Atmel ATPL250A User manual

ATPL250A
PANCoordinator-EK Kit User Manual
USER GUIDE
Atmel-43106C-ATPL- PANCoordinator-EK Kit User Manual-UserGuide_06-Oct-16

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Introduction
This PANCoordinator Evaluation Kit (EK) comprises all necessary resources to develop a complete
G3-PLC PANCoordinator. It implements an Atmel®Cortex™-M7 device acting as MCU host, combined with
ATPL250A modem for PLC (Power Line Communication). ATPL250A is a power line communications base
band transceiver, compliant with the PHY layer of G3-PLC specification.
G3-PLC is a mature, consolidated and worldwide accepted standard for OFDM-based power line
communications, with focus on providing Smart Grid services over electricity distribution networks.
This guide describes how to use the kit and get start with it.
Contents
Welcome letter introducing the evaluation kit and
its contents.
Boards:
One ATPL250ABNv2 board.
One ATPLCOUP007v2.5 coupling
board (CEN-A frequency band).
One ATPLCOUP002v2 coupling
board (ARIB frequency band).
One ATPLCOUP006v2 coupling
board (FCC frequency band).
Cables:
One micro A/B-type USB cable.
One power cord cable IEC320-C8.
Jumpers:
One voltage jumper with pitch 5.08
mm.
One erase jumper with pitch
2.54mm.
Features
ATPL250A is a compact and high-efficient device for a wide range of Smart Grid applications such as
Smart Metering (Smart Meters and Data Concentrators), Lighting, Industrial/Home Automation,
Home and Building Energy Management Systems, Solar Energy and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
(PHEV) Charging Stations.
ATPL250A G3-PLC device includes enhanced features such as additional robust modes and
frequency band extension.
ATPL250A has been conceived to be bundled with an external Atmel MCU. ATPL250ABN PAN
Coordinator board mounts the ATPL250A transceiver and a SAME70 ARM Cortex M7
microcontroller. This development board provides a full featured platform to develop a complete
communications system based on Power Line Communication technology, providing support for:
–PLC band characterization.
–Noise level measurement.
–Sensitivity level measurement.
–Maximum reachable distance.
–Power consumption.
–Check PLC performance in different bands (CENELEC, FCC, ARIB) setting different PLC
coupling boards (provided with this evaluation kit).
–The EK board can be supplied with universal 115-230 VAC 50-60 Hz power input.
–The EK boards include a JTAG interface for MCU debugging and programming purposes, a
UART for debugging purposes, as well as Ethernet connectivity.

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Software application examples available based on G3-PLC Stack:
–Atmel provides an Atmel G3-PLC PHY layer library which is used by the external MCU to take
control of ATPL250A PHY layer device. Three G3-PLC PHY layer example projects are
provided with the kit.
–Atmel G3 Stack (ADP + MAC + PHY) for PAN Coordinator with some user applications is
provided with the EK.

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Table of Contents
1. Evaluation Kit Specifications......................................................................................7
1.1 Safety recommendations.......................................................................................................................7
1.2Electrical characteristics........................................................................................................................7
2. Evaluation Kit Overview..............................................................................................9
2.1 Design support......................................................................................................................................9
2.2 PANCoordinator-EK contents................................................................................................................9
3. ATPL250ABN Hardware.............................................................................................13
3.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................................13
3.2 Features..............................................................................................................................................13
3.3 Block diagram......................................................................................................................................16
3.4 Mechanical and user considerations ...................................................................................................16
3.5 Hardware description ..........................................................................................................................17
3.5.1 Power supply..........................................................................................................................17
3.5.2 Zero crossing detector............................................................................................................18
3.5.3 SAME70Q21 Flash microcontroller.........................................................................................18
3.5.4 ATPL250A PLC Transceiver...................................................................................................19
3.5.5 PLC Coupling..........................................................................................................................20
3.5.6 Peripherals..............................................................................................................................22
3.5.7 Interface Ports ........................................................................................................................23
4. ATPLCOUP007 Hardware..........................................................................................26
4.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................................26
4.2 Features..............................................................................................................................................26
4.3 Mechanical and user considerations ...................................................................................................27
4.4 Hardware description ..........................................................................................................................27
5. ATPLCOUP002 Hardware..........................................................................................28
5.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................................28
5.2 Features..............................................................................................................................................28
5.3 Mechanical and user considerations ...................................................................................................29
5.4 Hardware description ..........................................................................................................................29
6. ATPLCOUP006 Hardware..........................................................................................30
6.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................................30
6.2 Features..............................................................................................................................................30
6.3 Mechanical and user considerations ...................................................................................................31
6.4 Hardware description ..........................................................................................................................31
7. PAN Coordinator Evaluation Kit: Getting started....................................................32
7.1 Introduction to the embedded system .................................................................................................32
7.1.1 IAR Embedded Workbench ....................................................................................................32
7.1.2 Keil µVision.............................................................................................................................32
7.1.3 Atmel Studio 6 ........................................................................................................................32
7.1.4 Atmel SAM-ICE JTAG Probe..................................................................................................33
7.1.5 J-Link / SAM-ICE JTAG Probe Software & Documentation Pack...........................................33
7.1.6 Atmel Software Framework (ASF)..........................................................................................35
7.2 PLC application example 1 –PHY Tester ...........................................................................................36

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7.2.1 Atmel PLC PHY Tester tool Installation ..................................................................................37
7.2.2 Supplying the boards..............................................................................................................39
7.2.3 USB connection......................................................................................................................40
7.2.4 Programming the embedded file.............................................................................................41
7.2.5 Running the PLC application example 1.................................................................................43
7.3 PLC application example 2 –PHY TX Test Console...........................................................................55
7.3.1 Supplying the boards..............................................................................................................56
7.3.2 USB connection......................................................................................................................56
7.3.3 Programming the embedded file.............................................................................................56
7.3.4 Running the PLC application example 2.................................................................................57
7.4 PLC application example 3 –PHY Sniffer...........................................................................................61
7.4.1 ATPL Multiprotocol Sniffer tool Installation.............................................................................62
7.4.2 Supplying the boards..............................................................................................................64
7.4.3 USB connection......................................................................................................................64
7.4.4 Programming the embedded files...........................................................................................65
7.4.5 Running the PLC application example 3.................................................................................65
7.5 Introduction to G3 Stack......................................................................................................................68
7.5.1 FreeRTOS ..............................................................................................................................68
7.5.2 ASF Integration.......................................................................................................................69
7.5.3 Atmel G3-PLC Stack Structure...............................................................................................70
7.6 PLC application 4 –PLC Network.......................................................................................................72
7.6.1 Supplying the boards..............................................................................................................72
7.6.2 USB connection......................................................................................................................72
7.6.3 Programming the embedded files...........................................................................................72
7.6.4 Running the PLC application example 4.................................................................................74
8. References .................................................................................................................77
Appendix A Board schemes.........................................................................................78
A.1 ATPL250ABNv2 Schemes ..................................................................................................................78
A.2 ATPLCOUP007v2.5 schemes.............................................................................................................85
Revision History................................................................................................................88

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Icon Key Identifiers
Useful Tips and Techniques
Delivers Contextual Information About a Specific Topic
Note to Quality and Performance
Objectives to be Completed
Actions to be Executed Out of the Target
The Expected Result of an Assignment Step
Procedure Which Can Result in Minor Equipment Damage
Procedure With Potential Equipment Damage
Procedure With Imminent Equipment Destruction

