FRIENDCOM FC-201/SA User manual

FC-201/SA Micropower
Audio/Data RF Module(433MHz)
USER MANUAL
SHENZHEN FRIENDCOM TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CO.,LTD
Address: 2/F, Multifunction Building, Dongpeng Industrial Park, Wuhao Road,
North Section of Hi-tech Park,Shenzhen 518057 China
Tel: [phone] [phone] [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.friendcom.cn

FC-201/SAMicro powerAudio/Data RF Module (433MHz)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1
FEATURES------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2
APPLICATION--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2
HOW TO USE FC-201/SA------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
APPLICATION OF FC-201/SA NETWORKING----------------------------------------------------------------------6
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7
DESCRIPTION OF TYPE-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
DEFINITION OF SERIAL NUMBER-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
COMMAND SET OF PRARMETER SETTING-----------------------------------------------------------------------8
DEFAULT SETTING AND ACCESSORIES----------------------------------------------------------------------------9

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Ⅰ.Features of FC-201/SA
1. Micro power transmission
The maximum transmission power is 300 mW.
2. Built-in and modularized design
FC-201/SA can be embedded into the system of user as an independent communication unit.
3. High anti-interference and low BER(Bit error Rate).
Based on the MSK modulation mode, the high-efficiency FEC channel encoding technology is used to
enhance data’s resistance to both burst interference and random interference.
4. Super long transmission distance
In the open field, the reliable transmission distance is up to 800m when the antenna height is greater than 2m
(BER=10-3@1200bps). And the reliable transmission distance is up to 1000m when the antenna height is
greater than 3m (BER=10-3@1200bps).
5. Transparent data transmission
Transparent data interface is offered to suit any standard or nonstandard user protocol. Any false data
generated in the air can be filtrated automatically (What has been received is exactly what has been
transmitted).
6. Multi-channel
The standard FC-201/SA configuration provides 16 channels. If the user needs, it can be extended to 32
channels, meeting the multiple communication combination mode of the user.
7. Three interface modes
FC-201/SA can provide three transparent interfaces: RS232, RS485, UART/TTL The interface data rate is 1200~9600Bps
optional and its format is 8N1/ 8E1/ 8o1 user-defined. It’s convenient to directly connect with computer, user’s
RS-485 device, monolithic processor and other UART components for application.
8. Large data buffer
FC-201/SA can transmit more than 214 bytes long data frames at one time in any case. .if the RF data rate is
greater than the interface rate, It can transmit infinitely long data frames.
9. Low power consumption
Receiving current is <40mA, transmitting current is <200mA, and sleep current is <5mA in mode one and
<100uA in mode two respectively (UART/TTL interface)
10. Providing RSSI and SQ output
FC-201/SA can offer SQ (Output is high if signal in-band is detected, low if no signal detected) and RSSI
(analog output with range of 60dB) to user for deep development or route testing.
11. High reliability, small and light
TCXO and all-metal housing structure used in FC-201/SA for high reliability and low failure rate.
12. Multiple antenna optional to meet user’s various structure requirement
Ⅱ.Application of FC-201/SA
FC-201/SA is suitable for：
◆Wireless meter reading
◆Industrial remote control and telemetry

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◆Automatic data collecting system
◆Building automation, safety and security, powerhouse equipment wireless monitor, entrance control
system
◆POS system, wireless keyboard, mouse
◆Traffic, under-well locating ,alarm
Ⅲ. How to use FC-201/SA
1. Power supply
FC-201/SA uses DC power supply with voltage of +3.6~5.0V. It can also share power supply with other
equipment. However, the high quality power supply with desirable ripple factor should be selected. If
possible, a manostat of 5V should be used for separate power supply. In addition, the reliable grounding must
be ensured if there is other device in the system equipment. In case of failure to connect with the earth, it can
form its own grounding. But it must be absolutely separated from the municipal electric supply. The power
consumption will increase with the rising of work voltage. Generally standby current (in reception status) is
about 25mA with a 5V voltage, and standby current (in reception status) is about 20mA with a 3.6V voltage.
High data rate products with low consumption can be customized for the need of users.
2. Definition of FC-201/SA connecting to terminal
FC-201/SA can provide one 10-pin connector (JP1), and its definitions as well as connection method with
terminals are shown in table 1.
Table 1: Definition of connecting pins and connection method (from left to right)
Item Definition Description
1 GND Signal Grounding
2 RXD RXD of RS232,TTL
3 TXD TXD of RS232,TTL
4 CTS PTT Control, valid while in low level.
5 RSSI Audio Input ，Connected With MIC
6 SQ
Audio Output ， Connected with External Audio Amplifier
Circuit
7 485B B of RS485
8 485A A of RS485
9 VCC+ +5VDC
10 GND Power Supply Grounding

