routing Path Functionality.
The following is the entire routing process from the source to the target of 0001, of which 00 02-00
08 is the routing node between the source and target.
00 01 00 02 00 09
00 03
61 75 7A 66 61 65 5D 6F
00 04 00 06 00 0800 05 00 07 70
5F
Figure9.4.2 Full path diagram
Explanation: the source module in the network can view the route of the entire path and the field
strength between the two points through the "full path" in the master device.The
larger the field strength, the stronger the signal.
Note: The customer can use this function to make the routing table of the whole network on the
MCU.
10、Details of operation command
10.1 Frame Format of command
10.1.1 Universal Frame Format
Frame
Type
Frame
Number
Command
Type
Load
Length
Load
CRC Check
1 byte
1 byte
1 byte
1 byte
N byte
1 byte
Frame Header
Frame Load
Frame End
10.1.2 Instruction of Frame Header
10.1.2.1 Frame Type
The frame type is used to identify different application frame types.The standard type is
defined as follows:

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1
.
1
10.1.2.2 Frame Number
The frame number is currently unused and the value is fixed to 0x00.
10.1.2.3 Command Type
The command type has different definitions under various frame type identifiers, and the
specific reference is as follows:
As the frame type begin with 0X01, the command type has the following meanings:
Command
Type
Command Instruction
0x01
Writing configuration
information request.
0x81
Writing configuration
information
0x02
The acknowledge from Reading
the configuration information
0x82
The acknowledge from Reading
the configuration information
0X03
Reading the routing table of
mesh
0X83
The acknowledge from Reading
the routing table
0x06
Reading the version number
0x86
The acknowledge from Reading
the version number
0x07
Reset the module
0x87
The acknowledge from Reset the
module.
0X08
Read the entire routing table
Frame Type
Type Name
Instruction
0x01
Internal used
read and write the configuration parameters of
modules, the route information and version
number.
0x05
Application
Data
Used for networking protocol application layer
interfaces. Such as sending the data.

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0X88
The acknowledge from Read the
entire routing table
As the frame type begin with 0X05, the command is used for user data transmitting. It has two
types:’0x01’and ‘0x81’
Command Type
Command
Instruction
0x01
Sending the data via
Routing
0x81
The acknowledge from
sending the data via
Routing
10.1.2.4 Load Length
The load length is the data byte length that beginning with frame load and end with the
CRC check. The maximum load length of this agreement is 117 bytes.
10.1.3 Frame Load
The frame load refers to the parts beginning from the ‘Load length’and ending with the
‘CRC check’. Its format is determined by the types of frames and the types of
commands. The universal format is as follows:
10.1.3.1 The frame load about parameter Configuration and reading.
The command begins with ‘0x01 0x00 0x01’and ‘0x01 0x00 0x02’
Configuration
Flag
Transmittig
Frequency
Transmitting
Power
Routing
Lifetime
Network
ID
Node
ID
Port
Rate
Port
Check
2byte
3byte
1byte
1byte
1byte
1byte
1byte
1byte
Frame Load

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10.1.3.2 The frame load about Prohibit Routing，Automatic Routing and Mandatory
Routing
The command begins with ‘0x05 0x00 0x01’
10.1.3.3 Source Data Request Frame Load Format
The command begins with ‘0x05 0x00 0x01’
Destination
Address
ACK
Request
Sending
radius
Routing
Type
Data
Length
Data
2byte
3byte
1byte
1byte
1byte
N
byte
Frame Load
Destination
Address
ACK
Request
Sending
radius
Routing
Type
Repeater
Number
Repeater
List
Data
Length
Data
2byte
3byte
1byte
1byte
1byte
1byte
N*2byte
N byte
Frame load

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10.1.3.4 Frame End（CRC check）
The frame end is one byte checksum. This checksum is the result of XOR operation from
the first byte to the last second byte (before the CRC check). When user check the
correction of the Frame, the result of XOR operation of all the Frame should be ZERO.
10.2 Frame Format of Parameter Configuration Command
10.2.1 Read and Write the Configuration Parameter
10.2.1.1 Read the Configuration Parameter
Command
01 00 02 0D A5 A5 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
00 0E
Acknowledge
from module
01 00 82 0D A5 A5 6D 00 12 07 17 00 01 00 01
03 00 E2
Details about ‘the command of Read the configuration parameter’：
01：Frame type. This Frame is internal used. The frame can read and write the configuration
parameters of modules, the route information and version number.
00：Frame number，fixed "00"
02：Command type. ‘02’represents ‘Read configuration parameter’
0D：Load length. There are 13 bytes in the frame load.
A5 A5：the fixed value for the command of ‘read configuration parameter’
00 00 00：Working frequency
00：Transmitting power
00：Routing life time，0-23 Each represents 1 to 24 hours
00 00：Network ID
00 00：Node ID
00：Port rate 00-1200 、01-2400 、02-4800 、03-9600 、04-19200 、05-57600 、06-115200
00：Port check 00-NO 、01-ODD 、02-EVEN
0E：CRC Check
Acknowledge from the module after executing the command of ‘read the configuration parameter’: