Digi XBee XTC User manual

XBee/XBee-PRO XTC
Radio Frequency (RF) Module
User Guide

Revision history
900001476 B
Revision Date Description
A December,
2015
Baseline release of the document.
B January,
2016
Removed a section on shutdown mode, which does not apply to this device.
Removed a duplicate drawing. Removed pending comment on US and
Canadian certifications.
Trademarks and copyright
Digi, Digi International, and the Digi logo are trademarks or registered trademarks in the United States
and other countries worldwide. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their
respective owners.
© 2016 Digi International Inc. All rights reserved.
Disclaimers
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment
on the part of Digi International. Digi provides this document “as is,” without warranty of any kind,
expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of fitness or merchantability for
a particular purpose. Digi may make improvements and/or changes in this manual or in the product(s)
and/or the program(s) described in this manual at any time.
Warranty
To view the product's warranty information, go to the following website:
http://www.digi.com/howtobuy/terms
Customer support
Digi offers multiple technical support plans and service packages to help our customers get the most out
of their Digi product. For information on Technical Support plans and pricing, contact us at 952.912.3456 or
visit us at www.digi.com/support.
Telephone (8:00 am — 5:00 pm U.S. Central Time):
XBee/XBee-PRO XTend Compatible (XTC) RF Module User Guide 2

XBee/XBee-PRO XTend Compatible (XTC) RF Module User Guide 3
Toll-free US and Canada: 866.912.3444
Worldwide: +1 952.912.3456
Online: www.digi.com/support/eservice

XBee/XBee-PRO XTend Compatible (XTC) RF Module User Guide 4
Contents
Revision history 2
The XBee/XBee-PRO XTend Compatible (XTC) RF module
About the XTCRF module 10
Applicable firmware 10
Technical specifications 11
Performance specifications 11
Power requirements 12
Networking and security specifications 13
Physical specifications 13
Regulatory approvals 14
Hardware
Mechanical drawings 15
Pin signals 16
Recommended pin connections 18
Modes
Transparent and API operating modes 19
Transparent operating mode 19
API operating mode 19
Additional modes 19
Command mode 20
Binary Command mode 20
Idle mode 20
Receive mode 20

XBee/XBee-PRO XTend Compatible (XTC) RF Module User Guide 5
Sleep modes 20
Transmit mode 21
Enter Command mode 21
Send AT commands 21
Exit Command mode 22
Enter Binary Command mode 22
Exit Binary Command mode 22
Binary Command mode FAQs 22
Sleep modes 23
Pin Sleep (SM = 1) 24
Serial Port Sleep (SM = 2) 25
Cyclic Sleep Mode (SM = 4-8) 25
Operation
Serial interface 27
UART data flow 27
Serial data 27
Flow control 28
Data In (DIN) buffer and flow control 28
Data Out (DO) buffer and flow control 29
Configure the XTC RF Module
Configure the device using XCTU 31
Program the XTC RF Module
XTC RF Module programming examples 32
Connect the device to a PC 32
Modify a device address 33
Restore device defaults 33
Send binary commands 33
Query binary commands 34
XTC RF Module commands
Command mode options 39
AT (Guard Time After) 39
BT (Guard Time Before) 39
CC (Command Sequence Character) 40

XBee/XBee-PRO XTend Compatible (XTC) RF Module User Guide 6
CF (Number Base) 40
CN (Exit Command Mode) 41
CT (Command Mode Timeout) 42
E0 (Echo Off) 42
E1 (Echo On) 43
Diagnostic commands 43
%V (Board Voltage) 43
DB (Received Signal Strength) 44
GD (Receive Good Count) 45
HV (Hardware Version) 46
RC (Ambient Power - Single Channel) 46
RE (Restore Defaults) 47
RM (Ambient Power) 48
RP (RSSI PWM Timer) 49
SH (Serial Number High) 50
SL (Serial Number Low) 50
TP (Board Temperature) 51
TR (Transmit Error Count) 51
VL (Firmware Version - Verbose) 52
VR (Firmware Version - Short) 52
WA (Active Warning Numbers) 53
WN (Warning Data) 54
WS (Sticky Warning Numbers) 56
MAC/PHY commands 56
AM (Auto-set MY) 56
DT (Destination Address) 57
HP (Preamble ID) 58
ID (Network ID) 58
MK (Address Mask) 59
MT (Multi-transmit) 59
MY (Source Address) 60
RN (Delay Slots) 61
RR (Retries) 62
TT (Streaming Limit) 62
RF interfacing commands 63
BR (RF Data Rate) 63
FS (Forced Synch Time) 64
MD (RF Mode) 64
PB (Polling Begin Address) 65
PD (Minimum Polling Delay) 66