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3. FC-201/SA connected with terminal
FC-201/SA Terminal
Fig 1.
FC-201/SA connected with terminal schematics
4. Setting of channel, interface and data format
Before using FC-201/SA, user should determine the parameters of the following items based on its own
needs.
A. Interface
FC-201/SA can provide three interfaces. User should determine one kind of interface while making an order.
B. Communication data rate
The communication data rate of FC-201/SA is 1200bps-9600bps optional, which can be set up with software by user.
C. Channel selection
FC-201/SA offers 4MHz frequency band，which can store 16 (can be extended to 32)channels of same
or different frequency. User can change the frequency of each channel as well as just keep the default
frequency.
D. Channel switching
Channel switching of FC-201/SA can be done with software.
E. Check mode
FC-201/SA interface supports check mode of 8E1, 8O1 or 8N1.10-bit data transmission needs to be customized if
necessary.
Note：The communication data rate greater than 9600bps can not be set by user . It has been set in the factory according to
user’s requirement in his order.
5. Protocol and transmission capacity
The standard FC-201/SA provides transparent protocol to support various applications of user. Some special
functions such as addressing, data collection and command explanation can be added on the base of
transparent protocol to reduce cost or to lessen workload of terminal’s CPU.
If interface data rate is less than RF data rate, infinitely long data can be transmitted at one time. (It is
suggested to transmit data in packet).
10●
9●
2●
3●
4●
1●
8●
7●
5●
6●
RXD
TXD
CTS
SGND
A
B
RSSI
SQ
GND
VCC
TXD/TTL
RXD/TTL
RTS
SGND
A
B

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If interface data rate is greater than RF data rate, 214 bytes of data can be transmitted at one time.
If interface data rate is equal to RF data rate, please refer to the following table.
Table 2.
Bytes transmitted at one time
Interface /
RF data rate Low consumption
mode open
Low consumption
mode close
1200/1200 Infinite length Infinite length
2400/2400 ＞4K ＞10K
4800/4800 ＞1K ＞5K
9600/9600 214 About 1K
6. Description of low power consumption (sleep) function
FC-201/SA can work in sleep mode for less power consumption. The module alternates between work(standby
reception status) and sleep status and it will delay 180ms for receiving after opening sleep function. The ratio
of work/sleep time is 80ms/160ms.
There are two sleep modes known as sleep mode one and sleep mode two. The power supply is cut off in receiving
circuit, but some hardware units of CPU keeps working in sleep mode one with consumption current of 5mA. If the
interface has any data, the module will receive the data correctly and exit from sleep mode one and begin to transmit
data in the air.
All the peripheral circuit is power down and CPU is out of work in sleep mode two with the least consumption of
100uA.If the interface has any data, the module will exit from this mode but will not receive the first byte of data
correctly. A low pulse should be sent to wake up CPU on pin RXD, after an interval of 10ms the correct transmission is
ensured.
A. Usage of low power consumption function
The beginning and ending of low power consumption function can be set by command of software via interface.
It’s easy for user’s MCU to manage consumption dynamically. It can be set with the delivered software of Friendcom.
B. Notes:
It will delay 180ms for receiving in sleep mode. Furthermore, In sleep mode two, A low pulse should be sent to
wake up CPU on pin RXD of FC-201/SA, after an interval of 10ms the correct transmission is ensured. Sleep mode two
is not available in default cases, this function should be declared if user needs.
7. Structural size schematics
The following figure describes the structural size of standard FC-201/SA. Non-standard FC-201/SA of smaller
size or distinct figure can be customized for various structural requirement of user.

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Fig.2. Structural size schematics
8. Antenna configuration
FC-201/SA can meet diverse antenna requirement of user. External helical antenna with SMA and SMT printed antenna are
offered for user. In addition, various other antennas for micro power RF module are available too.
a. SMA antenna
80mm helical antenna with SMA，high gain，low cost，transmitting long distance.
35mm magnetic antenna with SMA，high gain small，beautiful(like mobile antennas)。
b. SMT printed antenna
SMT antenna is small with size of 30mm×7mm.It can be sealed on FC-201/SA PCB. The total length just adds 25mm
for the antenna overlaps 5mm on PCB. The structure of FC-201/SA is more compact owing to the lessened size and
thickness.
c. Customization for special antenna
Various performance antenna can be designed and customized for special requirement.
Ⅳ.Application of FC-201/SA networking
The communication channel of FC-201/SA is semi duplex, which is most suitable for the communication
mode of point to multi-point. Under this mode, one master station must be set, and all of the rest are slave
stations. A unique address is given to each station. The coordination of communication is controlled by
master station that uses data frames containing address code to transmit data or command. Slave station will
receive all of the data and command and compare the received address code with local address code. If they
are different, the data will be deserted without any response. If those address codes are the same, it means the
data is sent to the local. Slave station will make different responses according to the transmitted data or
command and send back the response data. All these jobs must be performed by upper protocol, and it is
assured that there is only one transmitter-receiver in the state of transmission in the communication network
at any moment so as to avoid the cross-interference.
FC-201/SA can also be used in point-to-point communication with easier operation. As to the programming
of serial port, all you have to do is to remember that its communication mode is semi duplex while always
observing the time sequence of come-and-go for receiving and transmitting.