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1. Evaluation Kit Specifications
1.1 Safety recommendations
These development boards must be only used by expert technicians. ATPL250ABN is directly powered
from mains grid, so hazardous voltage (100/230VAC) is present on the board. To avoid user access to
dangerous parts, ATPL250ABN must always be used within its enclosure. All required connectors and
configuration jumpers are easily accessible without electrical shock risk.
A normal use of ATPL250ABN does not require removing the enclosure
cover. If this action is necessary, it must be performed by qualified staff
after being sure that mains connection has been previously removed.
Be careful it is only for indoor use.
This development board does not have any switch on mains connection to switch on or off it. It must always
be connected to an easy accessible mains socket.
Do not connect any probe to high voltage sections if the board is not isolated from the mains supply to avoid
damaging of measurement instruments.
Coupling boards’ kits are shipped in a protective anti-static package.
The boards system must not be subjected to high electrostatic
discharge.
We strongly recommend using a grounding strap or similar ESD
protective device when handling the board in hostile ESD
environments (offices with synthetic carpet, for example) without
enclosure. Avoid touching the component pins or any other metallic
element on the board.
ATPL250ABN is a CE mark product which passes EN60950-1 safety standard, EN50065-1, EN50065-2-3,
EN50065-7 EMC and FCC (as current carrier system) standards. It also satisfies Pb-Free and ROHS
directive.
ATMEL does not assume responsibility for the consequences arising
from any improper use of this board.
Boards’ kits are intended for further engineering, development, demonstration, or evaluation purposes only.
It is not a finished product except as may be otherwise noted on the board/kit.
1.2 Electrical characteristics
This section shows the electrical characteristics of the kit’s boards. See the following tables:
Table 1-1. Power Supply Requirements.
Parameter
Condition
Min.
Typ.
Max.
Unit
AC mains Voltage Range
100
115/230
250
VAC
Mains Frequency
50/60
Hz
Maximum Input Current
200(1)
mA
Isolation Voltage
ACDC power supply and PLC coupling transformer
3000
VAC

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Note that the ATPL250ABN can be supplied either with 100VAC or 230VAC by setting the proper jumpers
(pitch = 5.08mm) in the voltage selector, J2, as depicted in the Figure 7-10. By default, voltage jumper is set
for 230VAC. For more information about power supply, see section 3.5.1.
Note: 1. This maximum input current is measured in the worst case situation, so that, when board is supplied with
a minimum input voltage,100VAC, and the worst consumption conditions. That is when it emits against
very low impedance in higher frequency band and it is supplying an extra board through the DC jack J15.
Table 1-2. Power Supply Requirements.
Parameter
Condition
Min.
Typ.
Max.
Unit
TX Power Consumption
FW: PHY TX Test Console Application
Low Impedance Load (PRIME LISN).
Measured on VDD (16V) DCDC output.
3523(1)
mW
FW: PHY TX Test Console Application
High Impedance Load (CISPR LISN).
Measured on VDD (16V) DCDC output.
2280(1)
mW
RX Power Consumption
Measured on 3.3V LDO output
664(1)
mW
Note: 1. These measurements were taken with a non-optimized FW (the PHY TX Test Console project included in
the kit with a default configuration in TX mode and RX mode) from a power consumption point of view and
they highly depend on the architecture and efficiency of the power supplies. These measurements
correspond to the whole PCBA design and not only to ATPL250A and ATSAME70 devices. All PCB
peripherals are supplied, i.e. ATPLCOUP007 coupling board emitting in CENELEC-A band. Refer to
Atmel ATPL250A and ATSAME70 datasheets for an optimized power consumption measurement result.