XBee/XBee-PRO XTend Compatible (XTC) RF Module User Guide 7
PE (Polling End Address) 66
PK (Maximum RF Packet Size) 67
PL (TX Power Level) 69
TX (Transmit Only) 70
Security commands 71
KY (AES Encryption Key) 71
Serial interfacing commands 72
AP (API Enable) 72
BD (Interface Data Rate) 72
CD (GP02 Configuration) 74
CS (GP01 Configuration) 75
FL (Software Flow Control) 76
FT (Flow Control Threshold) 77
NB (Parity) 77
RB (Packetization Threshold) 78
RO (Packetization Timeout) 79
RT (GPI1 Configuration) 79
SB (Stop Bits) 80
Sleep commands 81
FH (Force Wakeup Initializer) 81
HT (Time before Wake-up Initializer) 81
LH (Wakeup Initializer Timer) 82
PW (Pin Wakeup) 83
SM (Sleep Mode) 84
ST (Time before Sleep) 85
XTC RF ModuleSpecial commands 86
WR (Write) 86
XTC RF Module API operation
API mode overview 87
API frame specifications 87
Calculate and verify checksums 90
Escaped characters in API frames 90
XTC RF ModuleAPI frame overview 92
RF Module Status 0x8A 92
Transmit Request: 16-bit address 0x01 93
Transmit Status frame 0x89 95
Receive Packet: 16-bit address 0x81 96

XBee/XBee-PRO XTend Compatible (XTC) RF Module User Guide 8
Network configurations
network topologies 99
Point-to-point networks 99
Point-to-multipoint networks 100
Peer to peer networks 101
Addressing 102
Address recognition 102
Basic communications 103
Streaming mode (default) 103
Multi-transmit mode 104
Repeater mode 105
Polling mode (basic) 110
Acknowledged communications: Acknowledged mode 112
Acknowledged mode connection sequence 113
Polling mode (acknowledged) 114
Certifications
FCC (United States) 116
OEM labeling requirements 116
FCC notices 117
FCC antenna certifications 117
XBee-PRO XTC Antenna options 118
XBee XTC antenna options 126
Industry Canada (IC) 134
Labeling requirements 135
Transmitters for detachable antennas 135
Detachable antennas 135
ACMA (Australia) 136
Power requirements 136
PCB design and manufacturing
Recommended footprint and keepout 137
Design notes 139
Host board design 139
Improve antenna performance 139
RF pad version 139
Recommended solder reflow cycle 142
Flux and cleaning 143

XBee/XBee-PRO XTend Compatible (XTC) RF Module User Guide 9
Rework 143

XBee/XBee-PRO XTend Compatible (XTC) RF Module User Guide 10
The XBee/XBee-PRO XTend Compatible (XTC) RF
module
About the XTCRF module
The XBee/XBee-PRO XTend Compatible (XTC) RF module provides a radio frequency (RF) solution for the
reliable delivery of critical data between remote devices. It is a 30 dBm (1 Watt) long-range original
equipment manufacturer (OEM) device. We also offer a low power version of this module that offers
transmit power adjustable up to 13 dBm.
The XTC module uses Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) agility to avoid interference by hopping
to a new frequency on every packet transmission or re-transmission. Its transmit power is software
adjustable up to 30 dBm, which is the maximum output power allowable by governments that use 900
MHz as a license-free band. The XTC module is approved for use in the United States, Canada, Australia
and other countries.
The XTC transfers a standard asynchronous serial data stream, operates within the ISM 900 MHz
frequency band and offers two RF data rates of 10 kb/s and 125 kb/s.
As the name suggests, the XTC is over-the-air compatible with Digi's XTend module. The XTC is not a drop-
in replacement for the XTend. If you require form factor compatibility, you must use the XTend vB RF
Module.
For new applications, we recommend that you use the XBee/XBee-Pro SX module. It uses the same
hardware as the XTC but we optimize the firmware for the best range and interference immunity.
However, it is not over-the-air compatible with the XTend.
Applicable firmware
This manual supports the following firmware:
l0x200X for XTC Hopping