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Ⅴ.Technical specification of FC-201/SA
Modulation mode：MSK
Carrier frequency：487.00～491.00MHz, 433～434.MHz.
Frequency stability：±2.5PPM
RF power：200mW /300mW optional
Channel Spacing: 12.5kHz/25kHz
Receiving sensitivity：-119dBm
Interface data rate：1200～9600bps
Interface data format：8E1/8N1/8O1
RF data rate：1200～9600 bps
Temperature：-20℃～70℃(Ordinary)
-35℃～70℃(Industrial )
Power supply：DC +3.6～+5.0V
Dimension: 61.5mm×36mm×12mm
Weight: 30g
Transmitting current：≤200mA
Receiving current：≤40mA
Humidity：10%～90%RH，non-condensing
Table 3：Corresponding frequency points of 1~16 channels
Channel
No. Frequency Channel
No. Frequency
1 433.00MHz 9 433.80MHz
2 433.10MHz 10 433.90MHz
3 433.20MHz 11 434.00MHz
4 433.30MHz 12 434.10MHz
5 433.40MHz 13 434.20MHz
6 433.50MHz 14 434.30MHz
7 433.60MHz 15 434.40MHz
8 433.70MHz 16 434.50MHz
Note：The corresponding frequency of each channel can be adjusted for user’s need with setting
software provided by Friendcom. The frequency must be multiple of 12.5kHz/25KHz
(Channel spacing is 12.5kHz/25kHz), or the setting is incorrect.
Ⅵ.Description of type
FC-201 indicates product series of Shenzhen Friendcom Technology Development Co., Ltd.，SA indicates
micor power，i.e transmission power is 200mW，96 indicates interface data rate 9600bps, 433 indicates
carrier frequency 433M，the detailed definition is shown below:
FC-201 SA 96 433
series micropower data rate（96=9600；48≤4800）
Carrier
frequency：
490=490MHz
433=433MHz
419.000MHz-420.400MHz

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Ⅶ. Definition of serial number
Every FC-201/SA has an exclusive serial number of 10 figures as its ID. As an example, Its definition is
shown below ：
04: two figures, indicating year
09: two figures, indicating month
01: two figures, indicating day
0001: four figures, indicating sequence number.
Ⅷ.Command set of parameter setting.
User can read or set the parameters of FC-201/SA with the delivered software such as interface data rate, RF data
rate ,channel number and address code etc. Also you can configure FC-201/SA based on the following command set by
programming.
Command frame format: Table 4
Command
frame header
Frame
length
Command
word
Check
sum
Command frame header：55H AAH
Frame length = Command word length +1
Command word：less than 8 bytes
Check sum (2 bytes)：Frame length +command data 1+…+command data n
All of the command word expressed in hex.
Table 5.
04 09 01 0001

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Ⅸ. Default setting and Accessories.
Factorydefaultsetting Accessories
Channel No. 10 User’s manual Optional
Interface data rate 9600bps 10-pin cable 1
RF data rate 9600bps
Parity None
Command
type Frame header Frame length Command word Check sum remarks
Channel No. 55 AA 06 07 XX 00
00 00 XX=01-10(16 channels)
RF data rate
setting 55 AA 04 20 05 XX XX=24：2400； 12：1200；48：4800；
96：9600
Interface data
rate setting 55 AA 03 28 XY X=0：no check；X=2 odd check； X=3：even check；
Y=0：9600；Y=1：4800；Y=2：
2400；Y=3：1200；Y=4：600；
Y=6：19200
Channel No.
reading 55 AA 03 24 00 return：24 XX XX=01～10(16 channels)
RF data rate
reading 55 AA 03 23 00 return：23 XX XX refers to the setting of RF
data rate
Serial
number
reading
55 AA 03 61 00 return：61 S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7
S8；
S1～S8 indicates serial number
Version No.
reading 55 AA 04 27 00 00 Return:27 1AXX XX: version No. 1A indicates
FC-201/SA
frequency
setting 55 AA OB 58 XX T1 T2 T3 T4
R1 R2 R3
R4
XX=01～16，indicates channel
1～16 ；T1 ～T4 indicates
transmission frequency;R1～R4
indicates receiving frequency.
e.g. if transmission
frequency=483.0125MHz,
T1～T4=48301250
frequency
reading 55 AA 04 59 XX 00 return： 59XXT1T2T3T4R1R2R3R4
refers to frequency setting
Sleep mode
setting 55 AA 04 58 00 XX XX=b7b6b5b4b3b2b1b0 b7=1 sleep mode open
b7=0 sleep mode close
Sleep mode
reading 55 AA 04 59 00 00 return：59 00 XX XX refers to sleep mode setting
Response to
all the
correct
setting
55 AA 02 20 This command will response to a
correct setting such as channel
No., air data rate ,interface
data rate, frequency and sleep
mode setting.
command word 07 XX 00
00 00 00
Edit

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