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2. Evaluation Kit Overview
ATPL250ABN is the name of the development board included in this PAN Coordinator EK. It implements an
ATPL250A analog front end for PLC, supporting G3-PLC, which has been designed to be controlled by an
external Atmel MCU. In this case, Atmel | Smart SAME70 is the device driving ATPL250A PLC analog front
end.
This document describes how to start working with the Atmel PANCoordinator-EK. A complete description
of PC tools, software examples and hardware are provided in this EK.
2.1 Design support
To make it faster and easier for you to evaluate, prototype, develop and program with Atmelproducts, we
offer a variety of design resources, including development tools, software, boards, kits and documentation.
For any technical support request, please refer to our Design Support webpage:
http://www.atmel.com/design-support/.
There any user can search the Atmel knowledge base to find tips, help topics, and answers to common
questions. In case that the obtained information is not helpful any user can Open a Support Case indicating
a description of the case, product information, etc.
2.2 PANCoordinator-EK contents
PANCoordinator-EK contents –documentation, software and tools- are available online in
https://secure.atmel.com/. To download this information you need a myAtmel account, please access to
www.atmel.com/myAtmel and create your own account After that, please contact with [e-mail],
specifying your myAtmel user name, your company name and email, and request access to the specific
evaluation kit you have acquired. Please do not hesitate to visit our web site to get the last kit updates.
myAtmel EK contents are:
1. A welcome letter, PANCoordinator-EK_WL, introducing the EK and its contents.
2. PANCoordinator-EK Kit User Manual, doc43106.
3. Hardware folder:
a. ATPL250A datasheet, doc43079.
b. Hardware application notes: PLC coupling reference designs, crystal selection guidelines,
layout recommendations, critical design guidelines, etc.
c. EK schemes, PCB layouts, gerbers and BOM files of ATPL250ABN, ATPLCOUP002,
ATPLCOUP006 and ATPLCOUP007 boards.
4. Software folder:
a. G3_va.b.c folder, contains five projects for several IDE tools, IAR, Atmel Studio and Keil
µVision to work in both frequency bands, CENELEC-A, ARIB and FCC bands, see
g3.workspace.same70q21_atpl250abn_v2.zip file:
Apps_Phy_Tester_Tool. This application configures G3-PLC PHY layer and its serial
interface to communicate with Atmel PLC PHY Tester Tool to send and receive PLC
messages from/to the PLC line and check the PLC transmission/reception processes
between ATPL250ABN boards. Atmel PLC PHY Tester tool for PC is available in the
PCTools folder.
Apps_Phy_Tx_Test_Console. This application lets the user to configure a proper set up
to perform both EMC emissions and immunity tests on ATPL250ABN board. These tests
are based on the use of G3 PHY layer with a terminal console firmware that eases the
configuration of several transmission parameters such as modulation, frame data length
and time interval between frames.

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Apps_Phy_Sniffer_Tool. This application configures G3 PHY layer to monitor the PLC
data traffic on ATPL250ABN board and sends via serial communication this traffic to the
ATPL Multiprotocol Sniffer tool. This tool can be downloaded from the PCTools folder.
Every coupling board is intended to be used in their corresponding frequency bands only.
By default, sniffer project is compiled for ATPLCOUP007 board. This means that only G3
CENELEC band-A is supported.
APPS_DLMS_EMU_COORD_APP. The DLMS Emulator application is an example
using the Atmel G3-PLC stack and show how the G3 API should be used. This
application is provided for Coordinator. Application configure the ATPL250ABN board as
G3 Coordinator. A Device node is required, it is configured with DLMS Emulation
capabilities and simulate the data exchange between the G3 Coordinator and the
Device(s). The Device responds dummy DLMS messages after receiving data requests
from the Coordinator.
APPS_ADP_MAC_SERIALIZED_APP. The ADP and MAC serialization is an application
example that bring you access to the ADP, MAC and Bootstrap API through a serial
connection. This application could be useful for users that want to make intensive test for
the stack or want to run the upper layers in other CPU.
b. Common software documentation folder. It contains some user guides as the description of the
Atmel G3 firmware stack, doc43081. Document describes in detail all layers from the Atmel G3
implementation as well as configuration options provided, target platforms, default architecture
and the provided solutions by Atmel.
c. Evaluation License Agreement document.
5. PCTools folder:
a. Atmel PLC PHY Tester, PC tool used to monitor point to point PLC transmissions between
Atmel boards.
b. ATPL Multiprotocol Sniffer, PC tool to monitor data traffic in G3-PLC networks using an Atmel
board as sniffer.
c. SAM-ICE™ Drivers. Users may need to install this driver the first time the SAM-ICE is
connected to the PC.
d. USB Drivers (Silicon USB drivers). Users may need to install these drivers the first time the
ATPL250ABN board is connected to the host PC by means of a serial USB connection.
We recommend installing the evaluation kit contents in the root C:\ to avoid problems
with very long paths.
Unpack and inspect the kit carefully. Contact your local Atmel distributor, should you have any issues
concerning the contents of the kit.
The ATPL250ABN board with the ATPLCOUP007 are encapsulated with methacrylate enclosures and
shipped in protective anti-static foam. The two coupling boards, ATPLCOUP002 and ATPLCOUP006, are
shipped in shielded bags.
The boards must not be subject to high electrostatic discharge. We recommend using a
grounding strap or similar ESD protective device when handling the board in hostile ESD
environments. Avoid touching the components pins or any other metallic elements on the
board.