Technical specifications
XBee/XBee-PRO XTend Compatible (XTC) RF Module User Guide 11
Technical specifications
The following tables provide the device's technical specifications.
Warning: When operating at 1 W power output, observe a minimum separation distance of 6
ft (2 m) between devices. Transmitting in close proximity of other devices can damage the
device's front end.
Performance specifications
The following table provides the performance specifications for the device. They cover the standard (XBee-
PRO) and low-power (XBee) versions of the device.
Specification XBee XTC XBee-PRO XTC
Frequency range ISM 902 to 928 MHz
RF data rate (software selectable) 10 kb/s to 125 kb/s
Transmit power (software selectable) Up to 13 dBm Up to 30 dBm1
Channels 10 hopping sequences share 50 frequencies
Available channel frequencies 50
Receiver sensitivity 10 kb/s -110 dBm
125 kb/s -100 dBm
Outdoor range (line of sight) 10 kb/s Up to 5 miles up to 40 miles2
125 kb/s Up to 1.5 miles Up to 7 miles
Indoor range 10 kb/s Up to 360 feet (110 m) Up to 1,000 feet (300 m)
125 kb/s Up to 180 feet (55 m) Up to 500 feet (150 m)
130 dBm guaranteed at 3.3 V and above. Maximum transmit power will reduce at lower voltages. See PL (TX Power
Level) on page 69 for more information on adjustable power levels.
2Estimated based on a 9 mile range test with dipole antennas.

Technical specifications
XBee/XBee-PRO XTend Compatible (XTC) RF Module User Guide 12
Power requirements
The following table provides the power requirements for the device.
Specification XBee XTC XBee-PRO XTC
Supply voltage 2.4 to 3.6 VDC, 3.3 V typical 2.6 to 3.6 VDC, 3.3 V typical
Receive current VCC = 3.3 V 40 mA 40 mA
Transmit current VCC = 3.3 V 55 mA @ 13 dBm 900 mA @ 30 dBm
VCC = 3.3 V 45 mA @ 10 dBm 640 mA @ 27 dBm
VCC = 3.3 V 35 mA @ 0 dBm 330 mA @ 20 dBm1
Pin sleep current 2.5 µA 2.5 µA
Cyclic sleep current (mA, average)
Sleep
mode
Cycle
time
RF data rate Cyclic sleep current (mA,
average)
SM = 8 16
seconds
BR = 0 0.58
BR = 1 0.09
SM = 7 8 seconds BR = 0 1.13
BR = 1 0.18
SM = 6 4 seconds BR = 0 2.20
BR = 1 0.36
1We do not recommend the 20 dBm power level when operating at temperatures below 0°C. Output power may
vary significantly when operating below 0°C.

Technical specifications
XBee/XBee-PRO XTend Compatible (XTC) RF Module User Guide 13
Sleep
mode
Cycle
time
RF data rate Cyclic sleep current (mA,
average)
SM = 5 2 seconds BR = 0 4.16
BR = 1 0.72
SM = 4 1 second BR = 0 7.50
BR = 1 1.40
Networking and security specifications
The following table provides the networking and security requirements for the device.
Specification Value
Frequency 902-928 MHz, 915-928 MHz for the International variant
Spread spectrum Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)
Modulation Frequency Shift Keying (FSK/GFSK)
Supported network
topologies
Peer-to-peer (master/slave relationship not required), point-to-point, and
point-to-multipoint
Channel capacity 10 hop sequences share 50 frequencies
Encryption Encryption is disabled by default, to enable encryption use the KY
command to set a key.
International variants use 128-bit AES and North American variants use
256-bit AES encryption.
For more details see KY (AES Encryption Key) on page 71.
Physical specifications
The following table provides the physical specifications for the device.

Technical specifications
XBee/XBee-PRO XTend Compatible (XTC) RF Module User Guide 14
Specification Value
Dimensions 1.33 x 0.87 x 0.12" (3.38 x 2.21 x 1.29 cm)
Weight 3 g
RoHS Compliant
Manufacturing ISO 9001:2000 registered standards
Connector 37 castellated SMT pads
Antenna connector options U.FL or RF pad
Antenna impedance 50 ohms unbalanced
Maximum input RF level at antenna port 6 dBm
Operating temperature -40°C to 85°C
Regulatory approvals
The following table provides the regulatory approvals for the device.
Country XBee XTC XBee-PROXTC
United States FCC ID: MCQ-XBSX FCC ID: MCQ-XBPSX
Canada IC: 1846A-XBSX IC: 1846A-XBPSX
Australia RCM (pending) RCM (pending)

XBee/XBee-PRO XTend Compatible (XTC) RF Module User Guide 15
Hardware
Mechanical drawings
The following images show the XTC mechanical drawings. The XTC has the same form factor as other Digi
surface mount (SMT) XBee devices, except there is an additional copper ground pad on the bottom.

Pin signals
XBee/XBee-PRO XTend Compatible (XTC) RF Module User Guide 16
Pin signals
The following table describes the pin signals. Low-asserted signals have a horizontal line over the signal
name.
Pin Designation I/O Function
1 GND - Ground
2 VCC I Power supply
3 DOUT O UART Data Out
4 DIN I UART Data In
5 GPO2/RX LED O General Purpose Output / RX LED
6RESET I Module reset
7 RSSI O RX Signal Strength Indicator

Pin signals
XBee/XBee-PRO XTend Compatible (XTC) RF Module User Guide 17
Pin Designation I/O Function
8 - Disabled
9 Reserved NC Do not connect
10 SLEEP (DTR) I Pin Sleep Control Line
11 GND - Ground
12 - Disabled
13 GND - Ground
14 - Disabled
15 - Disabled
16 - Disabled
17 - Disabled
18 Reserved NC Do not connect
19 Reserved NC Do not connect
20 Reserved NC Do not connect
21 Reserved NC Do not connect
22 GND - Ground
23 Reserved NC Do not connect
24 - Disabled

Pin signals
XBee/XBee-PRO XTend Compatible (XTC) RF Module User Guide 18
Pin Designation I/O Function
25 GPO1/CTS/RS-
485 TX_EN
O General Purpose Output / Clear-to-Send Flow Control /
RS-485 Transmit Enable
26 ON/SLEEP O Module sleep status indicator
27 Reserved NC Do not connect
28 TX_PWR O Transmit power
29 RTS/CMD I Request-to-Send Flow Control / Binary Command Control
30 - Disabled
31 - Disabled
32 CONFIG I Configuration
33 - Disabled
34 Reserved NC
35 GND - Ground
36 RF I/O RF IO for RF pad variant
37 NC NC
38 GND - Ground pad for heat transfer to host PCB
Note: If you integrate the XTC with a host PC board, leave all lines you do not use disconnected
(floating).
Recommended pin connections
The only required pin connections are VCC, GND, DOUT and DIN. To support serial firmware updates, you
should connect VCC, GND, DOUT, DIN, RTS, and SLEEP (DTR).

XBee/XBee-PRO XTend Compatible (XTC) RF Module User Guide 19
Modes
Transparent and API operating modes
The firmware operates in several different modes. Two top-level modes establish how the device
communicates with other devices through its serial interface: Transparent operating mode and API
operating mode.
Transparent operating mode
Devices operate in this mode by default. We also call this mode “AT mode.” The device acts as a serial line
replacement when it is in Transparent operating mode. The device queues all UART data it receives
through the DIN pin for RF transmission. When a device receives RF data, it sends the data out through the
DOUT pin. You can set the configuration parameters using the AT Command interface.
API operating mode
API operating mode is an alternative to Transparent mode. API mode is a frame-based protocol that
allows you to direct data on a packet basis. It can be particularly useful in large networks where you need
control over the operation of the radio network or when you need to know which node a data packet is
from. The device communicates UART data in packets, also known as API frames. This mode allows for
structured communications with serial devices. It is helpful in managing larger networks and is more
appropriate for performing tasks such as collecting data from multiple locations or controlling multiple
devices remotely.
For more information, see API frame specifications on page 87.
Additional modes
In addition to the serial communication modes, several modes apply to how to configure devices and how
devices communicate with each other.

Additional modes
XBee/XBee-PRO XTend Compatible (XTC) RF Module User Guide 20
Command mode
Command mode is a state in which the firmware interprets incoming characters as commands. Command
mode allows you to modify the device’s firmware using parameters you can set using AT commands. When
you want to read or set any setting of the device, you have to send it an AT command. Every AT command
starts with the letters "AT" followed by the two characters that identify the command the device issues
and then by some optional configuration values. For more details, see Enter Command mode on the next
page.
Binary Command mode
Binary Command mode allows you to configure a device at a faster rate than AT commands will allow.
Using binary commands to send and receive parameter values is the fastest way to change the operating
parameters of the device. Use binary commands to:
lSample signal strength and/or error counts;
lChange device addresses and channels for polling systems when a quick response is
necessary.
For more details, see Enter Binary Command mode on page 22 and DB (Received Signal Strength) on page
44.
Idle mode
When not receiving or transmitting data, the device is in Idle mode. During Idle mode, the device listens for
valid data on the serial port.
Receive mode
If a destination node receives a valid RF packet, the destination node transfers the data to its serial
transmit buffer. For the serial interface to report receive data on the RF network, that data must meet
the following criteria:
lID match
lChannel match
lAddress match
Sleep modes
Sleep Modes enable the device to enter states of low-power consumption when not in use. The device
support three software sleep modes:
lPin Sleep: the host controls this
lSerial Port Sleep: wakes when it detects serial port activity